Aquamarine
AQUAMARINE TECHNICAL DATA
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Species---------------------------Beryl
Chemical
Formula-Be3Al2(SiO3)6
Birthstone-----------------------March
Anniversary
Stone------Nineteenth
*Mohs
Scale Hardness----#7 1/2-8
Durability-------------------------Good
*Refractive
Index--------1.577-1.583
*Specific
Gravity------------------2.67+
Significance
of these* data (FAQ # 5)
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AQUAMARINE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Color
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The color of Aquamarine ranges from pale blue to
medium blue. Most natural Aquamarine also has a slight greenish tint which is
normally removed by heat treatment for the North American market. There is a
small production of rich blue material from the "Muertre"
mine in Brazil which is usually less than 1/3 carat in size.
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Inclusions
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Most commercial Aquamarine are Eye
Clean. (FAQ # 7d)
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Sources
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The majority of Aquamarines come from Brazil, but
are also found in Madagascar and China.
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Treatment
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Heat treatment, which is undetectable and does not
effect the durability of the stone is used to remove any green tint so as to
provide the pure blue desired in the North American market.
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Care
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Unless it has inclusions the hardness and
durability of Aquamarine is such that normal care is all that is required.
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Uses
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Aquamarine is suitable for use in most jewelry.
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Alternatives
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Light blue Topaz is currently often used as an
inexpensive substitute for Aquamarine.
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Value
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The price is primarily determined by the intensity
of the color. The size is also a factor but less so. For example, though
relatively small, the intense color of the "Muertre"
Aquamarines warrants the substantially higher price as shown in our Price
Tables
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RETURN TO AQUAMARINE
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