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.
Aquamarine means water of the sea or sea water. It was coined from the Latin word aqua meaning water and marina meaning sea. The colors of aquamarine range from shades of green-blue to blue just like the color of the sea. The darker the aquamarine, the higher the value. The color of the aquamarine is caused by the presence of iron impurities in the chemical composition.
The toughness of aquamarine serves as its protection against scratches. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.4 to 8, which makes it one robust gemstone. It contains specific gravity of about 2.68 to 2.74. Its refractive indices range around 1.57 to 1.58. Aquamarine is transparent to translucent.
Aquamarines are mined in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique. Russia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Colombia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya 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. Most aquamarine comes from the pegmatites of Minas Gerais Brazil.
Aquamarine is closely related to emerald because both belong to the mineral beryl family. It is usually free of inclusions, which is similar to that of a diamond. And because of this, aquamarine can be easily confused with diamond.
In the middle ages, it is thought that aquamarine could magically overcome effects of poison. It is also believed to make the wearer happy and rich and guarantees joyful marriage. Ancient legend has it that aquamarine was found in a mermaids chest, blessed by the sea god with power to keep sailors safe at sea. Thats why because of this supposed ability to ensure safe passage and return sailors and travelers always carry it with them.
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.
There is also a popular belief that the aquamarine can reawaken love in a tired marriage. In addition, the gemstone aquamarine promotes peace, sympathy, trust and kindness. Aquamarine is said to also heal sickness, eyesight, breathing problems and even hiccups.
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.
Aquamarine rings are as popular as the more expensive gemstones like ruby, sapphire and emerald in fashion jewelry. Avail of the stylish, unique, striking and reasonably priced aquamarine rings at aquamarine-rings.net. We also offer discounts on selected aquamarine rings on EBay and Amazon.