Difference between revisions of "Aquamarine" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | {{ | + | {{Paid}}{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{copyedited}} |
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{{Infobox mineral | {{Infobox mineral | ||
| name = Aquamarine | | name = Aquamarine | ||
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| imagesize = 250px | | imagesize = 250px | ||
| caption = Aquamarine | | caption = Aquamarine | ||
| − | | formula = Be<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>Si<sub>6</sub>O<sub>18</sub><ref | + | | formula = Be<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>Si<sub>6</sub>O<sub>18</sub><ref>Gemological Institute of America, ''GIA Gem Reference Guide'' (1995). ISBN 0-87311-019-6</ref> |
| molweight = | | molweight = | ||
| − | | color = transparent (or can be translucent if included), greenish blue to blue green, typically light in tone | + | | color = transparent (or can be translucent if included), greenish blue to blue green, typically light in tone |
| habit = | | habit = | ||
| − | | system = [[hexagonal]] | + | | system = [[hexagonal]] |
| twinning = | | twinning = | ||
| − | | cleavage = very difficult in one direction, almost never seen | + | | cleavage = very difficult in one direction, almost never seen |
| − | | fracture = [[conchoidal]] | + | | fracture = [[conchoidal]] |
| − | | mohs = 7.5 - 8 | + | | mohs = 7.5-8 |
| − | | luster = [[vitreous]] to resinous | + | | luster = [[vitreous]] to resinous |
| − | | polish = [[vitreous]] | + | | polish = [[vitreous]] |
| − | | refractive = 1.577 - 1.583 (+/- .017) | + | | refractive = 1.577 - 1.583 (+/- .017) |
| − | | opticalprop = Double refractive, uniaxial negative | + | | opticalprop = Double refractive, uniaxial negative |
| − | | birefringence = .005 - .009 | + | | birefringence = .005 - .009 |
| − | | dispersion = .014 | + | | dispersion = .014 |
| − | | pleochroism = weak to moderate, blue and greenish blue; or different tones of blue with lighter tones associated with the optic axis direction | + | | pleochroism = weak to moderate, blue and greenish blue; or different tones of blue with lighter tones associated with the optic axis direction |
| − | | fluorescence= inert | + | | fluorescence= inert |
| − | | absorption = indistinct lines at 537 and 456nm. Depending on the depth of color, there is a strong line at 427nm. | + | | absorption = indistinct lines at 537 and 456nm. Depending on the depth of color, there is a strong line at 427nm. |
| streak = | | streak = | ||
| − | | gravity = 2.72 (+.18, -.05) | + | | gravity = 2.72 (+.18, -.05) |
| density = | | density = | ||
| melt = | | melt = | ||
| Line 37: | Line 37: | ||
| other = | | other = | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | '''Aquamarine''' (Lat. ''aqua marina'' | + | '''Aquamarine''' (Lat. ''aqua marina,'' "water of the sea") is a [[gemstone]]-quality transparent variety of [[beryl]], having a delicate blue or turquoise color, suggestive of the tint of [[seawater]]. It is closely related to the [[emerald]]. Colors vary—yellow beryl, called ''[[heliodor]];'' rose pink beryl, known as ''[[morganite]];'' and white beryl, called ''[[goshenite]],'' are known. |
| − | + | {{toc}} | |
== Occurrence == | == Occurrence == | ||
| − | This mineral occurs at most localities that yield ordinary beryl, some of the finest coming from [[Russia]]. The gem-gravel [[Placer mining|placer]] deposits of [[Sri Lanka]] contain aquamarine. Clear yellow beryl, such as occurs in [[Brazil]], is sometimes called aquamarine chrysolite. When [[corundum]] presents the bluish tint of typical aquamarine, it is often called oriental aquamarine. | + | This mineral occurs at most localities that yield ordinary beryl, some of the finest coming from [[Russia]]. The gem-gravel [[Placer mining|placer]] deposits of [[Sri Lanka]] contain aquamarine. Clear yellow beryl, such as occurs in [[Brazil]], is sometimes called aquamarine chrysolite. When [[corundum]] presents the bluish tint of typical aquamarine, it is often called "oriental aquamarine." |
| − | In the [[United States]], aquamarine can be found at the summit of [[Mount Antero|Mt. Antero]] in the [[Sawatch Range]] in central [[Colorado]]. It is the [[List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones|official state gem]] of Colorado. | + | In the [[United States]], aquamarine can be found at the summit of [[Mount Antero|Mt. Antero]] in the [[Sawatch Range]], in central [[Colorado]]. It is the [[List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones|official state gem]] of Colorado. |
| − | In [[Brazil]], there are mines in the states of [[Minas Gerais]], [[Espírito Santo]], and [[Bahia]]. Attractive aquamarine stones are also produced by Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya. | + | In [[Brazil]], there are mines in the states of [[Minas Gerais]], [[Espírito Santo]], and [[Bahia]]. Attractive aquamarine stones are also produced by Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya. |
The biggest aquamarine ever mined was found at the city of Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1910. It weighed over 110 kg, and its dimensions were 48.5 cm long and 42 cm in diameter. | The biggest aquamarine ever mined was found at the city of Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1910. It weighed over 110 kg, and its dimensions were 48.5 cm long and 42 cm in diameter. | ||
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== Characteristics == | == Characteristics == | ||
| − | Aquamarine is a beryl with a [[Hexagonal (crystal system)|hexagonal]] [[crystal structure]] and a [[chemical formula]] of Be<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>Si<sub>6</sub>O<sub>18</sub>, a [[beryllium]] [[ | + | Aquamarine is a type of beryl with a [[Hexagonal (crystal system)|hexagonal]] [[crystal structure]] and a [[chemical formula]] of Be<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>Si<sub>6</sub>O<sub>18</sub>, a [[beryllium]] [[aluminum]] [[Silicate minerals|silicate mineral]]. It has a [[specific gravity]] of 2.68 to 2.74 and a [[Mohs hardness]] from 7.5 to 8. Aquamarine, typically, is on the low end of the specific gravity range, normally at less than 2.7. The pink variety exhibits a high specific gravity of around 2.8. [[Refractive index|Refractive indices]] ranging around 1.57 to 1.58. |
Much of today's aquamarine is heated to give it a better color blue. The deeper the blue color, the more valuable the gem is considered. | Much of today's aquamarine is heated to give it a better color blue. The deeper the blue color, the more valuable the gem is considered. | ||
| Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
*Ancient sailors traveled with aquamarine crystals, believing that it would ensure a safe passage, and often slept with the stones under their pillow to ensure sound sleep. They believed the siren’s ([[mermaid]]) fish-like lower body was made of aquamarine. | *Ancient sailors traveled with aquamarine crystals, believing that it would ensure a safe passage, and often slept with the stones under their pillow to ensure sound sleep. They believed the siren’s ([[mermaid]]) fish-like lower body was made of aquamarine. | ||
| − | == | + | == Alternative meaning == |
| − | + | ''Aquamarine'' is also the name for a color, which is a shade between green and blue. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | == | + | == Notes == |
<references/> | <references/> | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
| − | * Farndon, John | + | * Farndon, John. 2006. ''The Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks & Minerals: How to Find, Identify, Collect and Maintain the World's best Specimens.'' Lorenz Books. ISBN 0754815412 |
| − | + | * Hurlbut, Cornelius S. and Klein, Cornelis. 1985. ''Manual of Mineralogy,'' 20th ed. New York: John Wiley and Sons. ISBN 0-471-80580-7 | |
| − | * Hurlbut, Cornelius S. | + | * Pellant, Chris. 2002. ''Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks and Minerals''. New York: DK Adult. ISBN 0789491060 |
| − | + | * Shaffer, Paul R., Herbert S. Zim, and Raymond Perlman. 2001. ''Rocks, Gems and Minerals.'' St. Martin's Press, Golden Guide. ISBN 1582381321 | |
| − | * Pellant, Chris | + | * Weinstein, Michael. 1967. ''The World of Jewel Stones''. New York: Sheridan House. |
| − | |||
| − | * Shaffer, Paul R., Herbert S. Zim, and Raymond Perlman | ||
| − | |||
| − | *Weinstein, Michael | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
| + | All links retrieved August 11, 2023. | ||
| − | * [http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/aquamarine.html Aquamarine] "Gem by Gem" series. International Colored Gemstone Association | + | * [http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/aquamarine.html Aquamarine] "Gem by Gem" series. International Colored Gemstone Association. |
| − | + | * [http://diamondbug.blogspot.com/2006/03/flawless-aquamarine-march-birthstone.html "Flawless Aquamarine: March Birthstone"] Diamond Bug. | |
| − | * [http://diamondbug.blogspot.com/2006/03/flawless-aquamarine-march-birthstone.html "Flawless Aquamarine: March Birthstone"] Diamond Bug | ||
[[Category:Physical sciences]] | [[Category:Physical sciences]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:58, 11 August 2023
| Aquamarine | |
|---|---|
 Aquamarine |
|
| General | |
| Category | beryl mineral variety |
| Chemical formula | Be3Al2Si6O18[1] |
| Identification | |
| Color | transparent (or can be translucent if included), greenish blue to blue green, typically light in tone |
| Crystal system | hexagonal |
| Cleavage | very difficult in one direction, almost never seen |
| Fracture | conchoidal |
| Mohs Scale hardness | 7.5-8 |
| Luster | vitreous to resinous |
| Refractive index | 1.577 - 1.583 (+/- .017) |
| Optical Properties | Double refractive, uniaxial negative |
| Birefringence | .005 - .009 |
| Pleochroism | weak to moderate, blue and greenish blue; or different tones of blue with lighter tones associated with the optic axis direction |
| Specific gravity | 2.72 (+.18, -.05) |
Aquamarine (Lat. aqua marina, "water of the sea") is a gemstone-quality transparent variety of beryl, having a delicate blue or turquoise color, suggestive of the tint of seawater. It is closely related to the emerald. Colors vary—yellow beryl, called heliodor; rose pink beryl, known as morganite; and white beryl, called goshenite, are known.
Occurrence
This mineral occurs at most localities that yield ordinary beryl, some of the finest coming from Russia. The gem-gravel placer deposits of Sri Lanka contain aquamarine. Clear yellow beryl, such as occurs in Brazil, is sometimes called aquamarine chrysolite. When corundum presents the bluish tint of typical aquamarine, it is often called "oriental aquamarine."
In the United States, aquamarine can be found at the summit of Mt. Antero in the Sawatch Range, in central Colorado. It is the official state gem of Colorado.
In Brazil, there are mines in the states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and Bahia. Attractive aquamarine stones are also produced by Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya.
The biggest aquamarine ever mined was found at the city of Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1910. It weighed over 110 kg, and its dimensions were 48.5 cm long and 42 cm in diameter.
Characteristics
Aquamarine is a type of beryl with a hexagonal crystal structure and a chemical formula of Be3Al2Si6O18, a beryllium aluminum silicate mineral. It has a specific gravity of 2.68 to 2.74 and a Mohs hardness from 7.5 to 8. Aquamarine, typically, is on the low end of the specific gravity range, normally at less than 2.7. The pink variety exhibits a high specific gravity of around 2.8. Refractive indices ranging around 1.57 to 1.58.
Much of today's aquamarine is heated to give it a better color blue. The deeper the blue color, the more valuable the gem is considered.
Cultural and historical/mythical usage
- Aquamarine is the birthstone associated with March. It is also the gemstone for the 19th Anniversary.
- People in the Middle Ages thought that aquamarine could magically overcome the effects of poison.
- Ancient sailors traveled with aquamarine crystals, believing that it would ensure a safe passage, and often slept with the stones under their pillow to ensure sound sleep. They believed the siren’s (mermaid) fish-like lower body was made of aquamarine.
Alternative meaning
Aquamarine is also the name for a color, which is a shade between green and blue.
Notes
- ↑ Gemological Institute of America, GIA Gem Reference Guide (1995). ISBN 0-87311-019-6
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Farndon, John. 2006. The Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks & Minerals: How to Find, Identify, Collect and Maintain the World's best Specimens. Lorenz Books. ISBN 0754815412
- Hurlbut, Cornelius S. and Klein, Cornelis. 1985. Manual of Mineralogy, 20th ed. New York: John Wiley and Sons. ISBN 0-471-80580-7
- Pellant, Chris. 2002. Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks and Minerals. New York: DK Adult. ISBN 0789491060
- Shaffer, Paul R., Herbert S. Zim, and Raymond Perlman. 2001. Rocks, Gems and Minerals. St. Martin's Press, Golden Guide. ISBN 1582381321
- Weinstein, Michael. 1967. The World of Jewel Stones. New York: Sheridan House.
External links
All links retrieved August 11, 2023.
- Aquamarine "Gem by Gem" series. International Colored Gemstone Association.
- "Flawless Aquamarine: March Birthstone" Diamond Bug.
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