Aquamarine is a semi-precious gemstone of "noble blood", one of the most impressive types of beryl. The crystal got its unusual moniker for its color: from the Latin "aqua marina" seawater, which is a true description of the mineral's color.
But it is worth clarifying that the color is usually light and is noticeable only in very large examples. High hardness and imperfect cleavage in one direction of aquamarine allow using it in various types of jewelry without fear of its durability.
Description of aquamarine gemstone:
Color:
Natural aquamarine is bluish-green, greenish-blue, light blue, sky blue, and dark blue (very rare).
Place of mining:
The largest crystals are found in Brazil and Pakistan. Other deposits are located in India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, the USA, including other countries.
Cost:
The value of unrefined samples of bright blue and significant carat weight of beryl can exceed $800 per carat.
Blue color can be obtained as a result of the heat treatment of yellowish-green beryls. It can also enhance the saturation of aquamarines. Unrefined aquamarines with well-saturated colors are very rare.
In some cases, to change the external properties, heat treatment is used, followed by irradiation of beryls. The intense color inherent in irradiated samples is not always stable: the stone can fade quickly enough in the light.
Therefore, we recommend purchasing the stone from Gem Lovers, which uses only reliable methods for processing aquamarine crystals. We assure you that your gem will serve you for a long time, pleasing the eye and saturating you with energy.
The varieties of aquamarine gemstones:
Rare blue jewelry aquamarines are known as "maxis" or "mashishe". They were first found in 1917 in Brazil at the Maxix mine. Their color is unstable and tends to fade quickly in the light. However, in normal light, they have a very pronounced blue color.
The richly colored specimens are called the trade term "Santa Maria". In terms of their properties, these stones are related to mashishe, but their color is usually a little lighter.
If the color is almost green, with only a faint blue tint, such a specimen would be considered as usual beryl.
How to distinguish genuine aquamarine gemstone from fake?
When choosing aquamarine jewelry, it is essential to make sure that you have a real mineral, not a fake. There are no synthetic analogs of the stone. Therefore, if the accessory manufacturer indicates that its product is encrusted with "artificial aquamarine", it is a fake.
For imitation of this stone, most often use ordinary glass, less often corundum. You can easily distinguish a counterfeit from the original. You just need to scrutinize the product.
Characteristics for determining to counterfeit:
Hardness:
The hardness on the Mohs scale, which is 7.5-8, makes aquamarine a favorite of jewelers. This parameter allows you to use it in various types of jewelry without fear of its durability. Therefore, if you see abrasions or scratches on the stone, then perhaps in front of you is a fake.
Shine:
You should choose an aquamarine that has a glossy sheen, not oily.
Transparency. Natural aquamarine is always transparent, while counterfeit can be hazy.
Shade:
In real specimens of stone, there are no caustic colors, they are always more restrained. There is also a property of pleochroism. It allows you to distinguish a stone from a fake. If you change the angle of view, lighting, temperature, the shade of the stone changes and becomes either bluish or greenish.
Gem Lovers guarantees the authenticity of all stones. On request, it is possible to issue an expert opinion in a reputable gemological laboratory.
Photos from various angles, videos, and a gemologist's commentary will help you make the right choice and buy a worthy gem for a private collection or jewelry.
