Written by Sarah B. - Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Aquamarine derives its name from the Latin expression aqua marina referring to the color of the sea. Used by sailors as a talisman, this gem also symbolizes fidelity between newlyweds. As a gift, it is believed to guarantee a happy marriage.
This word was introduced in 1609 and translates an expression dating from the 16th century, when the first discoveries were made in Brazil.
Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, along with emerald. Its color ranges from light blue to dark blue and sometimes green blue. This is due to iron.
Pale stones can take on a more intense color that is much more appreciated when they are heated. However, be careful when repairing a piece of jewelry because excessive temperature can on the contrary lighten the stone.
Aquamarine is a fragile and shock-sensitive gem. Its hardness is a 7.5-8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale. It is often used in jewelry and traditionally step cut, as demonstrated by the poetic creations of the talented
In December 2012, the largest cut aquamarine was added to the permanent collection of the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, next to the Hope diamond. The gem, which was named Dom Pedro in tribute to the two emperors Pedro I and Pedro II of Brazil, weighs 10,363 carats and was cut into an obelisk shape by famous German jeweler Bernd Munsteiner.
Other notable specimens were discovered before the Dom Pedro, such as the gem-quality crystal discovered in 1910 in Marambaia, Brazil. It weighs 110.5 kilograms, is 48.5 centimeters long and 41 centimeters in diameter. More than 100,000 carats of gems were cut from it. Crystals weighing several tons were revealed, but they are unfortunately opaque and grey and therefore cannot be considered as gems and be used in jewelry.
Sarah B –