Aquamarine Gemstone: A Complete Guide

Aquamarine gemstone is the enchanting blue-green gemstone that all beryl family members are envious of due to its gloriously clear and calming appearance. From the Latin words for water of the sea, aquamarine is as calm and pure lending to its longstanding association with the tranquility and serenity of the deep blue sea. Moreover its various colors ranging from light blue to dark-blue ocean brings elegance.

A Complete Guide on Aquamarine Gemstone Types, Include Origins and Mines of that having them

Types of Aquamarine gemstone (A-Z)

Description of Aquamarine gemstone types

Santa Maria Aquamarine

The most sought after variety of aquamarine is Santa Maria Aquamarine for the intense blue color. This gem was originally found in the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil, and set the standard by which all future aquamarine quality is to be judged. This variety is highly prized by collectors and jewelers because its deeply vibrant hue is rarely seen among other types. Today stones of similar coloration from other locations are also referred to as “Santa Maria” and although there is a trade in these from other areas, the original Brazilian “Santa Maria” are unequalled.

Maxixe Aquamarine

Of all aquamarine, Maxixe Aquamarine is unique as it gets a very deep blue color that resembles sapphire. But this variety, however, is less stable and prone to fading in sunlight or heat. Maxixe Aquamarine is a collector’s gem because of its simply gorgeous appearance even though it’s sensitive. All of these features make it a rare gem with extraordinary color.

Double Blue Aquamarine

Aquamarines with exceptionally vivid blue colors are described as Double Blue Aquamarine. However, this is a variety which is often heat treated to improve its natural color. They are highly favored for their brilliance and sought after for use in high end jewelry.

Brazilian Aquamarine

Brazilian Aquamarine is known for the clear, sky blue color and excellent clarity. For centuries, what’s now called ‘Agualunelenhos’, or ‘Aqua Lenelush’, mines in the Minas Gerais province of Brazil have been known as the world’s leading aquamarine producer. Brazilian Stones are used in classic and contemporary jewelry designs.

African Aquamarine

The origin of African Aquamarine is in Mozambique, Nigeria and Madagascar. Normally these gems are a slightly greenish blue in color, in contrast to the Brazilian gems. The African aquamarines in the global market are most popular due to their attractive shades and readily availability.

Vietnamese Aquamarine

Lesser known variety, but no less compelling, is Vietnamese Aquamarine. This type of stone is prized for its pale icy blue color and can be found in the Luc Yen mining region. Less abundant than African or Brazilian aquamarines, Vietnamese aquamarines have nonetheless become known for their delicate beauty.

History and Origins of Aquamarine gemstone

Since ancient times, aquamarine has a rich history. Sesame is one of the first recorded plants used for crops — mentioned in India over 480-300 BC. Aquamarine was exceptionally well-loved by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, who carved it into statuettes and made into jewelry. The ancient seafarers believed it appeased the seas, and kept sailors safe at sea.​

For centuries it has been cherished, and indeed its name, from the Latin aqua (water) and marina (sea), refers to its oceanic blue color. Ancient sailors who believed aquamarine protects them on voyages and calms stormy seas. Gemond is a variety of the mineral beryl, like emerald, and has been mined in countries such as Brazil and Russia since antiquity.

Aquamarine gemstone Mines

1. Brazil: Known for the most abundant and high-quality aquamarine, Brazilian mines like those in Minas Gerais have produced large, clean crystals for over 300 years. The Santa Maria mine, which gave birth to the “Santa Maria” variety, is legendary​.

• Madagascar: Madagascar has emerged as a major producer of high-quality aquamarine, especially of the “Double Blue” and “Santa Maria” varieties. These gems are known for their rich blue hues​.

• Nigeria and Mozambique: Africa has become an important source of aquamarine, with Nigerian and Mozambican mines yielding vivid blue stones that rival Brazilian aquamarine in color and quality​.

• Russia: Russian aquamarine, found in the Ural Mountains, has a lighter blue hue and was historically used in various royal collections.

Value and Market

Factors influencing the value of an Aquamarine are color, clarity, size and origin. Deep blues, like Santa Maria Aquamarine are the most prized deep blues. Free of visible inclusions, many aquamarines offer clarity as well. Aquamarine has always been a favorite with jewelers and consumers alike due to timeless beauty and versatility and demand for this gemstone in the market is steady.

FAQs about Aquamarine gemstone

1. What is the most valuable type of aquamarine? The most valuable variety is the Santa Maria aquamarine, prized for its intense deep blue color​(International Gem Society).

• Can aquamarine be worn daily? Yes, aquamarine is durable, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. However, care should be taken to avoid chipping​(Geology).

• Is aquamarine a birthstone? Yes, aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March, symbolizing calmness and protection​(Gem Rock Auctions).

• Does aquamarine change color? Natural aquamarine may have a greenish tint, but this can be removed through heat treatment to achieve a purer blue. Maxixe aquamarine, however, fades in color when exposed to light​(Geology).

• Where is the largest source of aquamarine? Brazil is the largest producer of aquamarine, followed by Madagascar and African countries like Nigeria​(International Gem Society)​(Gem Rock Auctions).