Aquamarine
Aquamarines belong to the beryl family. They are the blue variety of it. The coloring element is iron. The name beryl comes from the Greek. From the word “berylos” and the Latin “beryllus” the word “beryl” has survived to this day and is the eponym of “glasses”.
Aquamarine, Brazil (14.62 ct)
Class: Silicates
Genesis: Pegmatitic (Magmatic)
Colors: Blue
Hardness: 8
Optical effects: Rare cat eye effect
Most important occurrences: Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria, Afghanistan (aquamarines are formed in pegmatitic spaces).
As early as the Middle Ages, colorless beryls were beaten and polished in such a way that they could serve as “magnifying glasses”. In a time when paper was scarce and letters were closely written, this was necessary.
Aquamarine means “sea water colored”.
The interesting thing is that the blue beryls worth grinding occur in pegmatites. The reserves are constantly running out, even from the main supplier country Brazil, raw materials are becoming scarce and prices are rising. There is also less and less material in good qualities from Mozambique and Nigeria.
Aquamarine “Santa Maria”, Brazil (24,19 ct)