20 Facts About Aquamarine Gemstones

If you are looking for a color of the sea gemstone, an aquamarine is the perfect choice. Many jewelers design with this gemstone not only because of it's beauty, but durability and its birthstone popularity. To better understand the aquamarine gemstone let's take a look at the history behind the blue gem, aquamarines meaning, the stones formation and the gemstones color options. 

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1. The first discovery of the Aquamarine was in Siberia in 1723. During that time large crystal deposits were being mined and sent to Western Europe by the end of the 18th century.
2. Roman fishermen called the aquamarine gemstone “water of the sea”.  They used the aquamarine gem for protection, safety and for good luck during fishing.
3. The largest known cut aquamarine is called the Dom Pedro aquamarine. It was found in the 1980's in Pedra Azul, Minas Gerais, Brazil weighing 4.6 pounds.
4. It takes millions of years for an aquamarine to form. 
5. Aquamarine gemstones are mostly mined in Brazil. They are also found in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan and Zambia.
6. The Chemical Formula for an aquamarine gemstone is: Be₃Al₂SiO₆.
7. One of the most rare and sought-after aquamarine's is the untreated sea-blue aquamarine.
8. Aquamarine gemstones come in various hues of blue - blueish green, blue-green, greenish blue and deep blue.
9. The coloring of aquamarine gemstones is attributed to trace amounts of ferrous iron.
10. Many Aquamarine gemstones are typically heat treated to remove the greenish tint color leaving the stone a pure blue color.
11. An aquamarine is the modern birthstone for the month of March.
12. Aquamarine is the gemstone for the 19th anniversary.
13. Deep color is the main consideration when cutting aquamarine gemstones, with designs like Barions and emerald cuts often preferred. More about gemstone cuts read Quick Guide to Gemstone Cutting Styles.
14. An aquamarine is a semi-precious gemstone.
15. Aquamarine gemstones are rated a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale which defines a gemstones durability based on a scale called the Mohs hardness scale. 
16. One of the most expensive aquamarine gemstones is the Santa Maria Aquamarine originating from Brazil. It boasts a deep, untreated blue tone - the deeper the hue, the higher the price.
17. The average cost of a one carat aquamarine is $163. The value of an aquamarine is measured by the " Four Cs" of gemstone grading standing for color, clarity, cut, and carat.
18. Aquamarines are associated with serenity. It is often called the breath stone because it is associated with alleviating sinus, respiratory and lung problems. More about  Birthstone colors & meanings.
    
19. Aquamarines are easy to polish and using diamond polish is a great method.
20. To clean aquamarines, use warm water and mild soap for safety. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners if the stone has liquid inclusions or fractures. Also, steer clear of cleaning products with ammonia or alcohol.