Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, the same family as emerald. Its name means “sea water” and reflects its fresh, transparent blue-green color.

Properties #

• Composition: beryllium aluminum silicate; the blue comes from iron.
• Hardness: between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale.
• Color: pale blue to intense blue-green.
• Origins: mainly Brazil, and also Nigeria, Madagascar and Pakistan.
• Clarity: usually very clean, with few inclusions.

Uses in jewelry #

• Rings, pendants and earrings.
• March jewelry (birthstone).
• An alternative to diamond for its clarity.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

• Fresh color and transparency.
• Durable.
• More affordable than emerald.

Limitations #

• Intense tones cost more.
• It can chip with hard knocks.
• Some are heated to improve the color.

Care and cleaning #

• Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
• Avoid knocks and sudden temperature changes.
• Store it apart from hard pieces.

See also #

• Emerald
• Birthstones by month