AQUAMARINE GEMSTONE
AQUAMARINE GEMSTONE
The word is derived from the Latin AQUAMARE, which means water of the sea. It is renowned for its crystal blue colours and its excellent clarity. It is also known as the emerald's sister stone. While both stones are of the beryl family, aquamarine possesses a delicate, light blue hue reminiscent of the ocean’s calm. Aquamarines are often without inclusions and they are as clear as water, symbolizing purity of the soul and spirit.
It is found in many parts of the world where ordinary beryl is to be found: Madagascar, Brazil, Colombia, the United States, Africa, etcetera.
The crystalline form of aquamarine is six-sided or hexagonal which gives it excellent lustre. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the MOH's hardness scale which makes it durable enough for everyday use.
Aquamarine and light blue topaz are identical in color and therefore it is very hard to tell them apart. Aquamarine is much more costly than topaz. Some people seek advantage by selling topaz in place of aquamarine to make great profit.
Key differences between the two are its colours and resistance to sunlight. Aquamarines are pale blue to light green while topaz comes in a variety of orange, sky blue, pink, green, light and deep blue, blue green etc. Aquamarine fades over time in sunlight while topaz never fades. Aquamarine isn't as refractive as topaz as it doesn’t have double refraction lines like the blue topaz.
Aquamarines are most valuable because they are natural so are a lot rarer and more desirable.
Whereas blue topaz is more accessible due to the fact that it is produced by colouring a white topaz through irradiation and intense heating.
The first documented use of aquamarine dates back to ancient Greece in 480-300 BC. They were used as an amulet and engraved with Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Similarly, the Roman associated the stone with Neptune, the king of the sea and they believed the stone could cure medical problems of the stomach, liver and throat. The ancient Egyptians put aquamarines in tombs for the journey to the afterlife. It was also used in the Middles Ages as a popular and effective divining tool.
In most cultures the aquamarines are closely knit with the sea and often held as the sailors' stone and is used as a talisman to bring sailors good luck as well as to protect them against the wrath of the seas.
The most famous aquamarine is the Dom Pedro aquamarine which was discovered in Brazil in 1980s. This gem was later cut into a masterpiece of exalted beauty that measures 14 inches tall and 4 inches wide and its design was named Ondas Maritimus which translates to Waves of the Sea.
The ancient philosopher Pliny paid tribute to this gem of vitality, stating, “the lovely aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid’s treasure house, in the depths of a summer sea, has charms not to be denied.”
Since early times, aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness. It is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful. As a healing stone, it is said to be effective as a treatment for anxiety. In the Middle Ages it was thought that aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons. The philosopher Pliny also stated that aquamarine is excellent in curing eye diseases.
The aquamarine is the symbol of social uplifting and to dream of them is symbolical of loving friendships.
Aquamarine is a birthstone for March. It is given on the 16th and 19th wedding anniversary and it is said to enhance happiness in love relationships.
Besides being a stone of love and compassion, aquamarine also brings intelligence and eloquence in speech. Its exalted energy helps to attract success in business and gives you the drive to achieve your goals in life. Spiritually it gives foresight and heightens mediumship and clairvoyance.
The word is derived from the Latin AQUAMARE, which means water of the sea. It is renowned for its crystal blue colours and its excellent clarity. It is also known as the emerald's sister stone. While both stones are of the beryl family, aquamarine possesses a delicate, light blue hue reminiscent of the ocean’s calm. Aquamarines are often without inclusions and they are as clear as water, symbolizing purity of the soul and spirit.
It is found in many parts of the world where ordinary beryl is to be found: Madagascar, Brazil, Colombia, the United States, Africa, etcetera.
The crystalline form of aquamarine is six-sided or hexagonal which gives it excellent lustre. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the MOH's hardness scale which makes it durable enough for everyday use.
Aquamarine and light blue topaz are identical in color and therefore it is very hard to tell them apart. Aquamarine is much more costly than topaz. Some people seek advantage by selling topaz in place of aquamarine to make great profit.
Key differences between the two are its colours and resistance to sunlight. Aquamarines are pale blue to light green while topaz comes in a variety of orange, sky blue, pink, green, light and deep blue, blue green etc. Aquamarine fades over time in sunlight while topaz never fades. Aquamarine isn't as refractive as topaz as it doesn’t have double refraction lines like the blue topaz.
Aquamarines are most valuable because they are natural so are a lot rarer and more desirable.
Whereas blue topaz is more accessible due to the fact that it is produced by colouring a white topaz through irradiation and intense heating.
The first documented use of aquamarine dates back to ancient Greece in 480-300 BC. They were used as an amulet and engraved with Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Similarly, the Roman associated the stone with Neptune, the king of the sea and they believed the stone could cure medical problems of the stomach, liver and throat. The ancient Egyptians put aquamarines in tombs for the journey to the afterlife. It was also used in the Middles Ages as a popular and effective divining tool.
In most cultures the aquamarines are closely knit with the sea and often held as the sailors' stone and is used as a talisman to bring sailors good luck as well as to protect them against the wrath of the seas.
The most famous aquamarine is the Dom Pedro aquamarine which was discovered in Brazil in 1980s. This gem was later cut into a masterpiece of exalted beauty that measures 14 inches tall and 4 inches wide and its design was named Ondas Maritimus which translates to Waves of the Sea.
The ancient philosopher Pliny paid tribute to this gem of vitality, stating, “the lovely aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid’s treasure house, in the depths of a summer sea, has charms not to be denied.”
Since early times, aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness. It is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful. As a healing stone, it is said to be effective as a treatment for anxiety. In the Middle Ages it was thought that aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons. The philosopher Pliny also stated that aquamarine is excellent in curing eye diseases.
The aquamarine is the symbol of social uplifting and to dream of them is symbolical of loving friendships.
Aquamarine is a birthstone for March. It is given on the 16th and 19th wedding anniversary and it is said to enhance happiness in love relationships.
Besides being a stone of love and compassion, aquamarine also brings intelligence and eloquence in speech. Its exalted energy helps to attract success in business and gives you the drive to achieve your goals in life. Spiritually it gives foresight and heightens mediumship and clairvoyance.