Aquamarine is the gemstone or birthstone for March birthday celebrants. This makes it a perfect gift for people who are born on that month. With aquamarines significant and rich history, aquamarine rings make for excellent alternative engagement rings. Also perfect as 19th anniversary gift, aquamarine, with its fine sea-blue color, is believed to bring good luck to marriage, voyagers and sailors.
A member of beryl family of minerals, aquamarine was derived from the Latin word aqua, which means water, and marina, meaning sea. It was named aquamarine, which means water of the sea or sea water, because its colors range from shades of green-blue to blue just like the colors of the sea. The color of the gemstone is caused by the presence of iron impurities in the chemical composition. The darker the aquamarine, the higher its value.
Aquamarine is transparent to translucent. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.4 to 8, which makes it one robust gemstone. The toughness of aquamarine protects it generally from getting scratched. It has a specific gravity that ranges from 2.68 to 2.74. Its refractive indices range around 1.57 to 1.58.
Most aquamarine comes from the pegmatite of Minas Gerais, Brazil. However, aquamarines are also mined in Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Sri Lanka, China, Russia, India, Colombia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi also produce aquamarine. In the United States, aquamarines can be found in central Colorado, at the summit of Mount Antero in the Sawatch Range and in the Big Horn mountains near Powder River Pass in Wyoming.
Aquamarines are related to some other gemstones. It is closely related to emerald as both are members of the beryl family of gemstones. Emerald is more rare and valuable, whereas, aquamarine is usually almost free of inclusions. Aquamarine can also be confused easily with Blue topaz due to their crystal structure which is similar to that of a diamond. But between these two gemstones, aquamarine is much more scarce and valuable.
According to ancient legends, aquamarine was found in a mermaids treasure chest. Sailors and travelers carried it because of its supposed ability to ensure a safe passage and guarantee safe return. This was done by sailors and travelers because of the belief that it was blessed by the god of the sea with power to keep sailors safe at sea. In the middle ages, aquamarine was also believed to guarantee a happy marriage and make its owner happy and rich. The people thought it could magically overcome the effects of poison.
It was also believed that the gemstone could give strength, youthfulness, hope and courage. Also, people thought that it could bring wealth and harmony. It was also used as protection against the wiles of the devil and to strengthen the aura as well.
Aquamarine is said to heal sickness, eyesight, breathing problems and even hiccups. It is also said to promote trust, peace, sympathy and kindness. Some people believe that this stone can reawaken love in a tired marriage.
Aquamarine can be heat-treated to the desired deep blue color. Once treated, it can keep its new color without any special care required. This gemstone has become a favorite for many jewelry designers because it can be cut easily, thus, enabling them to achieve unique and imaginative cuts and shapes. Whether it be new cut or modern cut, aquamarine rings still look stunning.
Aquamarine jewelry has become a popular choice for fashion designers and enthusiasts. It is all because of its hardness, clarity and delicate color. Aquamarine can also be set with diamonds and other light stones. It also makes a stunning choice in settings with black pearls, onyx or other dark gemstones. Large aquamarine pendants and aquamarine earrings are also well liked as its color flatters most skin.
At aquamarine-rings.net, you can avail of the fashionable, striking, unique and affordable aquamarine rings. Aquamarine rings are almost as popular in fashion jewelry as the more expensive gemstones like ruby, sapphire and emerald. At EBay and Amazon, we offer exciting prices and discounts on select aquamarine rings. Hurry and browse over our splendid aquamarine rings collection.
