Aquamarine is a kind of stone known for its amazing color and something adored by people all over the world. It comes in different shapes and sizes and mainly used as jewelry. Precious stones have been a big part of human lives for a very long time and so is this. Now, the question is what actually an aquamarine stone is. It is mainly known as the birthstone for March. The name itself says a lot about the stone actually. The term aquamarine has derived from the Latin word that means seawater. This stone is one of the most attractive stones ever found. This is carrying a lot of values from the very ancient periods. It is mainly because of its properties and not for beauty. It was used for various purposes and even now it carries the same amount of significance in human lives. The largest aquamarine stone was discovered in Brazil in the early 20th century, 1910 to be exact, and it weighed about 243 pounds which was later cut into smaller pieces producing more than 200000 carats of aquamarine gemstones.
A Stone that Heals Lives from Ages
At the present time, this gemstone is used as a symbol of peace as it heals people both mentally and physically.
- Aquamarine is one of those gemstones that carry a bunch of legendary stories and myths from ancient history. It was considered as the most ideal morning gift from the groom to a bride at their wedding. The Egyptians considered this stone to be the sign of happiness and they believed that this had the powers to keep a person young.
- The ancient German and Roman navy made aquamarine as the sailors’ gem as they believed that it would help them have a happy and safe journey. Legends say that it was used by the army men in order to win a battle as it was a lucky charm to them. Aquamarine also carries healing powers.
- It was used by people in order to cure throat or jaw problems, liver problems, stomach disease, and even toothache. It was popular in each and every European nation. It was also considered as the best oracle crystal during the middle ages. It was cut in the shape of balls to be used by the fortune tellers for predicting the future.
Physical Properties of Aquamarine You Should Know
Aquamarine is made up of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate (Be3Al2Si6O18). This is the mineral for which the stone gets this amazing greenish blue colour. During the ancient times an aquamarine stone used to carry more value if its shade was more greenish but now it is completely the opposite, At present, if the colour of the stone is more blue, the price is higher. The aquamarine stones that you get to buy in the market nowadays are mostly blue. Why? Well, they go through a process where these stones are heated up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, they gain more of the blue shade.
Determine Its Ingenuity
Aquamarine is easily available all around the world but still it holds a high price everywhere. But, if you get one at a very low price you should go for a double check as it might be a fake or a synthetic one.
- Colour is the only feature that can determine its originality. In natural condition it has a blue colour that is similar to the colour of the ocean and hence the name.
- Naturally occurring aquamarine is very much clear and you can look through them. You can also figure out its originality by the solidity.
- It is one of the hardest gemstones and it does not get scratches quite quickly. Instead, they can put a scratch on a glass surface.
- Sometimes people simply sell coloured glasses with the name of aquamarines. Aquamarines are cooler compared to glass.
- Also, if you find that there are small bubbles inside the stone, you should rethink about the decision of buying it.
- A genuine aquamarine gem has a pleochroic effect. It means that if you look through the stone from different angles you will find different shades of blue and greenish blue.
- The shades include almost all the colours that one can find in every kind of water body present around the world.
On the other hand glass does not have that effect and shows the same colour no matter what angle you are looking through it from.
Availability, Use in the Jewelry Industry, and Nurturing
Aquamarine is mined in many countries like Brazil, the US, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, India, the Soviet Union, and Madagaskar. So, the stone is comparatively a little cheaper in these countries.
Emerald shape is the most common shape in which the stone is cut. Although you will find various other shapes available in the stores. The price differs on the basis of shapes they are cut into. Also, in general the stone has a wide price range. So, many people can easily afford one. Aquamarine rings made of gold or other precious metals are one of the most popular jewelry made.
Aquamarine pendants and earrings are what you can wear for the whole day. Thus, it keeps your mind fresh and acts as a great stress reliever. Its health benefits are what makes the stone attractive to so many people. A stone that can keep you calm and bring happiness and prosperity in life is rare. So, handling them with care is important. Wash it with warm soapy water with an old toothbrush. Keep it away from your cosmetics and sudden heat.
Closing Note
Now you got enough information regarding the stone. Aquamarine stone is one of the most precious ones throughout the world for a reason. People are going through a lot at the present times. They have a lot of pressure in their daily lives and aquamarine is helping them. It is proven.
Healing powers are not something to take casually. If a small piece of gem can improve your lifestyle with a better health then why not own one? Buy one for yourself and give one to your loved one.
