Aquamarine

Sources: Madagascar, Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, India.

Hardness on Mohs scale: 7.5 – 8

Common Enhancements: Heat

Birthstone: March

Cleaning Methods:

• Ultrasonic: usually safe.
• Steamer: usually safe.
• Warm Soapy Water: safe but avoid strong detergents.

Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral species Beryl. Probably one of the most famous gemstones, most people love it for its blue color which reminds of the them both of the sea and the sky. Greenish stones are often heated changing the oxidation state of the iron elements in the crystal to bring out more blue. However, you can also find incredibly rich blue aquamarine that occurs naturally. A recent find in Madagascar produces vivid blue crystals that rival the more well known but scarce 'Santa Maria' material. It is possible to find Aquamarine in impressively large sizes including stones over 100 carats.