Aquamarine Formation When magma under the earth crust interacts with mineral rich rocks called pegmatites. They heat up when they interact with magma which forms the gemstone. Pegamites are rocks that are formed during the final stages of magma crystallisation. Almost all aquamarines are formed in pegmatites.

Is aquamarine naturally occurring?

All aquamarine, both natural and synthetic, is a variety of beryl. This is a naturally-occurring ore of the element beryllium, more properly called beryllium aluminum silicate. When geological conditions are right, this mixture forms beautiful hexagonal crystals that are blue in color.

What is the aquamarines chemical composition?

Aquamarine is the mineral Beryl, a Beryllium Aluminum Silicate with the general chemical formula Be₃Al₂(Si₁₆O₁₈). Beryl crystallizes in the hexagonal system, it ranges in hardness from 7 1/2 to 8 on Moas scale; it has an imperfect cleavage and a vitreous luster.

How much is a aquamarine worth?

Low quality to mid-range aquamarines can range from $5 to $100 per carat. Past 10 carats, mid-range aquamarines can cost between $150 and $200 per carat. High quality aquamarines are much more expensive.

Is aquamarine more expensive than diamonds?

For many, the biggest advantage of opting for an aquamarine engagement ring over a traditional diamond is the price tag; aquamarine is much more affordable, even in larger carat weights. The gorgeous color of aquamarine is another big advantage.

What Is Aquamarine - Gemstone Facts and Information

35 related questions found

Where are aquamarines mined?

This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but it is also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique. Like emeralds, this gemstone is a variety of a mineral called beryl.

Why are aquamarines so expensive?

In general, the purer and more intense the blue color, the more valuable the stone. ... For this reason, smaller, top-color stones might sell for more per carat than larger stones of the same color. Clarity. Most faceted aquamarines are eye-clean.

Are aquamarines rare?

Aquamarine is rarer in nature, especially in fine color. Its long history as a gem also adds to its collectibility.

Does aquamarine scratch easily?

Aquamarine is a hard gemstone and cannot be scratched easily. However, it can easily scratch other gemstones. So, don't store it with other jewels where they can rub against each other.

Where do the best aquamarines come from?

The finest aquamarine comes from Brazil.

Are aquamarines expensive?

These stones are very inexpensive, with one-carat stones costing less than $2. On the other hand, synthetic aquamarine in the beryl family is quite a bit more expensive. One example we found online was a little more than $70 for a one carat stone.

How many carats is Princess Diana aquamarine ring?

Of course Princess Diana's aquamarine ring, featuring a 13-carat aquamarine and diamonds and finished in 14kt white gold, was made by Asprey and worth thousands. Needless to say, these uncanny versions are quite the steal... the ultimate addition to your jewellery box.

Are aquamarines more valuable than Blue Topaz?

One pair that is difficult to tell apart is the Aquamarine and Blue Topaz stones. Physically, they are very hard to tell apart but in reality, an Aquamarine is much more costly than Blue Topaz. Some people seek advantage by selling Blue topaz in place of Aquamarine to make great profit.

Is aquamarine stone a diamond?

Aquamarine is a pastel blue variety of beryl, the mineral that also includes emerald and pastel pink morganite. The meaning of aquamarine is happiness and harmony. ... This fancy vivid pink diamond weighing 59.60 carats was a centerpiece of the Smithsonian's Splendor of Diamonds Exhibit.

Can aquamarine go in water?

Yes, you can put aquamarine in water. That being said, we don't recommend that you soak it in water for any extended period of time.

Is aquamarine a precious stone?

Every gemstone other than a diamond, ruby, emerald or sapphire is classified as semi-precious. Aquamarine is therefore a semi-precious stone and not a precious one.

Where was aquamarine first discovered?

Although it's named for the color of the sea (Aquamarine means water blue), Aquamarine was first discovered in modernity far from the sea in Siberia. The year was 1723, and by the end of the 18th century, large deposits were being mined and sent to Western Europe.

Do aquamarines fade?

Heat treated aquamarines are generally stable, but their color may fade if exposed to prolonged periods of high heat or direct sunlight. Aquamarines should never be cleaned with a steam cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaning machine.

Are aquamarines heat treated?

Most commercially available aquamarines are already heated. They can even be treated at the mine before they reach the market. This applies to finished stones as well as rough.

Which is more expensive sapphire or aquamarine?

Blue Sapphire: Thanks to its exceptional beauty, long-standing association with royalty, and 'precious stone' categorization, blue sapphire is undoubtedly the more expensive gem of the two.

Do aquamarines come from Brazil?

Aquamarine is a member of the Beryl (BARE-ul) mineral family, along with Emerald, Golden Beryl, Goshenite, Bixbite and Morganite. Brazil is the principal source for Aquamarine. More than 80% of the the Brazilian Aquamarine comes from an area around Teofilo Otoni in the western part of Minas Gerais.

Who has Diana's jewelry?

Who inherited Princess Diana's jewellery? After her death Diana's sons, Princes William and Harry, were left three quarters of her £21 million estate - with the other quarter going to her 17 godchildren. In a special "letter of wishes", Diana explained that she was leaving her jewellery to her sons' future wives.

Is aquamarine hard wearing?

Gem and mineral hardness is measured on the Mohs scale. ... Aquamarine is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, so it is a durable gemstone for jewelry as long as it is treated with care to protect it against scratching and hard knocks. Aquamarine rates a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale.

What is the rarest gem on earth?

Painite : Not just the rarest gemstone, but also the rarest mineral on earth, Painite holds the Guinness World Record for it. After its discovery in the year 1951, there existed only 2 specimens of Painite for the next many decades.

Why did Princess Diana have an aquamarine ring?

While many people claim the aquamarine ring was commissioned as a replacement for Princess Diana's iconic Sapphire Engagement Ring after their divorce in 1997, it was only worn two times publicly before her tragic death the following year.