» Stones » Aquamarine - a magical sea-green stone
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Aquamarine stone is an amazingly beautiful variety of Beryl with a blue-green color. It was identified as a separate species at the beginning of the 17th century, given a name that translates from Latin as “sea water.” The mineral really resembles a frozen piece of the sea, captivating with its variety of azure and blue shades.
Aquamarine - a magical stone of sea green color
Description of the stone
Like the precious emerald, Aquamarine also belongs to the Beryl group.
The physical and chemical characteristics of this mineral are highly valued in jewelry production. The stone has transparency and a beautiful glass luster.
It is hard enough to be cut in any way (although it is brittle), and its brightness can be greatly enhanced by heating.
Varieties
The minerals of this subgroup fully correspond to their “sea” name, surprising with a variety of halftones and transitions from soft blue to rich blue-green.
Sometimes there are gems with the effect of asterism (star) and cat's eye - they are considered rare and more expensive. In addition, some pebbles are distinguished by interesting white inclusions, creating a pattern like a flower - “chrysanthemum” or “snowflake”.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine is considered a precious stone and is very popular among jewelers.
The name of the mineral is derived from the phrase “aqua marina”, which translated from Latin means “sea water”.
Full of precious coolness and sea depth, this noble gem is described in many legends. Its history is almost as ancient as the first civilizations.
In ancient times, it was revered along with emeralds and diamonds due to its unusual sea green color. Jewelry with stones was considered endowed with healing and magical powers.
The meaning of stone among different peoples
The ancient Greeks believed that this gem was a gift from Poseidon himself, frozen sea water. For travelers, aquamarine meant a successful end to the journey. The sailors of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece took the stone with them, considering it a talisman of good luck.
Blue aquamarine
Later, during the times of great geographical discoveries, Portuguese and Spanish sailors revered this mineral. The romantic French considered aquamarine a symbol of true and pure love and endowed it with the ability to return cooled feelings.
Blue beryl was also idolized by the ancient Sumerians, who lived more than 4 thousand years ago. According to their beliefs, the stone gave its owners happiness, longevity and prolonged youth.
Color varieties
Some believe that aquamarine only comes in blue. The color range of the mineral ranges from soft blue shades to completely transparent.
The palette of the mineral is influenced by the amount of iron in its composition, so the color of aquamarine often depends on the deposit.
Where is the mineral mined:
- blue aquamarine is characteristic of the mines in South America;
- the sapphire-blue mineral is mined in deposits in Brazil, the Urals and Transbaikalia;
- green stones are found in the Urals.
Sapphire blue aquamarine
In addition, there are amber, dark, and purple shades of aquamarine, but they are less valuable. There is also a matte lunar variety of the gem.
The big disadvantage of the mineral is its extreme instability to sunlight.
Even with short-term exposure to sunlight, it becomes cloudy and loses color.
Composition and physical properties
Aquamarine is a second-order gemstone and is one of the varieties of beryl. Its main distinguishing feature is two-color - when the angle of light reflection changes, the stone changes color. It has high hardness, but at the same time it is quite fragile and light.
Green aquamarine
Gem crystals look like long hexagonal prisms and are characterized by a regular shape. It may also contain various impurities: rutile, pyrite, ilmenite.
We recommend: Precious mineral BLUE SAPPHIRE
It is the study of impurities in minerals that helps distinguish natural stone from fakes, such as aquamarine quartz.
The color of the mineral in most cases is uniform, but samples with yellow inclusions are also mined. Their size varies greatly. Large crystals of good quality are often found in nature, especially popular with jewelers.
Aquamarine differs from semi-precious stones in its relatively high cost and popularity in jewelry making.
How is it formed and where is it mined?
The gem is mined from the thickness of granite pegmatites. The stone is not rare; it can be found all over the planet.
The largest deposits of the mineral are located in South America, Russia and Madagascar. In Russia, it is mined in Siberia, Transbaikalia and the Ural Mountains.
Mines in Brazil
Brazil is considered the largest supplier of the gem - about half of the world's volume is mined here. In this country, stones of a rare deep blue color are found and the largest gem-quality crystal was found - more than 110 kg.
In addition, aquamarine is found in many other countries: Australia, India, Ukraine, Namibia, Tanzania and Sri Lanka.
Compatibility with Zodiac signs
Aquamarine will exhibit its magical and healing properties better if it is selected according to the recommendations of the horoscope.
Astrologers believe that this mineral is most suitable for the signs of the Zodiac element of Water.
- It helps Pisces make their dreams come true, get to know themselves and improve their emotional background.
- For Cancer, the stone will become a talisman of communication and good mood - it will help improve relationships with others and teach positive thinking.
- With its help, Scorpio will be able to control emotions and restore mental balance.
Let's consider its influence on other signs of the Zodiac.
- Taurus are very earthly personalities who are preoccupied with material issues and their own health. Everything goes well when these areas of life are thriving, but during unfavorable times they can become depressed and obsess over their problems. It is in this case that he needs Aquamarine, which inspires optimism and allows him to look at the situation more broadly.
- The stone is suitable for Leos and can bring them great benefits, although they often do not suspect it. The talisman reduces vanity and narcissism, but at the same time enhances intelligence. Having taken a break from the beloved oneself, this sign will open up to new ideas and truly great achievements.
- Aquamarine is of particular importance for Libra. The stone gives clarity of mind and helps to make the right decisions. Without wasting time and energy on endless doubts, a person will achieve his goals much faster and find true satisfaction.
- The mineral is suitable for Aquarius, enhancing the best characteristics of the sign. The talisman gives a creative message and attracts creative ideas. In addition, it helps to develop the right attitude towards money.
- The stone has a double meaning for Gemini. It gives you the opportunity to look at the world more broadly and objectively, to find and realize true needs, separating them from momentary desires. However, if you constantly wear the mineral, a person of this sign can get bogged down in conversations, intellectual analysis and social communication, instead of concrete deeds.
Other meanings of this word:
Random riddle:
What disappears when you eat a bagel?
Random joke:
The taxi passenger, deciding to ask the driver a question, patted him on the shoulder. The driver screamed wildly and lost control. The taxi almost crashed into the bus, flew onto the sidewalk and stopped a centimeter from the store window. For a second there was silence in the cab, after which the taxi driver said hoarsely: “Listen, buddy, don’t do that again.” I almost shit myself. The passenger apologized and added that he could not even imagine that a light tap on the shoulder would scare the driver so much. To which the latter remarked: “Yes, in general, it’s not your fault.” It's just that today is my first day working as a taxi driver. And before that I drove a hearse for 25 years!
Did you know?
Eating a bun with poppy seeds is almost the same as smoking opium - Almost true
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Source
What names is it suitable for?
The stone has magical properties
It is believed that this stone brings good luck to those with certain names. First of all, it suits Vera and Lydia. In addition, Snezhana and Melene are recommended to wear it.
Among the men, Semyon, Mikhail and Vasily are associated with aquamarine. Accordingly, this also applies to the female versions - Mikhailina, Vasilisa and Vasilina. And, of course, Marina is advised to wear the mineral.
Other meanings of this word:
Random riddle:
Lives in the forest, Hoots like a robber; People are afraid of him, and he is afraid of people.
Random joke:
A man leads a baby elephant on a leash. The baby elephant is restless, tugging at the leash and jumping. Suddenly he turns to the man and asks: “Let me go pee!” The man unties the leash, waits patiently for the baby elephant, after a while it returns, the man fastens it on the leash, and they move on. The baby elephant behaves even worse, and after a while he asks to go poop. The man unties the baby elephant and waits patiently. The baby elephant returns, the man ties the leash, and they move on. The baby elephant went crazy and after a while turns to the man: “Let me go completely!” The man unties the leash, watches the baby elephant disappear over the horizon and thinks: “I let the baby elephant go. At all. When will he let me go?”
Magic properties
The energy of Aquamarine is similar to its cheerful color - it creates an atmosphere of serenity, joy, peace and optimism.
However, enormous power is hidden inside it - the stone gives a person confidence, awakens internal strength, and helps to cope with difficulties and obstacles.
The mineral gives clarity of mind, wisdom and correct perception. It protects against deception, black magic and random dangers.
Believing in magical properties, sailors take the pebble into the sea for protection from the raging elements.
Aquamarine is associated with the throat chakra Vishuddha, thanks to which it helps to correctly express thoughts, gives eloquence and persuasiveness.
Anyone who gets nervous before public speaking might find it helpful to have one with them. In addition, the mineral promotes peace and understanding in personal relationships, strengthens love and friendship. The pebble magically cures a person of laziness, disappointment and temporary apathy. By creating an optimistic mood, it gives new energy for active work.
Medicinal properties
- First of all, the healing properties of Aquamarine are associated with the throat chakra. The pebble helps cure colds, bronchitis, asthma, and thyroid diseases.
- It increases the body's immunity and resistance, relieves pain, and reduces the symptoms of seasickness.
- It is recommended to wear it at high temperatures and allergies.
- The stone has a beneficial effect on water-salt metabolism, the condition of teeth, skin and vision.
- The mineral helps to cope with fears, anxiety and insomnia due to nervousness. Normalizes the human nervous system: restores psycho-emotional balance, protects against stress and overexertion.
- It has a cleansing effect: it rids the body of toxins and energy dirt. This has a positive effect on metabolism, which allows you to maintain vigor, normalize blood pressure and get rid of excess weight.
Compatibility with other stones
Astrologers advise wearing Aquamarine along with Turquoise, Amethysts and Sapphires. In addition, sea pearls, Labradorite or Lapis lazuli would be a good match for him. The stone can be combined with Onyx, Obsidian and Amber.
An unsuccessful combination is considered to be proximity to Garnet, Ruby, Jasper and Carnelian. You should not wear aquamarine together with Agates, Malachite and Heliotrope.
As for Topaz, Emerald and Chrysolite, they should be combined with the mineral if the shades are in harmony with each other.
Sometimes you can wear this stone with diamonds and Aventurine, focusing on your well-being and your own intuition.
Application
Excellent jewelry stone
Although in the past Aquamarine was used in optics - they made lenses for glasses, today it is used purely in jewelry production.
Inserts made from it decorate earrings, rings, pendants, brooches, bracelets and necklaces. Most often it is given an oval or emerald cut, but sometimes you can see stones cut into a circle, baguette, trillion, heart or fancy shapes.
The mineral looks equally organic in red, yellow, white and rose gold, as well as in silver.
Aquamarine is often used in lithotherapy and alternative medicine. Energy specialists recommend wearing it to people who want to get rid of addiction (to alcohol, smoking, gambling, etc.).
Since ancient times, the pebble has served as a magical talisman and amulet, protecting against rash actions and external negativity. The bright blue-green color of the mineral is well suited for positive meditation.
Contemplating aquamarine, a person not only clears his mind, but is also filled with the energy of joy.
Price
The cost of a Larimar product is mainly influenced by the quality of the stone. For example, a bracelet made of deep blue stones costs 10,800 rubles , and one made of pale blue stones costs 2,700 rubles .
The most valuable specimens are “volcanic blue” (as jewelers call deep blue stones).
Examples of prices in Russian online stores:
- cabochon (20 x 11 x 5 mm) - RUB 1,050. ;
- pendant (jewelry alloy with gold plating) - 1,200 rubles. ;
- ring (925 sterling silver) — RUB 4,490. ;
- earrings (925 sterling silver) — 5,120 rub. ;
- beads - 11,000 rub.
How to wear
Jewelry with aquamarine is self-sufficient and aristocratic. Framed in precious metal, they are ideal for celebrations and special occasions.
So, it is better to wear a necklace with this stone to a social reception than to a youth party. However, minimalist products with his participation are literally created for daily wear and summer holidays, emphasizing the grace, lightness and charm of their owners.
Aquamarine looks equally organic in images of women of different ages. The cheerful color of the stones is ideal for children's earrings.
Inserts of less bright colors often decorate men's signets, cufflinks and bracelets. They are good for men of intellectual and creative professions, especially for those who work with words, speak in public, and teach.
Pendants with raw minerals look interesting, creating a unique image and emphasizing individual style.
How to care
This stone has the unpleasant property of fading in the sun. It should not be worn frequently on the beach or left in the sun.
The product should be stored in a separate box or bag. The pebble is hard, but quite fragile and needs to be treated with care. Remove jewelry before cleaning, visiting the fitness club and saunas, long trips, hiking and jogging.
You can wipe the mineral with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. Wash it in a weak soap solution and then rinse under running clean water. (It is better to take a baby or household product without any additives). After washing, the stone is wiped dry with a delicate cloth.
SUBTLES OF CHOICE AND CARE
Aquamarine loses color due to prolonged exposure to the sun, so jewelry should be stored in a dark place.
Otherwise, caring for items with a gem is no more difficult than caring for other precious jewelry:
- It is better to store jewelry in fabric bags.
- The stone is quite fragile, so mechanical stress should be avoided.
- Clean products with gemstones using soap and a soft cloth.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals on the product.
- It is better to remove decorations when cleaning.
Aquamarine storage
How to spot a fake
- It is not economically profitable to grow aquamarine artificially, so real aquamarine is easy to distinguish from a glass fake.
- The mineral has the special property of changing color depending on the angle of refraction of light, which is not possible for a fake.
- Spinels with a bluish color often look like aquamarine, but their quality is an order of magnitude lower. Such minerals contain many clusters of bubbles, which are easy to notice upon careful study.
- The naturalness of the gem can also be recognized by its characteristic inclusions in the form of so-called “chrysanthemums”.
About fakes
Imitations of Aquamarine are widespread. Without the appropriate mark in the product description, they may be considered a fake.
Most often, this role is played by heat-treated or colored Beryl, blue Topaz, synthetic stones - Corundum, Spinel or Quartz. Often only a gemologist can distinguish them.
But colored glass can be recognized independently: it has less weight and heats up quickly in the hand, unlike natural mineral, and besides, it is easy to scratch.
Very often, refined Aquamarine is used in jewelry. This is a natural stone, the characteristics of which are improved using heat, pressure, build-up, and surface coloring.
Such stones are not considered fakes, but should be slightly cheaper than untreated specimens of the same brightness. Hydrothermally synthesized minerals are also found on the market, but in limited quantities.
Places of origin are igneous rocks.
The jewelry value of aquamarine lies in its rich shades, transparency and hardness, and people are attracted by its mystery and beauty. Experts classify the gem as a second-class precious mineral along with pink topaz, opal, zirconium and other stones.
However, the cost of aquamarine is higher than that of moonstone, agate, lapis lazuli or quartz. The most expensive samples are pure blue and weigh more than 10 carats. The gem is wear-resistant and can highlight the beauty and elegance of any jewelry. Therefore, mineral products are used by expensive brand names, such as Gucci, Nina Ricci, Ellie Saab and others. One of the largest gems in the world today adorns the crown of the Queen of Great Britain. The weight of the stone is 920 carats and 184 g. There are other notable examples of aquamarine that have been found in Brazil:
- “Etrela dalva” -22kg.
- “Marta Roja” -34kg.
- “Etrela Dalva” -64kg.
In the 18th century in Russia, on the territory of Transbaikalia, a large mineral weighing 82 kg was found. And in our time, aquamarine deposits in Ukraine deserve special attention; it was here that a uniquely pure and transparent stone weighing up to 15 kg was discovered.
