Along with the fascinating emerald and a few other precious gemstones, Beryl family has aquamarine as one of its prestigious members. Aquamarines have been popular since prehistoric period and they are found in different parts of the world. Ancient Greek history speaks of the use of these gemstones in 300 BC. Their beauty apart, the gemstones were considered as a protective shield and used by various civilizations across the world including Sumerians and Egyptians. Madagascar was a leading producer of aquamarines in the past before it was overshadowed by Brazil and various other countries.
The popularity of aquamarine depends on its color and clarity. Iron composition in the Beryl is responsible for the colors of the gemstones. Aquamarines are found in different shades of blue ranging from pale blue to deep blue and greenish blue. The rate depends on the intensity of the color. If the intensity were higher, the rate would be more.
Aquamarine, the Latin phrase means ‘water of the sea’. It is rightly named so, as it is available in various shades of the color of the ocean. Aquamarines are basically associated with blue color. Light blue colored aquamarines are found in the U.S. In Japan and European countries, we find dark blue aquamarines to be very popular. Bluish green color is rare to find. Aquamarines with intense blue color are very expensive. While most of the aquamarines are heat treated, some are out in the market without heat treatment. Heat treatment aids in change of colors of these gemstones. Light green Beryl is heat treated to be transformed into aquamarine. Green shades in these gemstones are at times removed by heat treatment to make them blue in color.
Aquamarines in lighter shades of blue are easily affordable while the intense colored gemstones are expensive. The size of the aquamarine does not matter when it comes to pricing the gemstone. Evaluation is done based on the color and clarity, which goes to prove that more importance is attached to the color of the gemstone. Since aquamarine colors are normally pale, clarity is naturally expected in these gemstones.
Earlier, greenish blue colored aquamarine gemstones were considered more desirable. Now, the trend is changed and intense blue is very popular and the most sought after color in aquamarine. Santa Maria, one among the rarest of aquamarines, is of deep blue color. The gemstone acquires its name from the site Santa Maria de Itabira from where it was first discovered. Zambia and Tanzania produce aquamarines that are of Santa Maria color.
A particular blue shade of aquamarine is confused with blue topaz. Hence, it is difficult to identify the gemstone with the color. If you intend to buy aquamarines, you need to visit your regular jewelry store so that you can be assured that you are not duped. It would be better to learn some of the facts about aquamarine and learn how to evaluate the genuinity of the gemstone before you make your purchase. Aquamarines are associated with certain properties and it is believed that they protect sailors while on travel. It is further believed that the gemstones enhance the wearer’s reasoning abilities and rejuvenates the body and mind. Hence, regardless of the color of aquamarine you go in for, you could enjoy the benefits associated with it. You only need to ensure that you pay for genuine aquamarine.
