Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family, alongside the emerald. Other notable family members include the red rhodochrosite and the pink morganite.
Aquamarines occur in shades ranging from pale blue to greenish-blue, with the most valuable specimens exhibiting high clarity and vivid, light sea blue hues.
Named after the colour of seawater in Latin, aquamarine perfectly captures the generosity and vastness of the ocean. The birthstone of March, aquamarine, is known as the stone of calmness, courage and wisdom.
Aquamarine comes in different grades, evaluated based on the gemstone’s transparency. Excellent-grade aquamarines display high clarity with no visible inclusions, snowflakes, or fine cracks. In general, aquamarines with higher clarity and transparency command higher prices. Average-grade aquamarines show a milky appearance with a whitish-light blue hue.
Mohs hardness: 7.5 - 8
Origins: Russia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Pakistan, Namibia and Mozambique.
Aquamarine’s light blue color symbolises feelings of sympathy, trust and friendship. (Blossom & Vicker)