Aquamarine Gemstone Information's

 

Aquamarine Gemstone Details

History and Origin

Aquamarine is a blue-green variety of the mineral beryl. The gemstone was first discovered in ancient times and was highly prized by the Greeks and the Romans. The name aquamarine comes from the Latin words aqua marina, meaning "water of the sea," which refers to the gemstone's beautiful blue-green color. Aquamarine can be found in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.

Physical Properties

• Color: Blue to greenish-blue
• Hardness: 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale
• Specific Gravity: 2.68 - 2.74
• Luster: Vitreous
• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Optical Properties

• Refractive Index: 1.564 - 1.570
• Birefringence: 0.005 - 0.009
• Dispersion: 0.014

Elementary Chemical Analysis

Aquamarine is a beryllium aluminum silicate mineral with the chemical formula Be3Al2(SiO3)6. The blue-green color of aquamarine is due to the presence of iron in the crystal lattice. The amount of iron can vary, which affects the intensity of the blue-green color.

The World's Biggest Aquamarine Crystal

The largest aquamarine crystal ever found was discovered in Brazil in 1910. The crystal weighed 243 pounds and was 19 inches long and 16 inches in diameter. The crystal was cut into smaller gemstones, and some of the gems are now on display in museums around the world.

Uses

Aquamarine is primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry. It is a popular choice for engagement rings and other types of jewelry. Aquamarine is also used in some industrial applications, such as in the manufacture of electronic components and abrasives.