Aquamarine: A Special Gemstone

Date: 2008-11-19 08:03:15

By Richard Ramey

A large number of people know and appreciate the gemstone aquamarine. Iron in the soil from which it was mined causes its blue color and clarity. The spectrum of colors goes from a practically transparent blue to a deep-sea blue that is very intense. Its value rises with the intensity of its color.

Brazil used to be a major area for the mining of aquamarine. Presently, however, the supply of this lovely gemstone is being provided by many African nations such as Madagascar, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In between 480 and 300 BC the Greeks were the ones to document aquamarine. Most them adorned themselves with amulets, which are made of aquamarine with engraved pictures of Poseidon riding a chariot. There are other legends in this also. In medieval times, it was thought to counteract the effects of poisons. Fortunetellers claimed to see the future in the "magic mirror" made of aquamarine. There are some people who have used this gemstone for eyeglasses. One example would be Emperor Nero and the Germans.

The old story says that aquamarine was created inside a treasure chest as a gift to mermaids. Sailors and other nautical voyagers believed that they brought good luck. Back in old days the Romans used stone to show strength and confidence. Sailors used to wear amulets with aquamarines because they believed that the gem could protect them from storms at sea. If the stone were immersed in water warmed by the sun, it would become even more effective.

People who wear aquamarine are supposed to be richer, happier, and to have more harmonious marriages. The product is also helpful in helping an individual obtain his or her goals and increasing communication skills. Other than this your powers of intuition, sensitivity and spiritual journey will be part of this.

Aquamarine has been rated with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs' scale. This one is rated 5-8 in a 10-point scale when 10 is the most resistance one. Since it has the characteristics of being very resistant to scratches it is a perfect material to use for jewelry. To clean aquamarine gemstones, clean carefully with a soft rag and soap and water. Exposing them to harsh chemicals and solvents can harm your gemstones.

If you're looking to purchase gemstones, there will be different factors and qualities that you need to consider. Size, type, cut, and quality are the factors that determine cost. Make sure you ask the dealer how the stone has been treated. Using irradiation treatment, aquamarine colors are enhanced and imperfections are taken away. Heat treatment is used to bring out the color of the stones. This material is used frequently on aquamarine also.

You should find out if the stone is natural. Be careful as not all jewelers are honest and may try to sell you a fake stone. If the stone doesn't have any flaws, and looks too perfect, there is a strong possibility that the stone is a fake.

A favored stone for both its color and clarity is aquamarine. The setting of your jewelry will determine the tone of the piece, classy, formal or funky. Because many people believe that it has healing abilities, aquamarine has been a valuable gemstone for a very long time. You should definitely consider aquamarine the next time you go to buy new jewels.


Author

Richard Ramey provides great ideas about aquamarine jewelry, plus many other fine articles, at theaquamarine necklace guide website.. This articles came from MoreArticles.net.


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