Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a gemstone which is usually known as emerald"s most famous sister. It is a different colour variety of the mineral beryl. This is a beautiful and affordable gemstone found in a range of blue shades. Aquamarine is the birthstone of Pisces, from 18 February - 20 March. This gemstone is the anniversary stone for the 19th year of marriage.

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 name Aquamarine is derived from Latin words meaning sea and water. Therefore it can be said that the name `aquamarine` means sea water.

The natural colour of Aquamarine leans toward bluish-green. Comparing emerald and aquamarine, the latter is the tougher sister. It is usually free from the inclusions that make emerald more fragile. It is often step-cut i.e. emerald-cut to show its colour 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 colour can be quite intense in larger gemstones. The smaller Aquamarines are often less vivid or bright. In its finest colour, aquamarine will be a rather dark blue, rivalling a nice medium blue sapphire. But they are rare and expensive. Sometimes the Blue Topaz is also 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 Aluminium Silicate. Several varieties of beryl are valued as gemstones like 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. The highest quality aquamarine is transparent.

Benefits of Aquamarine are immense and it is highly recommended for healing purposes. Aquamarine is happens to be a precious stone which is the birthstone of people born in the month of March. This popular gemstone has got its name from Aqua which actually means "Water" and Mare means "Sea". This gemstone actually belongs to the family of Beryl and the colour of this stone varies from pale blue to beautiful aqua blue. There are also other types of this stone that is available which are large and are more than ten carats. There are different types of cuts that are given to this stone and some of the common cuts are can be seen are "step cut" and "emerald cut".

Like many other stones. Aquamarine too, has very few inclusions and hence they appear very clean. These inclusions are nothing but impurities that cause an adverse effect on the jazz and sparkle of the stone.

Benefits of Aquamarine Stone : 
1. Ever since previous century this stone is sincerely regarded as beneficial for the sailors. It ensures safe and sound journey throughout the water. According Greeks and Romans this Aquamarine stone is said to stir the sea spirits hence leading to sound and safe journey to respective destination.
2. Aquamarine stone is said to be very good for a peaceful, happy and hassle free married life.
3. Aquamarine provides for an ever lasting youth for its owner. This stone also has an amazing healing property and also possesses other magical properties. Most of the diseases that concerns glands can be cured using this stone.
4. Wearing this stone on a regular basis can help people keep a level head and also assists in taking difficult decisions during tough situations. It is also said that the wearer get the physical as well as spiritual cleanliness after wearing this stone.

This gemstone has a typical property whereby it can be charged in the moonlight for the whole night. The full moon light is extremely helpful for charging the stone. For best effect it is better to wash the stone and dry it in the moonlight.

For best result and for making the stone long lasting it is important to wash the stone regularly with water and softly wipe it with soft cloth. And the stone must be kept away from heat, as it changes colour and properties if subjected to high temperature.

Curing ability of aquamarine is colossal in nature. Aquamarineworks against nerve pain, glandular problems, toothache, and disorders of the neck, jaw and throat. It strengthens liver and kidneys. Aquamarine diminishes problems with eyes, ears and stomach, relieves cough. Moreover, aquamarine protects from perils of the sea, including seasickness. It is said to help ease depression and grief. Aquamarine has been credited with providing courage, curing laziness and quickening the intellect. In the middle ages it was believed to give the wearer both insight and foresight and freedom from insomnia. Among various peoples, it had the reputation of providing happiness and everlasting youth. Water in which an aquamarine had been soaked was believed to cure eye troubles, stoppage of breathe and hiccups.

. Aquamarine has a soothing effect on just married couples, assisting them in working out their differences and insuring a long and happy marriage. Aquamarine is said to reawaken love in long-married couples and signify the making of new friends. It also provides courage and strengthens the will. Aquamarine protects against the wiles of the devil. Others say that the Aquamarine is an excellent stone for meditation as well.

Aquamarine is comfortable in the most casual setting as well as in the most elegant way. Small aquamarine stones may be set alone in dainty settings, with or without diamond accent whereas larger aquamarines nestle comfortably in the company of diamonds of many sizes. Aquamarine is one of the few gemstones that look beautiful with both white and yellow gold and platinum. Yellow gold adds a warm touch to the piece of jewellery; white gold or platinum accentuates the coolness of the gem`s colour.

Aquamarines are set in women and children`s jewellery of all kinds. They are cut in a variety of shapes and sizes for use in rings, earrings, pendants, pins and bracelets. Aquamarine needs to be cleaned often to keep its luminous sparkle. A thorough, soft brush scrubbing with a commercial jewellery cleaner or liquid detergent and water is sufficient if done after every three or four wearing.

Birthstone : Aquamarine along with bloodstone is birthstones of Pisces or fish. The time ranges from February 19 to March 20.

Wedding anniversary : Aquamarine is the anniversary gemstone for the 16th and 19th year of marriage.

Proper care should be taken to protect aquamarine from scratches and sharp blows. Aquamarine jewellery should be kept in dark place. It often becomes paler if left out in the sun. Aquamarine gemstones should be cleaned in ultrasonic jewellery cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush.