Description
Aquamarine (Latin: aqua marina, "sea water") is a fairly precious gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl. Its color is pale green, yellow-green, pale blue, or blue-green. Aquamarine is a common mineral and, like other beryllium-bearing minerals, occurs primarily in pegmatites. Localities include Brazil (Minas Gerais), Madagascar, the Urals, Nigeria, Pakistan, Mexico, India, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and the United States. Types of Aquamarine: Santa Maria – A prestigious quality designation for exceptional aquamarines. The name is derived from the mine of the same name in Ceará, Brazil. Santa Maria Africana: A prestigious quality designation for exceptional aquamarines from Mozambique, available since 1991. The name is derived from the 'Santa Maria' quality from Ceará, Brazil. Maxixe Aquamarine – An enchanting, dark blue aquamarine with a unique charm. The color bleaches out in daylight. Originally from the Maxixe mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Regularly offered since the 1970s, it has apparently been irradiated. The color is not colorfast. In the Middle Ages, statues of the Virgin Mary were adorned with aquamarine. According to legend, the stone came from a mermaid and leads to love. It warns of injustice when the stone discolors. Some naturopaths attribute several medicinal properties to aquamarine, namely strengthening the immune system, combating seasickness and skin allergies, and promoting peace and relaxation. Astrologers have differing views on the zodiac signs associated with aquamarine; they include Aquarius, Libra, Pisces, Aries, and Gemini.
