YOUR SOURCE FOR COLOR

Aquamarine is the blue to green-blue variety of the mineral beryl, with the chemical formula Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈. Its color is caused by trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure, which absorb light and create its characteristic ocean-like hues. Aquamarine forms in a hexagonal crystal system and often grows as large, well-defined crystals, making sizable gemstones relatively common. With a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is durable enough for most types of jewelry, and its transparency and moderate refractive index give it a clean, glassy brilliance rather than intense fire.

From a gemological standpoint, aquamarine is evaluated based on color, clarity, cut, and size, with color playing the most important role in value. Most aquamarines are naturally very clear, as inclusions are less common than in related gems like emerald. Because the color is often light, cutters use proportions that help maximize brightness and visual depth. Heat treatment is frequently applied to aquamarine to alter the oxidation state of iron, reducing greenish tones and producing a purer blue; this process is stable and widely accepted in the gem trade. In addition to its beauty, aquamarine’s crystal chemistry and structure make it an excellent example of how trace elements and geology directly influence gemstone color and performance.