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Beryl (Be3Al2(Si6O18) is a relatively common mineral although it does contain the rare element beryllium. It is most well known however for its gem varieties: the pale green to blue aquamarine, the intense green emerald, the pale yellow to yellowish-orange heliodor and the pale pink to salmon colored morganite. Beryl also occurs as the colorless gem variety goshenite, and as the very rare red gem beryl variety bixbite.
Aquamarine (Be3Al2(Si6O18)) occurs primarily in granite pegmatites and to a lesser extent in miarolitic cavities in granites, also in hydrothermal carbonate veins and greisens.
Aquamarine is typically associated with quartz, albite, and muscovite. It often occurs with other pegmatite accessory minerals such as biotite, garnet, microcline, and topaz.
Because of aquamarine's relatively high hardness and specific gravity, it is sometimes found in eluvial and aluvial deposits.
The color of aquamarine is due to trace amounts of iron impurities in the
beryl structure. The color ranges from pale green to pale blue to blue depending
on the relative concentrations of Fe2+ to Fe3+ and
on where the iron impurities are located within the beryl crystal
structure. The beryl crystal structure contains channels outlined by rings
of (Si-O)6 units. These rings are stacked upon each other
leaving space within the channels for water or other impurities. Color influencing
iron impurities can be present in these interstitial channel sites or substituting
for aluminum in octahedral sites. When Fe3+ is present substituting
for aluminum in the octahedral site a yellow color is produced. When
Fe2+ is present in the interstitial channel site a pure blue
color is evident. When both are present the typical blue-green color of fine aquamarine jewelry
is produced.
Heating green-blue aquamarine to approximately
300 degrees Celcius reduces the Fe3+ to Fe2+, thereby
eliminating the yellow and green colors leaving only the pure blue color
that is most popular. Irradiation can reverse this process restoring
the yellow and green colors.
Aquamarine is usually recognized by its hexagonal form, color and specific
gravity. Distinguished from apatite by its greater hardness.
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The name aquamarine is of Latin origin meaning sea water in allusion to its color.
Aquamarine is used as a gemstone.
Traditionally, aquamarine has been used as a charm by sailors for protection while at sea.
Wearing aquamarine earrings or jewelry is also believed to preserve and enhance mutual love and to maintain a good marriage, and to ensure truth in relationships and business dealings.
The astrological signs of aquamarine are Pisces and Scorpio.
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for the month of March, it is also an optional birthstone
for October.
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Wearing aquamarine jewelry or holding an aquamarine mineral specimen (or an aquamarine crystal) is said to release anger and negativity replacing them
with mental peace and clarity, providing emotional and mental balance.
Aquamarine is also said to aid in meditation, and to give courage and to assist in
self-expression.
Natural aquamarine jewelry is said to help reduce dependence on drugs, to aid in digestion, as a remedy for swollen glands and to maintain the health of the jaws and teeth.
For more in-depth metaphysical information, see our Metaphysical Books section.
See also our natural aquamarine gemstones
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