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Aquamarine Rough
Aquamarine (Lat. aqua marinā, "water of the sea") is a gemstone-quality transparent variety
of beryl, having a delicate blue or turquoise color, suggestive of the tint of seawater. It is closely related to the gem
emerald. Aquamarine (along with bloodstone) is the birthstone associated with March. It is also the gemstone for the 19th
Anniversary. People in the Middle Ages thought that aquamarine could magically overcome the effects of poison. Ancient sailors
traveled with aquamarine crystals, believing that it would ensure a safe passage, and guarantee a safe return; they often
slept with the stones under their pillow to ensure sound sleep. They believed the siren's (mermaid) fish-like lower body was
made of aquamarine.
Other gemstone color varieties that belong to beryl include emerald, morganite, and heliodor. Other
colors of beryl are simply referred to by their color, such as red beryl.
Aquamarine is colored by trace amounts of iron that find their way into the crystal structure. Most gem aquamarines
have been heat treated to produce the popular blue-green colors from less desirable yellow or pale stones. The leading producer
of aquamarines is the country of Brazil, which has many mines. Pakistan, Vietnam and many U.S. localities, produce wonderful
specimens as well.
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Beautiful ten carat parcel of untreated Santa Maria rough. Nice color and clean pieces, although they are
a bit small.
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Twenty carats of smaller pieces of light colored "sea foam" aquamarine. This is untreated material from Santa Maria,
Brazil.
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Nice crystal piece from Afghanistan. Light in color and fairly eye clean except for one veil. Approx. size:15x9x6
Weight: 8.15 cts.
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