Stone library / Beryl / Beryl Varieties
Aquamarine
Everything you need to know about aquamarine: what it is, where it comes from, how to spot treated stones, and how to wear and care for it.
Traditional birthstone: March.
What is aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a mineral variety with chemical formula Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, density of approximately 2.68–2.80 g/cm³, and refractive index of 1.567–1.590.
What gives it its color?
Iron (Fe²⁺) substitution for aluminum in crystal lattice
Where does it come from?
Major sources include Brazil (Minas Gerais), Russia, China (Xinjiang, Sichuan), Madagascar, USA.
Treatments and how to spot them
Heat treatment common to reduce green tones. Belongs to the beryl family (same species as emerald and morganite).
Important: Visual clues such as inclusions, color patterns, or surface features can provide preliminary observations, but they cannot replace refractive index, specific gravity, microscopic examination, and laboratory testing for a definitive identification. Treat visual clues as starting points, not final answers.
Jewelry and care tips
With hardness 7.5–8, aquamarine is suitable for rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless the stone is known to be fracture-free. Store separately from harder gemstones.
Cultural beliefs and symbolism
Aquamarine carries cultural meaning across many traditions — these are folkloric and cultural traditions, not scientifically verified properties. Its associations vary by culture, and its use in astrology, chakra, or feng shui contexts should be understood as cultural expression rather than factual claims.
What affects its value?
Price is determined by color saturation, clarity, cut quality, and size. Before buying: ask the seller to confirm the material identity, treatment status, dimensions, and return policy in writing.
Use this guide as a starting point
For a costly or disputed stone, ask for species, treatment, and origin information in writing. An independent laboratory report is stronger evidence than a marketing phrase.
Return to BerylSources: GIA reference and the GemVerity editorial method. This is an educational guide, not a gemological identification report. Cultural beliefs described above are folkloric traditions, not scientific guarantees.