 FactSheet – Aquamarine
Origin
Aquamarine (a variety of Beryl) forms in large-grained igneous rocks and is occasionally found in river gravel deposits. Crystals up to 1m in length have been found. This beautiful stone was used in the ancient Greek and Roman Civilisations from 3rd century BC.
Composition: Beryllium aluminium silicate: Be3Al2Si6O18
Structure: Hexagonal. Mohs scale 7.5–8.
Colour: The range of greeny blue to pure blue colours are due to tiny amounts of iron impurities. Aquamarine (literally meaning ‘sea water’) can appear either blue or colourless depending on the angle of viewing. |
Sources
Crystals (UK) aquamarine comes from many countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Africa, Brazil and occasionally Russia.
Our view...
Aquamarine causes passionate discussion amongst our buyers and staff. What colour is best? Are small exquisite samples from the rural former colonial outposts of the Hunza Valley (Himalayas) better than larger, well defined specimens from Zaire or Minas Gerais? Who knows!
Several Crystals (UK) samples appear as book illustrations. A very difficult crystal to purchase, both in rough and cut form, with prices and quality varying enormously. Nevertheless, we enjoy buying aquamarine (even when it makes poor business sense!).
Colour varies from various shades of blue to green. In our view there is no ‘best’ colour or crystal form. Whilst clarity is important, we have enjoyed pieces with unusual inclusions such as black tourmaline.
Crystals (UK) Ltd has a different perception on aquamarine than other world stone dealers and ignores received and conventional wisdom on stone grading, preferring our own joy, delight and understanding of this truly inspirational stone. Rainbows and inclusions all add to the appeal in our opinion! (Aquamarine is one of the author’s top favourites).
Ros Mason – November 2006
© Crystals (UK) Ltd. T/A Crystals Reg. No. 5056864.
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