Aquamarine
Quick answer
Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl, the same mineral family as emerald and morganite. It rates 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, has excellent clarity in large crystals and suits engagement rings and everyday jewellery with reasonable care.
What aquamarine is
Aquamarine is beryl coloured by trace iron. The name is Latin for "water of the sea". Unlike emerald, aquamarine grows in large, clean crystals, so eye-clean stones in big sizes are widely available. Most aquamarine on the market has been heat treated to bring out a purer blue.
Colour and look
Pale sky blue to medium-deep blue, sometimes with green undertones. The most valued shade is a medium saturated blue without green. Lighter aquamarine reads icy and clean, which has its own appeal. Larger stones show colour more strongly than small ones.
Hardness and durability
Aquamarine is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale with good toughness. Suitable for engagement rings and everyday wear. Avoid sudden temperature changes and prolonged intense heat, which can alter colour. Otherwise robust.
What to look for
Colour saturation and purity drive value. A vivid medium blue is worth far more than a pale near-colourless stone. Eye-clean clarity is the norm for fine aquamarine. Cut matters because well-cut emerald-cut and pear-shaped aquamarines show the colour strongly.
Treatments and origins
Most aquamarine is heat treated to remove green undertones and produce a purer blue. The treatment is stable. Brazil is the largest producer, particularly Minas Gerais. Pakistan, Madagascar, Nigeria and Mozambique also supply the market. Santa Maria stones from Brazil are among the most valued for their deep colour.
Best uses
Engagement rings in emerald-cut or oval aquamarine read elegant and icy. Drop earrings, pendants and statement cocktail rings work well because aquamarine stays clear at large sizes. Pairs beautifully with white gold or platinum.
Care
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe for clean stones. Avoid prolonged exposure to intense heat. Store separately from harder gems.
Price
Aquamarine is one of the most attainable fine coloured stones in large sizes. A 3 to 5 carat eye-clean aquamarine with good colour is realistic on a modest budget. Santa Maria-quality material with deep saturated blue commands a real premium.
Designing a custom ring
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Start a custom designOther gemstones to compare
- #01
Morganite
Morganite is the pink to peach variety of beryl, the same mineral family as emerald and aquamarine.
- #02
Topaz
Topaz is a durable gemstone at 8 on the Mohs scale, available in colours from the prized golden imperial topaz to popular blue topaz.
- #03
Sapphire
Sapphire is corundum, the same mineral as ruby.
Frequently asked questions
- Is aquamarine a good engagement ring stone?
- Yes. It is hard enough at 7.5 to 8 Mohs to handle everyday wear, has excellent clarity and produces large clean stones at sensible prices. Pair it with a protected setting for fancy shapes with corners.
- Why are aquamarines usually so clean?
- Aquamarine grows in large open pockets with fewer growth interruptions than emerald, so it tends to form clean crystals. That makes large eye-clean stones easier to find than in most coloured gems.
- Are aquamarines treated?
- Most are heat treated to remove green undertones and produce a purer blue. The treatment is stable and accepted.
- Does aquamarine look better in white or yellow gold?
- White metals like platinum and white gold tend to make aquamarine read crisper and bluer. Yellow gold gives a softer, warmer contrast. Both work, depending on the look you want.
Still deciding
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Send what you have in mind, even if that is only a colour, a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you compare options.
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