Aquamarine is a must-have for those who are passionate about rare gemstones since it captures the tranquility, depth, and ethereality of the ocean. Trust us, looking into different types of aquamarine will just make you want one even more.
This May birthstone is lovely, but it shouldn’t be the primary selling point. Do understand the stone before you invest your hard-earned money by knowing its type, origin, cut, clarity, and color.
Color? Aren’t they all blue?
Yes, they are blue, but blue also has its variation. So, read along to get answers to all such queries so you can make a well-informed decision for your exquisite jewelry. Because all the parameters we just mentioned directly impact the overall price of your desired stone.
So, no holding back. Let’s get the ball rolling, as it will be an exciting read.
Types of Aquamarine: Everything You Should Know
In the competitive gemstone trade, it is difficult to lay a hand on a natural aquamarine stone in the blue gemstones category.
What? What we see in the market isn’t real.
Well, some are, but not all, as some are lab-grown, synthetic, and treated too. Let’s know about them.
Natural Aquamarine
As the name says, these are the stones procured naturally from the earth through mining. This gemstone is renowned for having excellent clarity, unlike other gemstones, but still, limited inclusions are just part of the job. Gemologists refer to aquamarine as a translucent, blueish-green form of beryl when it is untreated and in its natural state. Natural aquamarines are rare; therefore, they command higher moolah.
Lab-Made/Synthetic Aquamarine
Many retailers have turned to lab-grown stones to suit the rising demand for our stunning aquamarine. In terms of physical and chemical characteristics, synthetic/lab-grown aquamarine is identical to natural stone.
The only distinction is that synthetic aquamarine is created in a controlled setting using cutting-edge technology and human input. They are less expensive than their natural counterparts.
Treated Aquamarine
The majority of mined aquamarine gemstone has a body hue of blueish green, which means a blue body with green flashes or vice versa. However, naturally blue aquamarines exist, although they only make up a small portion of the mined material. So, these natural aquamarine undergo heat treatments to achieve the desired blue hue. It is believed that the greenish tint of an aquamarine can be eliminated with easy heat treatment.
It is a routine job in the aquamarine market. However, the buyer needs to be informed as an ethical practice.
As a matter of fact, distinguishing natural, lab-created, and treated aquamarine is a task for the unversed. Hence, obtain a certificate of authenticity from the dealer you are buying from to avoid any cheap gimmick or dupe.
Also See: Most Popular Trending Gemstones
Types of Aquamarine: Based on Origin and Trade Name
Various types of aquamarine available in the market go by their trade name or place of creation. Know them and their attributes to make an informed choice.
Brazilian Aquamarine
Brazil is undoubtedly the biggest and most imperative commercial producer of aquamarine gemstones with a bluish-green body hue. Brazil has been known to produce some fine aquamarine gemstones for 300 years in Espirito Santo, Bahia, Rio Grande do, Paraba, Ceara, Norte, and Minas Gerais.
Madagascar Aquamarine
Some aquamarine stunners come from Madagascar. They are known to have a high-quality stone with a medium blue appearance.
Santa Maria Aquamarine
Aquamarines, known as “Santa Marias,” are named after the Santa Maria de Itabira mine where they were initially found. Still, stones of comparable hues have also been found in other places.
Some other noted places where you can take high-quality aquamarine are Australia, India, Namibia, Nigeria, Russia, Afghanistan, etc.
Now, something interesting for you to know:
Knowing a gem’s origin place is always fascinating, but it has little bearing on how much an aquamarine is worth. You need to understand that gemstones aren’t valuable or desirable because they come from well-known mines. Still, famous mines are respected because they generate fine-quality gems that are precious. Now, you know the matrix here.
Also See: Gemstone Colors – List of Gemstones By Color
Types of Aquamarine: The role of Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat (Quality Parameters)
The market is full of various kinds of stone. But how will you know the one you buy is a well-graded stone? Here comes the 4Cs- cut, clarity, color, and carat. Know your aquamarine in these parameters before choosing it for your desired jewelry design.
Aquamarine Varieties in Terms of Color
Would you buy a gemstone if its color is not appealing? No, right. Hence, the color is the primary selling point for any gemstone, and the same goes for aquamarine gemstones.
When choosing an aquamarine gemstone, deep colors stones are most sought after. However, the color palette ranges from solid sea blue to pale blue.
The intensity of the color also plays an integral part in the stone’s overall quality. Dark blue to slight greenish-blue with a moderately high intensity is the gem’s most prized color, as many buyers seek the same for their aquamarine ring or other jewelry pieces. Generally speaking, the more pure and robust the stone’s blue color, the more precious it is.
It’s possible to come across gemstones marketed as “white aquamarines.” Be warned that such stones are most likely goshenites, colorless beryl.
How Does Clarity Impact Aquamarine?
When it comes to clarity, aquamarine is eye-clean (it means there are minimal or no inclusions which the naked eye can detect). Aquamarine clarity is close to perfection. Although some crystals may have liquid inclusions that can be managed.
These flaws allow cutters to fashion the crystal to show a marvel of some beautiful appearance, such as a cat’s eye. Some of the names of standard inclusions in the aquamarine gemstone are
- Needles,
- Surface Graining
- Cavity
- Mineral crystals
- Feathers
- Knot
- Chip
- Internal Grading
- Dark chromite
- Lily pads
- Pinpoint
Also See: Gemstones List By Value
Types of Aquamarine, as per the Grading System
Aquamarine gemstones are graded using a scale that will help you comprehend every feature of the stone and locate the ideal deal for your requirements. The grades for this unique gem range from AAAA stones to AAA stones to AA stones to B stones. What are they? Let’s know them
Natural AAAA: The top 10% of natural aquamarines come under these. They are eye-clean and have a distinctive sea blue color.
Natural AAA: These represent the top 20%–30% of naturally mined aquamarines. They are moderately included and have a medium sea blue color.
Natural AA: This contains 50%–75% of the available natural aquamarines, which are somewhat included and virtually translucent blue.
Different Types of Aquamarine as Per Cut
Aquamarine is a cutter’s favorite stone due to its degree of toughness and clarity.
Although aquamarines can be cut practically any way but cut experts frequently go for emerald, round, oval, or brilliant cuts per the market’s demand and popularity. Gem sculptors use aquamarine to create decorative pieces and creative cutting.
Because aquamarines are pleochroic in nature, they exhibit many shades depending on the viewing angle. Cutters need to take care of this phenomenon to make the desired stone.
Aquamarine Varieties Based on Carat Weight
The weight of certain aquamarines can reach 45 kg. There is no need for large aquamarine stones other than as focus stones because they are challenging to work with in many types of jewelry concepts. As a result, prices per carat for stones larger than 25 carats tend to decrease.
If you are into astrology, you will be suggested to obtain a certain carat weight for your jewelry piece to avail of maximum aquamarine benefits. Be sure you pick the correct carat weight.
Final Words on Types of Aquamarine
No one can resist the charm of soothing aquamarine gemstones. And if blue gemstone makes you weak on your knees, it can be an ideal pick for you or your closed ones. However, However, individuals who value variety and quality in every purchase will find it advantageous to be aware of the various types of aquamarine.
Suppose this blog gathered your interest in this fantastic gemstone. In that case, you may also level up by reading how to take care of aquamarine bracelets and how to clean aquamarine bracelets.
FAQs
The color of the stone indicates whether it is a natural aquamarine. They are a light blue color in their natural state, like saltwater, and they might also be slightly tinted green or yellow. Gems that are found naturally have excellent transparency and clarity. Check its grade and other quality parameters like cut, clarity, and carat to ensure your choice.
The most important thing is you buy from an authentic dealer to ensure the quality of the aquamarine stone you are buying. You may ask for the certification also to authenticate your buy.
There is another way.
Hold the stone in front of the sun and see how the light is reflected. Genuine aquamarine should allow light to pass through because it is often transparent or translucent. But it might not be real if the stone appears opaque or hazy.
Clear, transparent, and eye-clean are common characteristics of high-quality aquamarines. The stone can be a fake if you discover any eye-visible impurities.
The most expensive stone is the natural, translucent deep blue aquamarine, even though most consumers prefer aquamarine gemstones with a slight green sheen.
