![]() The greenish blue to blue color of aquamarine is caused by trace amounts of iron. Aquamarine Color and TreatmentĪs a member of the beryl mineral family, aquamarine has a chemical composition of Be 3Al 2Si 6O 18. Heat-Treated Aquamarine: The blue color of this 0.52-carat faceted aquamarine from Madagascar was improved by heat treatment. It can be difficult to find a small gem with a rich blue color, but as the size of the stone increases, the opportunity to find strong color also increases. As the size of the gem increases, the strength of its apparent color will also increase. Size: Aquamarine is available in a wide range of sizes. A small aquamarine with a rich blue color will cost a lot more than identical-size stones with a faint blue color. Gems with a rich blue color are much more expensive because rich color in aquamarine is very rare. ![]() Gems with a faint blue color are abundant and inexpensive. A mounting that guards the stone from impact and not wearing the gem during activities that might result in accidental impact are important precautions.Ĭolor: The price of aquamarine is mainly determined by weight and the strength of its color. However, aquamarine's tenacity is rated as brittle - which means that the gem can be easily chipped upon impact. Hardness is a property that enables a gem to resist scratching. Diamond, ruby, sapphire, topaz, and chrysoberyl are the only popular gemstones that are significantly harder. If you are interested in purchasing an item of aquamarine jewelry, here are a few things to consider:ĭurability: Aquamarine has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it one of the harder gemstones. Hexagonal (often occurs in prismatic to tabular crystals with a hexagonal cross section)Īquamarine has a hardness and durability that makes it suitable for all jewelry uses.Īquamarine is such a popular gemstone that it can be found in almost any jewelry store in the United States. Hardness and relatively low specific gravity. Greenish blue to blue (color almost always has been improved by heat treatment)Ĭrystals are prismatic, often with flat terminations, hexagonal, and without striations.
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