MARCH - ALLURING AQUAMARINE

Aquamarine refers to a specific type of Beryl that is pale blue, light blue-green, or even light green. It is usually clear, but iron content gives it its blue/green colour. The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Not commonly known, but Emeralds are a deep green variety of Beryls.

The serene colour of Aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded.  Its pale, cool colour beautifully complements spring and summer wardrobes. In the past, the most valued aquamarine stones were green. Today, however, the most valued aquamarine stones are a rich, sky blue, but even the blue stones have a green or bluish green tint to them. Depending on which angle you look at an aquamarine, it may look blue, green, or colourless. This is called a pleochroic effect.

NOT ALL BLUES ARE EQUAL
Nearly all Aquamarines on the market have been heat treated to enhance the colour. In meeting with the consumer preference for aquamarines in deep blue, the stones are heated near 800 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes the blue colour to emerge and the yellow/green tones to disappear. As a gemstone, they work equally beautifully set in silver or gold. Many aquamarine stones are virtually free of inclusions and their lustre is vitreous or glass-like.

Aquamarine is commonly found in cavities,and in some cases grow even up to 30 feet. The most common cut for an aquamarine is the emerald cut, followed by oval or pear-shaped cuts. It rates a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it quite a durable stone to wear. What is great about the gemstone is that the wide price range makes them accessible to almost anyone.