Aquamarine
The sea-blue beryl — elegant, eye-clean, and universally flattering.
Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of iron. It shares its mineral family with emerald and morganite but is notably more durable and typically eye-clean. Named from the Latin 'aqua marina' (sea water), aquamarine has been associated with the ocean and tranquility for centuries. Unlike emerald, aquamarine commonly occurs in large, clean crystals — stones over 10 carats are readily available, making it accessible for statement jewelry. The most valued color is a medium, saturated blue without greenish tones.
Physical Properties
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7.5–8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.567–1.590 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.68–2.74 |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Chemical Formula | Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ |
Color Varieties
Major Sources
Brazil · Madagascar · Mozambique · Pakistan · Nigeria · Zambia
Pricing Factors
Color Saturation
The deeper the blue, the higher the price. 'Santa Maria' blue from Brazil sets the reference standard. Pale stones are significantly more affordable.
Size
Aquamarine is available in large sizes. Color saturation matters more than size — a well-saturated 5ct stone is often more valuable than a pale 15ct stone.
Treatment
Heat treatment to remove greenish tones is standard and universally accepted. It's considered stable and permanent.
Clarity
Eye-clean clarity is the norm. Aquamarine that isn't eye-clean is discounted significantly as clean material is abundant.
Care Instructions
Do
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush
- Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe
- Excellent for everyday wear due to good hardness
Don't
- Avoid prolonged exposure to heat — it can permanently lighten the color
- Don't use steam cleaners
- Store away from direct sunlight for extended periods
Cleaning Method
Warm soapy water or ultrasonic. Avoid steam and heat. Aquamarine is generally durable and easy to care for.
Insider Buying Tips
Prioritize color saturation over size — a deeply colored 3-carat stone outperforms a pale 10-carat stone.
Heat treatment is universal and accepted — don't pay premiums for 'untreated' aquamarine unless the blue is already deep.
Aquamarine pairs beautifully with white gold and platinum — the cool blue against silver-white metal is classic.
For engagement rings, aquamarine is a durable and elegant alternative to more expensive blue sapphire.
Large, statement aquamarine pieces offer excellent value — the stone is one of the few gems available in large sizes at moderate cost.
Did You Know?
The largest gem-quality aquamarine crystal ever found weighed 110 kg (243 lbs) and was discovered in Brazil in 1910.
Roman sailors believed aquamarine would protect them at sea and ensure a safe voyage.
The Dom Pedro aquamarine, at 10,363 carats, is the largest cut aquamarine in the world and is housed in the Smithsonian.
Related Resources
Related Gemstones
Emerald
The green jewel of royalty, prized for its saturated color above all else.
Morganite
The pink beryl that became the alternative engagement ring stone.
Sapphire
Corundum in every color except red — the most versatile precious stone.
Topaz
From imperial orange to electric blue — a versatile and durable gem.