Here’s a detailed description of Aquamarine, the blue to blue-green variety of the mineral beryl (same family as emerald):

General Characteristics

• Color: Ranges from pale sky blue to deep sea blue, sometimes with a slight greenish tint. The deeper, more saturated blues are the most valuable.

• Transparency: Usually transparent with excellent clarity; high-quality stones can be virtually inclusion-free.

• Luster: Vitreous (glass-like).

• Hardness: 7.5–8 on Mohs scale durable and suitable for jewelry.

Sources

• Major deposits: Brazil (the most famous and largest source), Pakistan (Skardu, Shigar Valley), Afghanistan (Nuristan), Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Russia (Urals).

Unique Features

• Aquamarine crystals can grow very large (sometimes over 30 cm long).

• It often forms hexagonal prismatic crystals.

• Many stones are heat-treated to remove greenish hues and enhance pure blue color.

Symbolism & History

• Name comes from Latin aqua marina “water of the sea.”

• Associated with sailors and travelers as a talisman for safe journeys across water.

• Birthstone of March.

• Symbolizes clarity, tranquility, and harmony.

Market Value

• Price depends heavily on color:
  

  • Pale blue (common) more affordable.

  • Deep blue (“Santa Maria” color from Brazil or Mozambique) very rare and valuable.

• Clarity and size also strongly affect value since aquamarine often occurs in large, eye-clean crystals.