Aquamarine Gemstone: From Ancient Legends to Modern Elegance
The Aquamarine Gemstone: A Spectrum of Sea-Inspired Colors
Aquamarine gemstone, the birthstone for March, gets its name from the Latin roots "aqua" meaning water and "marinus" meaning sea. Like the sea itself, aquamarine is found in a range of colors from pale blues to deep bluish-greens.
Discovering the Healing Powers of Aquamarine Gemstone
This beautiful stone is considered to be a calming stone. Aquamarine gemstone has an energizing quality that is said to bring peace, love, joy, and happiness to those who wear it. Wearing earrings of aquamarine is thought to bring love and affection to your life. It is also believed to help bring harmony and balance.
Legends of Aquamarine: From Mermaids to Mariners
Legend refers to aquamarine gemstone as the treasure of Atlantis. In ancient Roman times, it was believed that the god Neptune acquired aquamarine when it fell out of the mermaid's jewel box and washed up on shore. These beliefs led to sailors using aquamarine as a talisman to protect them from drowning when they were out at sea. They believed that Neptune wouldn't want those beautiful stones to disappear back into the sea! Aquamarine is still said to be a good luck stone and is believed to offer protection to those at sea. It is even popular to give aquamarine as a gift to ocean travelers.
Aquamarine in the Middle Ages: A Stone of Revelation
During the Middle Ages, aquamarine gemstone was believed to hold powers of revelation. It was common for it to be carved into gazing balls for fortune tellers. People would also use an aquamarine crystal connected to a string suspended above water to divine messages as the stone touched letters carved around the rim of a bowl or as it touched and rippled the water's surface.
Aquamarine Gemstone in Ancient Times: A Stone of Healing and Vision
Other ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Hebrews also believed that wearing aquamarine gemstones would awaken a sense of clairvoyance. They also believed it would aid in healing infections, particularly of the eye.
Aquamarine Origins: A Worldwide Treasure Hunt
Brazil is the top-producing country of Aquamarine gemstones. They are also found in Pakistan, Madagascar, Zambia, Nigeria, Russia, and even in the United States. The most brilliant blue varieties come from Brazil.
Marambia's Aquamarine Wonder: A Gem of Unprecedented Size
The largest gem quality aquamarine ever mined was found in Marambia, Brazil and weighed over 244 pounds, was 19 inches long and 16.5 inches in diameter!
Aquamarine: More than a Birthstone - A Symbol of Lasting Love
Not only is Aquamarine the birthstone for March, but it is also considered the gem for the 19th wedding anniversary. Some believe that it can strengthen the happiness of marriages.
Aquamarine Gemstone: A Durable Semi-Precious Stone
Aquamarine gemstone is a semi-precious stone that is softer than a diamond but is still a relatively hard stone. It is durable, and measures from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Aquamarine: A Gemstone with Centuries of Adornment
Evidence indicates that aquamarine gemstone has been used as decorative jewelry dating back as far as BC 500! Aquamarine beads have been found in Egyptian tombs, indicating that they were used as decorative items and possibly as jewelry. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, naturalist, and philosopher, wrote about the beauty and value of aquamarine gemstones in his famous work "Natural History." Ancient artworks, such as paintings and sculptures, often depict figures wearing jewelry that resembles aquamarine. These artworks serve as visual evidence of the use of aquamarine in ancient times.
Aquamarine Gemstone: A Rare Beauty of the Beryl Family
Aquamarine gemstone is part of the beryl family--a relatively rare silicate mineral found in igneous and metamorphic rocks around the world. Alongside aquamarine, the beryl family includes an array of other exquisite gemstones, each with its own distinctive charm. From the verdant allure of emerald to the rosy glow of morganite and the golden radiance of heliodor, the beryl family's diversity is a testament to nature's boundless creativity.
Exploring Aquamarine Gemstone: Nature's Palette
The natural blue and green colors of aquamarine gemstone come from the amount of ferrous iron and metallic ions present in the stone. The depth and intensity of the blue color in aquamarine gemstones are often attributed to the presence of ferrous iron (Fe2+). Deeper blue shades typically indicate a higher concentration of this iron impurity. The amount of ferrous iron can vary based on the specific geological conditions and formation process of the aquamarine. Aquamarine gemstone occurs naturally as a bluish-green color. It can be heat treated to remove yellow tones and brighten the blue hues.
What is the Best Way to Care for my Aquamarine Gemstone Jewelry?
It is always safe to clean aquamarine gemstones with warm soapy water. It is usually safe to clean it by ultrasonic and steam cleaning methods. However, if the stone has liquid inclusions or fractures, cleaning with warm soapy water is best.
Aquamarine gemstones can be prone to smudge marks and increased dullness, but with regular care, your aquamarine jewelry can stay shiny and new for as long as you have it.
Start by preparing a bowl of warm water. Mix in a small amount of mild dish soap. Let your aquamarine jewelry soak in the warm soapy water for about 30 minutes. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the stone. Be careful to not scrub too hard. Rinse the jewelry with clean water, and carefully wipe dry with a cloth.
How Often Should I Clean my Aquamarine Gemstone Jewelry?
Depending on how often you wear your jewelry, you can clean it as often as every few weeks, to only a few times a year. Remember that exposure to sweat, grease, and dirt will increase the need for cleaning your jewelry. If you wear your jewelry frequently, you may want to consider taking it to a professional for cleaning once a year.
How Should I Store my Aquamarine Jewelry?
When you are not wearing your aquamarine jewelry, make sure to store it in a cool dry place in an enclosed space to avoid it collecting dust.
Aquamarine is generally resistant to fading with exposure to sunlight. However, prolonged and direct exposure to strong sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation can potentially cause some gemstones, including aquamarine, to fade or change color over time. It's advisable to protect aquamarine jewelry from prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light to maintain its color and luster.
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