1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Aquamarine
Buyer’s Guide
Quality, Composition, Colour & Value Explained
Discover how colour, clarity, treatments and cut influence Aquamarine value, and learn what truly determines quality before choosing your ideal blue gemstone.
A complete professional Aquamarine Buyer’s Guide to understanding this gemstone’s quality, origin, treatments and value factors before purchasing.
Aquamarine Meaning, History & Symbolism
Origins and Historical Use
Aquamarine has been admired for centuries for its serene ocean-blue colour and remarkable clarity. The name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea”, perfectly describing its tranquil appearance. Ancient sailors believed aquamarine was a treasure from the sea and carried it as a talisman for protection during voyages.
The gemstone was widely used in jewellery throughout ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed to calm waves and ensure safe passage. Over time aquamarine became associated with purity, tranquillity and harmony, making it a cherished stone in royal jewellery and ceremonial pieces.
Ancient Beliefs and Spiritual Energy
Historically, aquamarine was thought to possess soothing energy that calmed emotions and cleared the mind. Many cultures believed the stone enhanced courage, honesty and communication.
In spiritual traditions, aquamarine is often linked to the throat chakra and is believed to support clear expression and truthful communication. It has long been regarded as a gemstone that promotes calm thinking, emotional balance and inner peace.
Modern Symbolism and Collectibility
Today aquamarine remains one of the most popular blue gemstones in the world. Its refreshing colour and excellent clarity make it especially attractive for fine jewellery.
Aquamarine is also the birthstone for March and is traditionally associated with serenity, trust and lasting relationships. Collectors value fine aquamarines for their bright blue colour, transparency and availability in larger sizes compared to many other gemstones.
Aquamarine Properties & Composition
Explore Aquamarine’s Hardness, Lustre, Transparency, Refractive Index and Specific Gravity.
Understanding the gemological properties of Aquamarine helps determine durability, brilliance and long-term wear suitability.
Colour Range
Aquamarine occurs in shades of: Pale blue, Light blue, Greenish-blue, Deep blue. The most valuable stones display a clean medium-to-deep blue with strong brightness and minimal green undertones.
Chemical Formula
Aquamarine has the Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ chemical formula and belongs to the beryl mineral group.
Composition
Beryllium, Aluminium & Silicon – trace elements of iron create the blue colour.
Refractive Index
1.577 – 1.583, producing attractive brilliance and sparkle.
Lustre
Vitreous, creating a bright glass-like shine when well polished.
Moh's Hardness & Durability
Aquamarine has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 – 8, making it durable enough for rings, pendants and everyday jewellery when properly set.
Crystal System
Its crystal system is hexagonal, typically forming large six-sided prismatic crystals.
Transparency
Transparent, with excellent clarity in most gem-quality stones.
Mineral Family
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl (cyclosilicate) mineral family.
Specific Gravity
2.68 – 2.74, consistent with other beryl gemstones.
Apatite Origin, Treatment & Care
Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl, valued for its clarity and refreshing colour. Unlike many gemstones, aquamarine often forms in very clean crystals, allowing cutters to produce large transparent gems. Understanding origin and treatments helps determine quality and authenticity. With proper care, aquamarine jewellery can last a lifetime.
Major Origins
Major sources of aquamarine include Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Brazil remains one of the most significant producers, known for exceptionally large crystals and fine gem-quality material.
Treatments
Most aquamarine gemstones are gently heat treated to remove greenish tones and enhance their pure blue colour. This treatment is stable, permanent and widely accepted within the gemstone industry.
Care and Cleaning
Aquamarine is relatively durable but should still be handled with care. Clean using warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes. Store aquamarine separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
How Aquamarine Quality & Value Are Determined
Understanding how Aquamarine is graded helps you compare gemstones confidently and recognise genuine quality. Like most fine gemstones, value is influenced by four primary factors: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. When these characteristics combine effectively, the result is a gemstone with exceptional beauty and long-term desirability.
Apatite Colour and Inclusion Quality
Colour is the most important factor influencing aquamarine value. The most desirable stones show a pure, vibrant blue without noticeable green tones. High-quality aquamarines typically display:
- A medium to moderately deep blue hue
- Even colour distribution throughout the stone
- Strong brightness and transparency
- Minimal greenish undertones
Very pale stones may appear almost colourless, while darker stones with good saturation are considerably more valuable.
Aquamarine Clarity Explained
Aquamarine is known for its exceptional clarity compared to many other gemstones. High-value stones are typically:
- Eye-clean with no visible inclusions
- Free from surface fractures
- Transparent with excellent light transmission
- Well polished with minimal surface marks
Because aquamarine crystals often grow clean, noticeable inclusions can reduce the gemstone’s value.
Aquamarine Cut and Pattern Orientation
Cut is essential in revealing aquamarine’s brilliance and colour. A well-cut stone maximises light reflection and produces an attractive sparkle. Important cut considerations include:
- Precise facet alignment
- Balanced symmetry
- Proper depth and proportions
- High-quality facet polish
Aquamarine is frequently cut into oval, emerald, cushion and round shapes to enhance its colour and clarity.
Aquamarine Carat Weight and Size Impact
Aquamarine often forms in large crystals, allowing gemstones to be cut into impressive sizes. While larger stones are more valuable, colour remains the key value factor. When comparing stones:
- A smaller stone with stronger blue colour may be worth more than a larger pale stone
- Larger stones should maintain consistent colour saturation
- Stones above 5 carats with strong colour are especially desirable
Collectors often favour medium-to-large aquamarines with vibrant colour and exceptional clarity.
The Balance of the Four Factors
Value is determined by how colour, clarity, cut and carat weight interact. A premium aquamarine gemstone should display:
Eye-clean clarity
Precise, symmetrical cutting
Bright, evenly distributed blue colour
Proportional size with strong brilliance
When these characteristics align, aquamarine becomes a striking gemstone valued for both beauty and elegance.
Aquamarine Price Per Carat
Understanding aquamarine pricing trends helps buyers make informed decisions. Aquamarine is generally more affordable than many precious gemstones, but prices increase significantly for stones with deeper colour and larger size. The table below reflects typical international pricing ranges for good-quality aquamarine gemstones.
Estimated Average International Aquamarine Prices (Good Quality) – Per Carat
| Weight | ZAR | USD | EUR | JPY | GBP | AUD | CAD | CHF | CNY | HKD | NZD | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 carat | Size is widely available | |||||||||||
| 1 - 2 carat | Increasingly popular | |||||||||||
| 2 - 3 carats | Strong demand | |||||||||||
| 3 - 4 carats | Remain desirable | |||||||||||
| 4 - 6 carats | Scarcer in larger sizes | |||||||||||
| 6 - 8 carats | Exceptional stones |
Aquamarine FAQs
Is aquamarine a precious gemstone?
Aquamarine is traditionally classified as a semi-precious gemstone, but fine-quality stones with strong blue colour can be highly valuable and sought after.
What colour aquamarine is most valuable?
The most valuable aquamarines display a strong, pure medium-to-deep blue with excellent clarity and minimal green undertones.
Are aquamarines usually treated?
Yes. Most aquamarines are gently heat treated to remove green tones and enhance their blue colour. This treatment is stable and widely accepted.
Is aquamarine durable for everyday jewellery?
Yes. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 – 8, aquamarine is durable enough for rings, pendants and earrings when properly set.
Which countries produce aquamarine?
Major sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Why are large aquamarines common?
Aquamarine crystals often grow very large in nature, allowing gemstones to be cut into impressive sizes while still maintaining excellent clarity.
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Ready to own the beauty of
AQUAMARINE?
Now that you understand the history, symbolism and quality factors behind aquamarine, the natural next step is to secure your own gemstone. Admired for its crystal-clear appearance and calming ocean-blue colour, aquamarine represents serenity, elegance and timeless style. Its excellent clarity and durability make it ideal for rings, pendants and bespoke jewellery. Combining beauty, durability and graceful colour, aquamarine is a sophisticated addition to any fine gemstone collection.
Ocean Blue
Calming Energy
Timeless Elegance
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
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