Water World of Gemstones
Aquamarine Literally Means Sea Water
Aqua is a variety of the mineral species beryl, which also includes emerald and heliodor, or golden beryl. The rare cherry hued bixbite is also a beryl. Depending on other elements mixed into the beryl mineral in its formative stage, a different color will result.
Aquamarine is generally a clean mineral, free of many natural inclusions that would detract from its beauty. Notice that the aquas shown here are large in size but more importantly they are shaped into emerald cuts. This cut is only used (for pretty much any gemstone or diamond) when the stone is clean, and can take the scrutiny of a close inspection.
Aqua is found around the world. Here's a rough crystal specimen from Pakistan.
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| Actress Jessica Biel wears Tiffany aquamarine and diamond jewels to the 2014 Academy Awards gala
Aquamarine is a much beloved gemstone that boasts collectors going back eons. While its traditional devotees are legion, it still finds a fan base in modern jewelry lovers. Its pastel hue makes it a great companion for just about any wearer's skin tone . . . or even wardrobe choice for that matter.
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Aqua is a variety of the mineral species beryl, which also includes emerald and heliodor, or golden beryl. The rare cherry hued bixbite is also a beryl. Depending on other elements mixed into the beryl mineral in its formative stage, a different color will result.
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| Biel's close-up on her Tiffany aquamarine earrings |
Aqua is found around the world. Here's a rough crystal specimen from Pakistan.
If you like your gemstones large, sashay on down to Brazil, where the most massive aquamarine crystal ever was unearthed in Minas Gerais, Brazil in 1910, weighing over 110 kg. Its dimensions were 48.5 cm (19 in) long and 42 cm (17 in) in diameter. That's a lot of watery-blue!
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