Aquamarine is usually known as emerald`s most famous sister. It is a different colour variety of the mineral beryl. Greenish-blue to bluish-green beryl is called aquamarine. The advances of modern technology have made it possible that when aquamarine is treated with heat, it drives the green out of the stone and leave a more pleasing blue. This is a permanent treatment and has become accepted in the jewelry industry. The name Aquamarine is derived from Latin words meaning sea and water. Therefore it can be said that the name `aquamarine` means sea water.

Madagascar is the historical source of aquamarine, but is no longer important as of now. A medium dark blue colour is the typical of stones that came from that area. Brazil is probably the most prolific supplier of aquamarine today. The natural color of Brazilian gems leans toward bluish-green. Comparing emerald and aquamarine, the latter is the tougher sister. Aqua is usually free from the inclusions that make emerald more fragile. It is often step-cut i.e. emerald-cut to show its color to best advantage.

Aquamarines are usually found in a range of blue shades, from the palest pastel to greenish-blue to a deep blue. While the choice of colour is largely a matter of taste, the deeper blue gems are more rare. Aquamarine is a pastel gemstone, and while color can be quite intense in larger gemstones. The smaller Aquamarines are often less vivid or bright. In its finest color aquamarine will be a rather dark blue, rivaling a nice medium blue sapphire. But they are rare and expensive. Sometimes too many blue topaz have been sold as aquamarines, as blue topaz is much cheaper.

Aquamarine is pale greenish blue or bluish green variety of beryl. Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum silicate. This is a commercial source of beryllium. It has long been of interest because several varieties are valued as gemstones. These are aquamarine, emerald and heliodor. Aquamarine is the most common variety of gem beryl, it occurs in pegmatite, in which it forms much larger and clearer crystals than emerald.

This is a beautiful and affordable gemstone found in a range of blue shades. The highest quality aquamarine is transparent. Aquamarine is a hard gemstone, making it a good choice for jewelry that is worn frequently like aquamarine rings. However due to its delicate color and clarity it is best displayed in a more prominent position such as in earrings and pendants. A nice, medium dark blue aquamarine is a perfect gift for any occasion, but especially for weddings it is apt as this is the symbol of beauty and honesty. While buying aquamarine jewelry it should be noted that wearing aquamarine in earrings brings love and affection.

Curing ability of Aquamarine
Curing ability of aquamarine is immense as this gemstone works against nerve pain, glandular problems, toothache, and disorders of the neck, jaw and throat. It even strengthens liver and kidneys. Since ancient times, aquamarine has been believed to endow with courage, happiness and foresight. It helps to increase the level of intelligence and enhances youthfulness. It also helps to address the issue of anxiety and provides peace of mind. It is said that sailors often use this gemstone to prevent from seasickness.