A Look Into the Aquamarine Stone - Formation, Color, & Cleaning Tips

Gemstones are treasured elements of nature. They come from the Earth and are able to connect humans to that powerful sense of grounding, healing energy that the natural world provides. 

Many people choose to adorn themselves in various colorful gemstones simply because of their intrinsic beauty, while others are attracted to them for the many positive benefits they can provide to one's life.

One such stone that is beloved for not only its beauty, but also its power, is the dreamy, blue aquamarine.

Since time immemorial human beings have been fascinated by the concept of a force that is far greater than them.

They search for something to bring them ease during times of hardship, attract good fortune and luck into their lives, and to miraculously cure the plight of the human condition.

Gemstones are considered to be one such force with otherworldly abilities. Among these stones, aquamarine is on a level of its own. Aquamarine is a rare crystal and is believed to help its wearer heal from mental and emotional trauma in a more effective manner.

It is said to help in calming tempers and settling conflicting situations. Wearing the rare aquamarine crystal can also aid individuals in relieving stress, instilling a sense of tranquility, and allowing one to move on from the past.

It has long been believed that wearing aquamarine jewelry can provide the benefits of a clear-thinking mind and a tranquil heart through difficult circumstances.

Whether you choose to wear your aquamarine as a pendant around your neck or make an elegant ring out of it, it is essential to take proper care of the stone. This will avoid running the risk of it losing its spectacular beauty and shine.

Read more to find out about the properties of the aquamarine stone, the story behind its distinct color and geological formation, and how to take care of your own aquamarine stone. Intrigued by this ethereally blue beauty? Let’s dive in!

The Formation of the Aquamarine Birthstone 

This stone is a truly fascinating one due to its beautiful nature, as well as its complex formation process. Aquamarines are made from an assortment of unique salts that once combusted together into the form of a rock. It is a somewhat transparent mineral of the beryl family, which contains silica, aluminum, and beryllium.

The natural process of creating the pale blue aquamarine stone can be found all across the globe. Brazil maintains the number one spot as the leading source of this stone’s excavation.

Other countries that hold the requirements for the formulation of aquamarine include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Russia, among many others. This stone is uniquely deposited in both alluvial forms and pegmatites. 

While this dynamic crystal is a natural element, the natural production of this birthstone is not enough to meet its ever growing demand on the market.

Due to a decrease in the mining of aquamarine birthstones, industries have had to start using an artificially synthesized process of producing these ocean-like stones.

The Natural Process of Aquamarine Formation

Aquamarines, a form of beryl minerals, are created within igneous rocks. The name, igneous, comes from the Latin language in which igneous means fire. This is due to the fact that stones are created from the cooling of volcanic magma and lava.

Under extreme heat, the rock melts, causing a seemingly magical and unbelievable effect that converts molten rocks into crystals. This is how the beloved aquamarine is formed.

Aquamarine stones are a rare beauty, and such rare beauties do not form overnight. It is a geological process that goes on for millions of years. The initial form is that of  magma.

It melts in the core of the earth under harsh temperatures and is then pushed towards the surface of the world through volcanic eruptions.

Once the magma comes to surface level, it cools and crystallizes into igneous rocks, which are then treated by various chemicals to form aquamarine stones enriched with minerals.

The Synthetic Process of Aquamarine Formations

Due to the advancement of technology, aquamarine birthstones can also be made in laboratories by employing hydrothermal growth techniques. As complex as it sounds, a breakdown of this process will make it simpler to understand.

Beryl mixed with other natural components is treated under extreme pressure and temperatures to form the perfect aquamarine crystal. This technique is implemented by making use of a contraption called “the crucible”.

This is a technologically advanced invention that is similar to a sealed container, however, it is pressure controlled. The crucible is lined with a thin wall of platinum or gold, depending on the availability, and then it is filled with various formation components, such as aluminum oxide, silica, and more.

Next, the container is filled with water and then topped with traces of derivatives and iron. This mixture is what brings about the ocean-like aquamarine color in these synthetic gems.

The crucible is then exposed to harsh temperatures between 372 - 595 degrees Celsius, along with intense pressure, to bind all the components together.

Both these controlled factors merge to break down the minerals into molecular parts, which in turn introduces synthetic aquamarine birthstones into the world.

Physical Elements of the Aquamarine Birthstone 

The name aquamarine stems from two Latin words - ‘aqua’, meaning water, and ‘marine’, meaning the sea. The name is quite fitting for this stone with an ocean-like blue color and exceptionally soothing effects. If you want to get into the nitty gritty of geology, here are the physical elements that make up this stone:

• The aquamarines stone is from the beryl family and has the chemical composition of silicon dioxide, aluminum, beryllium, and a chemical formula of Be3Al2Si6O18.
• The crystal stone of this particular gem is traditionally hexagonal in shape.
• The size of an aquamarine varies from large, being around 45kgs, to small, being about 0.2kgs.
• In terms of hardness, this stone has scored a 7.9 / 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
• The gravity of aquamarine stones is estimated to be at 2.68 to 2.8.
• The distinct blue hues in this stone are the outcome of the traces of ferrous ions found within it.

The Secret Behind Aquamarine’s Pale Blue Hue

This March birthstone is beloved for its exceptional color. It is not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but also incites feelings of peace and serenity. We know that pure beryls are transparent, so how does aquamarine get its unique color?  Impurities are the answer.

While beryl is colorless, other components that merged in the process of creating aquamarine are what bring about the distinct characteristics of the blue coloring.

This breathtakingly soothing blue is attained through numerous metallic elements. Traces of iron mixed with manganese enable aquamarine stones to reflect a harmonious blue color. The more natural the blue shade is, the more valuable an aquamarine stone is considered. The color of this stone makes up its identity - and that color is obtained through its imperfections.

Aquamarine’s Many Benefits

Aquamarine is considered to be a soothing blue stone with a hint of green, and is famously the birthstone of March. People born during the month of March are known as belonging to the zodiac signs of either Pisces or Aries.

People born under these astrological signs are notorious for being impulsive, uncompromising, chaotic, and short-tempered. However, they also have a long list of beautifully positive traits to outweigh any of the negatives. In fact, people born during March are considered to have an otherwise perfectly charming personality.

Wearing an aquamarine ring or pendant can have the positive impact of balancing out and neutralizing the above-mentioned problematic traits. This stone helps the person wearing it get rid of unnecessary stress and anxiety, and helps them deal with and battle trauma from past events.

The abilities of this semi-precious gemstone can also have a beneficial impact on the wearer's financial situation, relationships, and overall behavior.

Aquamarine has the ability to balance, stabilize, and regulate a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It relieves the wearer of material wants and uncertainties, as well as mental tension.

Aquamarine assists people in becoming more grounded, caring, and selfless. When quick replies are required, the aquamarine gemstone aids in providing the owner with a clear vision, allowing them to make the best decision possible. As a result, it makes the wearer clever, quick to make decisions, and a good judge of character.

 

The healing qualities of the aquamarine stone are used to alleviate the anguish and pain caused by past occurrences. Aquamarine's energies are also used to release harmful emotional and karmic impulses.

Having raved about the exceptional healing properties of this stone, it is important to mention that as this stone is generally light in color, it requires extra care and attention. Being on the lighter side of blue, the rock tends to get cloudy or smudged, requiring proper and regular cleaning in order to keep its shine intact.

Cleaning Your Aquamarine 

Aquamarines have long been prized for their lovely blue color that inspires visions of the sea. Although they are not as hard as diamonds, they are still tough enough for regular use.

They can last quite a long time if you keep them away from chemicals like alcohol and ammonia. These stones' durability, combined with their  immense beauty, make them perfect stones for jewelry designs.

Aquamarines are, however, prone to smudging because of their light tint. To keep them looking their best, you will need to know how to clean them.

If you wish to preserve the beauty and sparkle of your aquamarine stone for years to come, then a proper cleaning and care routine is advised.

Here is everything you need to know about keeping your aquamarine gem clean and dazzling, whether you have had it for decades or you only just got it.

The Best Way to Clean an Aquamarine 

Apart from the generic care advice for all gemstone jewelry items, such as preventing its contact with moisture and perfumes, taking it off before sleeping, and storing it carefully in a soft cloth or small box, there are a few practical tips specifically for aquamarines.

Taking the following steps will ensure that your aquamarine never gets cloudy or loses its shine. Thankfully, this is a relatively simple process that can easily be done at home.

Step 1: Fill a small basin or bowl halfway with warm water and set it aside. Add a few drops of gentle dish soap to this water (any brand of dish soap will do!).

Step 2: Let your aquamarine jewelry soak in this warm, soapy water for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Scrub the stone gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, dislodging any particles and eliminating any debris. Take extra caution when cleaning the prongs that hold the stone in place to avoid bending them.

Step 4: Rinse the stone under warm water after cleaning it to remove any residual soap. Using a soft cloth, dry the aquamarine.

Keep in mind that aquamarine is considered to be a hard stone. Therefore, cleaning it with dish soap and some water from time to time will have no impact on its natural traits and powers.

Its healing properties will assuredly stay safe and intact. This stone is deeply connected to the ocean after all, so cleaning it with natural clean water will cause no harm.

In fact, cleaning it will only draw out further the potent shade of blue and allow the aquamarine to shine brighter and exert more of its vibrant energy.

Bring Aquamarine Into Your Life 

Aquamarine is a beautiful gemstone with an immense amount of healing benefits. For anyone looking to add the serenity of the ocean into their lives, this stone is a must.

With the promise of peace, and an exceptionally gorgeous aesthetic, this stone has got it all. Want to learn more? Visit our website and equip yourself with more knowledge about gemstones, birthstones, astrology, and more!