| Aquamarine is the birth stone for those
born in the month of March as well as the designated gemstone for the 18th wedding
anniversary.
Aquamarine is the blue to greenish blue variety of the
mineral beryl. Emeralds and Morganite are also members of the beryl family. The gemstone
is often linked with water.
One early belief was aquamarines were taken from the
nymph's treasure chests and deposited on the shores by sea horses. Another myth
was aquamarines warn as a talisman protecting seafarers.
In the Middle Ages, aquamarines symbolized happiness and
everlasting youth. It was assumed the stone could help its wearer conquer
wickedness. The gemstone symbolizes the bond of fidelity
Today, aquamarine is commercially mined in Brazil, Africa,
Madagascar, and the United States.
Gemstones are commonly seen in sizes as large as 10 to 30
carats.
Crystals have been know to reach enormous proportions. In
1920 an aquamarine crystal weighing 243 pounds was found in Brazil. The British Museum of
Natural History has a flawless aquamarine of 879 carats and the Los Angeles County Museum
of Natural History has a 638 carat stone.
Mohs' hardness: 7.5 - 8
Color: Light Blue, Medium Blue, Greenish Blue
Treatment: Heated to darken the color or remove green
overtones. |
