Aquamarine: A Gemstone Steeped in Seafaring Lore

Imagine a crystal-clear pool of seawater reflecting the bright blue sky.This is the essence of aquamarine, a gemstone whose name and color evoke the vast beauty of the ocean. Perfect for adolescents who love seafaring adventures, learning about this fascinating gem is a journey through history, nature, and the very words we use.

What is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family of minerals, a group that includes the vibrant green emerald. Beryl is a naturally occurring compound containing beryllium, aluminum (aluminium), silicon, and oxygen. Both aquamarine and emerald get their beautiful colors from tiny amounts of other elements found within their crystal structure. Aquamarine gets its distinctive blue to blue-green hue from trace amounts of iron. The more iron present, the deeper the blue color will be.

A Name with Seafaring Roots (Etymology)

The word "aquamarine" is derived from Latin, combining the words aqua (water) and marina (of the sea). It means, quite literally, "water of the sea," and it's easy to understand why this name fits the gem so perfectly!

Aquamarine Throughout History

• Ancient Times: Records show that aquamarine has been admired and treasured for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians and Romans prized aquamarine, associating it with happiness, youth, and hope due to its seawater-like color.

• Sailors' Talisman: Throughout history, sailors believed that aquamarine held special protective powers. They saw the gem as a symbol of calm seas and safe journeys, often wearing aquamarine talismans or carrying crystals with them on their voyages.

• Modern Symbolism: Today (2023), aquamarine remains a popular gemstone. It's associated with March as that month's birthstone and is often given as a symbol of courage, good health, and lasting relationships.

Where is Aquamarine found?

Aquamarine crystals are formed deep within the Earth's crust, often in granite rock formations. Some of the most important aquamarine deposits in the world are found in:

• Brazil: The source of some of the largest and finest aquamarine crystals discovered.

• Pakistan: Known for producing aquamarines of exceptional clarity and a pure blue color.

• Other Locations: Aquamarine is also found in countries like Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Russia, Colombia, and parts of the USA.

How is Aquamarine Mined?

Aquamarine can be mined in various ways depending on the deposit's location and type. Some methods include:

• Open-Pit Mining: Used when aquamarine is found close to the Earth's surface, involving digging large pits to access the gemstone-bearing rocks.

• Underground Mining: Involves creating tunnels and shafts to reach deeper aquamarine deposits.

• Placer Mining: Uses water to separate gemstones from loose sand, gravel, and other materials found in riverbeds or old water channels.

Caring for Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a fairly durable gemstone, with a hardness ranking of 7,5 to 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale (diamond, the hardest known mineral, ranks a 10). However, taking care of your aquamarine jewelry is essential:

• Cleaning: Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals.

• Sunlight Exposure: While aquamarine is generally color-stable, some stones can fade if exposed to intense sunlight for too long.

• Scratches: Be mindful of hard bumps that can scratch or chip your aquamarine.

Fun Facts about Aquamarine

• Largest Cut Aquamarine: The Dom Pedro aquamarine, a stunning obelisk-shaped blue crystal, is considered the largest cut aquamarine in the world.

• Color Changes: Some aquamarines can be heat-treated to alter or enhance their color. For example, greenish aquamarines can become a purer blue when heated.

• Famous Jewelry: Aquamarines have been featured in some magnificent pieces of jewelry throughout history, including the Queen of England's tiaras.

Aquamarine: More Than Just a Gemstone

Aquamarine is more than just a beautiful blue gem; it's a piece of nature's art, born in the Earth and infused with stories of sailors, oceans, and ancient beliefs. Learning about its color, name, and history brings us closer to the wonders of the natural world and the rich tapestry of human cultures across time. From its ancient origins as a good luck charm to its modern role in jewelry, aquamarine continues to hold a fascination that will surely endure for generations to come.