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The
natural aquamarine gemstone belongs to a
beryl family. Its original color is
sky-blue still known as sea-green beryl.
The word "aquamarine"
is a Latin word.
Aqua
is stands for "water" and
marine
mean “of the sea", it’s an obvious fact
how the aquamarine stone was named. The
two most important sources for
Aquamarine are Brazil and Africa. Apart
from the two primary sources other
countries where the aquamarine is mined
are India, Pakistan, Mozambique,
Nigeria, China, Madagascar, Namibia,
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Norway, North Ireland,
Russia and the United States. In the
United States, aquamarines can be found
at the summit of Mt. Antero in the
Swatch Range in central Colorado.
Hence, in the past, the sea colored
stone was carried by the sailors
thinking it will insure a safe journey.
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even believed cures the insomnia and provides
happiness. Also believed as to stop the hiccups
and eye troubles. An aquamarine is a symbol of
honest, beauty and loyalty. Aquamarine
birthstone was considered sacred to Neptune, god
of the sea and there is a biblical mention of
the aquamarine gemstone in the Song of Solomon.
Now, aquamarine gemstone is not highly priced as
the early days but still a popular gemstone used
in jewelry. The main factor that affects the
price of this gem is the color, its carat size
and clarity is also included.
Aquamarine gemstone is a birthstone for the
people born in the month of March for the Zodiac
Sign - the Pisces (Fish) fall on Feb. 19 - March
20. The aquamarine gemstone is an anniversary
for the 16th and the 19th Anniversary. The stone
shapes can be of oval, round, square princess,
heart shaped, trillion cut and pear cut or even
a fancy cut and cushion cut which is now used as
fashion jewelry like rings, bracelets, earrings,
and pendants.
The History of Aquamarine
One of the first Aquamarines was mined in Brazil
(in 1811). However, the first document evidences
shows the use of aquamarine stone endured among
480 and 300 BC. Aquamarine was used by the Greek
as jewelry. In the middle ages, people believed
that this gem stone could magical overcome the
effects of poison. The legends believed that is
the treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep
sailors safe at sea. The color "blue" has
a Biblical meaning. The blue color symbolizes
heavenly grace. The Virgin Mary is often
depicted wearing blue clothing.
Aquamarine Facts
The British Museum of Natural History owns 879.5
carat flawless, and a step-cut aquamarine with a
lovely sea-green color. The largest aquamarine
ever mined was found at the city of Marambaia,
Minas Gerais, in Brazil, in 1910. Weighing over
110 kg, and the stone dimensions were 48.5 cm
long and 42 cm in diameter. It is a hard and
durable gemstone; rated between 7.5 and 8 on the
Mohs scale the stone has a vitreous polish
luster. It is convenient to find the large gem
quality pieces of aquamarine than an emerald. |
