Home > Aquamarine

Photo By iRocks.com

Aquamarine

A species of Beryl

The pastel blue variation of the mineral beryl, aquamarine is of the same family as emeralds (green) and morganite (pink). Some of the best specimens come from the high mountains of Pakistan. Named for the Latin word for seawater, it was once thought to protect sailors at sea. It is the birthstone for March.

Semi-precious gemstone

Hardness:

7.5 - 8

Density:

2.66 - 2.8 g/cm³

General Info About Aquamarine

Instantly Identify Rocks with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant rock/gemstone/mineral ID and properties analysis, gaining quick insights on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.

Download the App for Free

Physical Properties of Aquamarine

Luster

Vitreous

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Colors

Blue

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Indistinct

Fracture

Conchoidal

Streak

White

Crystal System

Hexagonal

Hardness

7.5 - 8 , Extremely hard

Density

2.66 - 2.8 g/cm³, Normal Weight

AI rock expert in your pocket

Chemical Properties of Aquamarine

Chemical Classification

Silicates

Formula

Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈

Elements listed

Al, Be, O, Si

Common Impurities

Optical Properties of Aquamarine

Refractive Index

1.570-1.592

Birefringence

0.005-0.009

Pleochroism

Dichroism: Colorless to greenish bluish, blue to sky blue; Greenish-blue stones - distinct: yellowish-greenish, blue-green

Dispersion

0.014

Optical Character

Uniaxial negative

Discover the Value of Aquamarine

Discovering the Diverse Values of Rocks

Unveiling the Rarity, Aesthetics, and Economic Significance of Rocks

Download the App for Free

Rarity

Uncommon

Collection Recommendation

4.3 out of 5

Popularity

4.0

Aesthetic

4.4

Rarity

4.1

Sci-Cultural Value

3.9

The Market Price of Aquamarine

Exploring the Market Prices for a Variety of Rocks

Delving into the market values and investment potential of a wide variety of rocks

Download the App for Free

Rough/Tumbled Price

Smaller Than Hand (0-1.5in)

$3 - $20

Close Hand (1.5-3in)

$20 - $60

Equal To Hand (3-6in)

$60

Cluster/Geode Price

Fixed Price

$30 - $100 piece

Gemstone Price

Blue:

$20 ~ $60 /ct

Vivid Blue:

$50 ~ $200 /ct

Santa Maria Blue:

$400 ~ $800 /ct

How to Care for Aquamarine?

Instantly Identify Rocks and Learn How to Care for Them with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant rock/gemstone/mineral ID and properties analysis, gaining quick insights on toughness, stability, usage, storage, cleaning, selection, etc.

Download the App for Free

Durability

Durable

Scratch resistance

Good

Toughness of Aquamarine

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

The good toughness of aquamarine comes from its compact crystal structure and lack of perfect cleavage, providing resistance against chipping and cracking during normal use.

Stability of Aquamarine

Sensitive

Stable

Aquamarine is considered stable for daily use due to its resistance to water, sunlight, and dry conditions. It requires caution with heat and strong chemicals but generally maintains its appearance well with regular wear and care.

More Care Tips of Aquamarine

Real vs Fake Aquamarine

Real vs Fake - Expert Tips for Spotting Fake Rocks

Distinguishing between real and fake rocks with professional insights

Download the App for Free

7 Ways to Tell if aquamarine is Real

Fake Alert Level:

Caution Needed

Lab-created aquamarine is still considered genuine aquamarine, sharing identical chemical, physical, and optical properties with natural aquamarine. They are indistinguishable outside laboratories, only discernible by gemologists using specialized equipment. It's important to mention lab-grown aquamarine typically costs much less than natural ones. Materials such as Glass, Cubic Zirconia, Topaz, plastic, and synthetic spinel are sometimes mislabeled as aquamarine. It's wise to purchase from reputable retailers and, if feasible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of aquamarine.

More Details About Real vs Fake

Real

Fake

Characteristics of Aquamarine

Your Comprehensive Rock Characteristics Guide

In-depth exploration of rock types, features, and formation aspects

Download the App for Free

Rock Types of Aquamarine

Aquamarine occurs at most localities which yield ordinary beryl. The gem-gravel placer deposits of Sri Lanka contain aquamarine. Green-yellow beryl, such as that occurring in Brazil, is sometimes called chrysolite aquamarine. The deep blue version of aquamarine is called maxixe. Maxixe is commonly found in the country of Madagascar.

Cultural Significance of Aquamarine

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Rock Culture

Unveiling the mysteries of rock culture - exploring uses, history, and healing properties, etc

Download the App for Free

Uses of Aquamarine

Aquamarine (window decorator), a software application USS Aquamarine (PYc-7), a patrol vessel of the United States Navy, named for the stone Aqua Marine, a private housing estate in Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong

The Meaning of Aquamarine

Aquamarine has been admired by many cultures since ancient times. It was known as "the sailor's gem" among the Romans and the Greeks because the stone was used by sailors to protect them during their long-distance journeys. According to a legend, aquamarine was a magical stone that could reveal whether something is true or false by changing its color. It is the birthstone of March.

Distribution of Aquamarine

In the United States, aquamarines can be found at the summit of Mt. Antero in the Sawatch Range in central Colorado. Aquamarines is also present in the state of Wyoming, aquamarine has been discovered in the Big Horn Mountains, near Powder River Pass. Another location within the United States is the Sawtooth Range near Stanley, Idaho, although the minerals are within a wilderness area which prevents collecting. In Brazil, there are mines in the states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and Bahia, and minorly in Rio Grande do Norte. The mines of Colombia, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya also produce aquamarine.

Healing Properties of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is believed to detoxify the body from the negative effects caused by excessive stress and mental exhaustion. It is believed that the stone helps to encourage positive energy to flow through the body and also restores vitality and drive. This stone can be used to align the chakras, bringing a sense of balance and contentment to meet the challenges of daily life.

Chakras

Throat