Aquamarine Gemstone- Semi precious Stone

Aquamarine is the beautiful gemstone that is the color of the sea, bluish – green. It has been known to man for thousands of years. Ancient sailors would take these precious stones on ships when they travelled to stay safe, in medieval ages, it was believed to have mystical qualities such as for one to be happy in marriage and to be honest and faithful. Aquamarine is made from Beryl, one of the most readily available minerals in the world; however it does include Beryllium which is a rare element.

Beryl comes in many colors, for instance, in bluish green, it is Aquamarine, when yellow or yellow orange, it is called Heliodor. Beryl also comes in a pale pink called Morganite, there is even a white Beryl called Goshenite. Besides these colors, one of the most sought after color of Beryl is the rarest of them, a deep red Beryl called Bixbate.

Beryl is a mineral that grows hexagonal in nature and its crystal habits are prismatic, elongated or flattened. The transparency and translucence of this mineral make the Beryl look very glassy adding to the overall beauty of the stone. The stone has a hardness of 7.5 or 8.0 which is considerably hard and perfect for ornamental jewellery uses. However, it should be noted that it can still fracture or break. Aquamarine has been found in large sizes weighing over 200 hundred pounds, however, most Aquamarine that is found is much smaller, usually a few carats.

The History and Origins

Aquamarine is a very popular gemstone that is found in many parts of the world. Aquamarine is made from Beryl, this mineral is very common, however it should be noted that Aquamarine itself does possess minute quantities of a very rare substance and element Beryllium. Aquamarine is known throughout the world as having a gorgeous hue of bluish green. However it should be noted that the mineral itself, Beryl can come in many colors. For instance, when it is a very intense green, it is called Emerald, when pale yellow or yellowish orange it is often give the name Heliodor, it can even occur as being colourless, the name given to it in this case is Gosenite .

Aquamarine has been known to man since the beginning of written history and has been used by many sailors in ancient times to keep them safe when sailing the seas of the Adriatic, Mediterranean and other Seas. Because, it was a common mineral, it is said to have many uses, most dealing with the mystical or fantastical. For instance, for a sound night’s sleep, sailors would keep Aquamarine underneath their pillows. Aquamarine was also a way to ward off poison. Ancient sailors said that the mythical mermaid’s tail was made from Aquamarine.

Aquamarine comes from the Latin word meaning “Sea Water”. It was also used in medieval times to preserve love between a married couple and keep a husband and wife faithful. It is given as a gift as a birthstone in March, as well as for the astrological sign of Pisces and Scorpio.