Aquamarine, The Name From Sea

Aquamarine, together with emerald and beryl, belongs to the beryl group. It is a light blue to blue to blue-green variety of the beryl group. Its' name is derived from Latin for Water of the Sea because of its sea water color. It was also a talisman for sailors.

The most valued color is deep blue to a silvery lighter blue color. Greenish or very light stones are the least valuable. Most stones are heat treated to improve their color. Since this process is not reversible, lasting forever, and is not considered negative. However natural stones that are not heat treated, especially in larger size are rare and very expensive.

There are aquamarine deposits in all continents. The most valuable and important ones are in Brazil (Minas Gerais, Bahia, Esperito Santo). Large crystal of non gem quality are comparatively common. The largest aquamarine of cuttable quality weight 243 pounds! Large gem quality crystal and smaller one are most often fashioned in the emerald or scissors cut with rectangular or long oval shapes.

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