Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a very popular gemstone composed of beryllium aluminum silicate. ^[1]

Aquamarine: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Aquamarine:

• Transparency: Aquamarine can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, aquamarine is hexagonal.
• Luster: In terms of luster, aquamarine is vitreous (glassy).
• Streak: Aquamarine streaks colorless.
• Hardness: Aquamarine's hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Aquamarine's specific gravity ranges from 2.66 to 2.8.

Aquamarine: Background and Summary

Aquamarine is a blue-green variety of the mineral beryl. It is a popular gemstone because of its beautiful color and clarity. The name aquamarine comes from the Latin words aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning sea. This is because the color of aquamarine is similar to the color of the ocean.

One way to identify aquamarine is by its color. It is usually a light blue or blue-green color, but can also be found in darker shades. It is a transparent mineral, meaning light can pass through it easily. Aquamarine is also quite hard, with a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Aquamarine has been used throughout history for its beauty and supposed healing properties. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that aquamarine could protect sailors and ensure a safe voyage across the sea. It was also believed to have healing powers and was used to treat ailments such as eye problems and throat infections.

Today, aquamarine is primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry. It is a popular choice for engagement rings because of its durability and stunning color. Aquamarine is also used in decorative objects such as vases and sculptures.