Aquamarine is a precious or semi-precious stone. Is aquamarine a precious or semi-precious stone? Aquamarine stone healing properties

Aquamarine- a mineral, a variety of beryl, beryllium aluminosilicate with a ring structure. In the structure of aquamarine, like all beryls, there are rings of a regular hexagonal (hexagonal) shape, located one above the other, forming hollow channels. Aquamarine retains the name given to it by Pliny the Elder, who, describing beryls, noted that the most valuable of them are beryls, their color reminiscent of the pure green of sea waters (from the Latin aqua - water, mare - mope).

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STRUCTURE

Aquamarine belongs to the hexagonal system of the dihexanal-bipyramidal symmetry class. Aquamarine's structure consists of rings connected through Be and Al atoms. The rings form columns elongated along the sixth-order axis. Columns of rings are connected by beryllium-oxygen tetrahedra and aluminum-oxygen octahedra. The channels can accommodate water molecules, cesium and sodium ions.
Aquamarine crystals are often characterized correct form. Their size varies greatly. Usually the crystal habit is prismatic. Figures of growth and dissolution are often observed on the faces of crystals. When dissolved, spear-shaped crystals sometimes form. Aquamarine also occurs in the form of parallel, sheaf-shaped, radial and columnar aggregates.
In addition to the gas-liquid inclusions characteristic of all beryls, often located in thin channels, solid inclusions are sometimes observed in aquamarines white, called “chrysanthemums” and “snow signs”, layers of small crystals, thin needle-like inclusions.
The color of aquamarines is due to the isomorphic inclusion of Fe 2 + and Fe 3 + ions in the structure of beryl.

PROPERTIES

The crystals are large, their mass can reach several tens of kg. It also forms continuous granular masses. Hardness on the Mohs scale 7.5-8. Density 2.6-2.8 g/cm3. Its color is due to the presence of iron impurities; it fades when exposed to sunlight. The color intensity increases after heating to 400 °C. Due to its fragility, the stone is easy to crush. It does not melt under the soldering tube, only the edges of the fragments are slightly rounded, and the transparent differences become cloudy (at high temperatures).

MORPHOLOGY

Despite the uniform color of the crystals, samples are known where the color is distributed zonally. The Brazilian aquamarine “Marambaya”, discovered in 1910, whose weight was 110 kg, deserves attention. In the center the crystal was blue, along the edges it was light green, and in the intermediate part it was yellow. The mineral was cut, one part was sent to New York, and the other was cut into small pieces and used to make cut stones. Jewelry of which later spread throughout the world.
Other notable examples of aquamarine found in Brazil:
"Kachasina", 62 kg.
"Marta Roja", 34 kg.
"Etrela Dalva", 22 kg.
Large aquamarine crystals have also been found in Russia. The first was discovered at the end of the 18th century in Eastern Transbaikalia. And the largest specimen from this deposit was 82 kg. The very first crystals of Russian stones were found in 1669 in the Urals in the Murzinsky fort.
Nowadays special attention deserves an aquamarine deposit in Ukraine; crystals weighing up to 15 kg were found here. Among other things, these are aquamarines of unique color purity and transparency. The stones acquired this property thanks to weathering processes that dissolved dirty areas in the cracks of the crystals.

ORIGIN

The main places where aquamarines are formed are considered to be greisens and pegmatites - deposits that appeared during the “steaming” of rocks with hot gases and solutions.

Similar deposits are being developed in Siberia and Transbaikalia. Gems that can be found in the Urals are mainly milky turquoise in color. Transbaikal, Ural and Volyn mines (Ukraine) are also rich in aquamarines, incomparable in color and transparency. In transparent Ural stones along the edges it is possible to notice light silvery oblique “streams”, similar to rain streams. On the edges of opaque milky-blue minerals there is a pearlescent tint, as if giving aquamarine a silky feel. The main deposits of the mineral have been discovered in Brazil; there are mines in the USA, India, South Africa, Burma, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The largest supplier of aquamarine is Brazil, which accounts for up to half of the world's production of the mineral. Rare saturated stones are mined on the territory of the state. of blue color, called "Santa Maria". The second deposit of the highest quality crystals is located in Mozambique. Blue Mozambican aquamarines are called "Santa Maria Africana"

APPLICATION

There are imitations made of glass. Synthetic aquamarine is not produced on an industrial scale (it is not economically feasible). Synthetic spinel or corundum is often passed off as “artificial aquamarine.”

Aquamarine is a valuable jewelry stone. The relatively large supply of raw materials leads to the fact that, first of all, large stones weighing over 10 carats of a dark blue color are in demand. To achieve this effect, most stones after cutting are subjected to calcination (up to 400-500 °C) or irradiation, and as a result of the reduction of ferric iron, a color change occurs - for example, from greenish-blue to blue. Assessing the quality of stones for jewelry production takes into account the size of the crystal, the presence of cracks and inclusions. The most valuable on the international market are cut stones over 3 carats of intense blue color. Cracks and inclusions reduce the cost by 60-70%.
Large specimens are in the collections of the British Museum and the American Museum national history, Smithsonian Institution. Large collections of aquamarines are also located in Russia, Iran and Turkey. Ukrainian faceted aquamarine weighing 139 g or 695 carats is in the “Colored Stones” salon in Moscow (data from 1985).

Decorated with aquamarines royal crowns, used as lenses for glasses (the first lenses date back to 1300). The largest known faceted stone weighs 2,594 carats. One of the largest (184 g or 920 ct) faceted aquamarines is inserted into the crown of the Queen of England.
Aquamarines are usually cut in steps or wedges with a rectangular or oval shape, but the emerald cut is most often used.

Aquamarine - C

CLASSIFICATION

Strunz (8th edition)	8/E.12-10
Nickel-Strunz (10th edition)	1.3.5.1
Dana (8th edition)	61.1.1.1
Hey's CIM Ref.	16.6.1

For many centuries in a row, natural aquamarine gem its crystal purity excites many connoisseurs. The shades of this stone are compared to the color of the sea wave and heavenly radiance.

Some specimens have greenish and bluish-green shades. Those connoisseurs who understand gems will certainly appreciate it, and contemporaries even attribute healing and healing properties to the stone. magical properties.

This article will analyze in detail the physical and chemical properties of the stone, what effect aquamarine has, its healing and magical properties, care, cost, as well as about zodiac signs: who is it suitable for, and should you refuse to purchase the gem?

History of the stone

The history of the stone says that for many centuries it was a talisman for sailors Ancient Rome and Greece, who felt a piece of the ocean in him.

It could even be found in such objects of art as:

headdress of Pope Julius II;
the scepter of the Polish king Stanislaus, kept in the Armory, which consists of aquamarine.
bust of the French Emperor Napoleon III;
plate of a Faberge egg, which depicted the surface of the sea. The egg was made by order of Emperor Alexander III.

Archaeologists have found many burials of ancient craftsmen who made figurines from “heavenly” stone in the form of mythical monsters, rulers of ancient civilizations and gods.

Types and colors of aquamarine

Currently, three shades of aquamarine are already known:

blue, found in the Transbaikal mines;
green, in particular, mined in the south of the Urals;
blue, native to South America.

The main variety of stone that gained worldwide fame was the sapphire blue aquamarine found in Brazil. In honor of the Maxis mine where it was mined, the stone was nicknamed “Maxis Aquamarine”.

Place of Birth

Stone deposits are primarily observed in:

America;
Africa;
Pakistan.

Aquamarine deposits are also found in:

Australia;
India;
Ukraine;
Sri Lanka.

We must not forget Russia, because the Urals also have a large location not only of minerals, but also of precious stones.

Today, Brazil ranks first in the production of the largest minerals in the world. According to irrefutable sources, a sapphire-blue stone weighing more than 100 kg was found there.

Physico-chemical properties of stone

“Sea stone” is one of the varieties of the beryl group, which has high wear resistance.

The chemical composition of the stone in percentage and increasing order consists of:

beryllium oxide – 14.1%;
aluminum oxide – 19%;
silicon oxide – 66.9%.

In addition, the stone contains impurities such as:

vanadium;
lithium;
potassium;
sodium;
cesium;
rubidium.

In rare cases, chromium impurities can be found.

The stone has a “cat’s eye” effect and has a two-color feature, which depends on the angle of view and the direction of the sun’s rays. But we must not forget that direct sunlight on this gem can lead to fading. On the contrary, artificial light does not harm the properties of stones in any way.

TO physical properties crystal includes the following:

It is noted that when aquamarine is heated to a temperature of +400 degrees Celsius, it acquires a bright blue pronounced tint.
Hardness on the Mohs scale is almost 8 units. This is considered to be a high hardness of the mineral and makes it no less resistant to many external influencing factors, however, it is quite fragile so that it can be damaged. 3. Density ranges from 2.75 to 3 units, has transparency and glass luster, has a hexagonal prism shape and has an uneven fracture.

And the stone was also used to make lenses for glasses.

Medicinal properties

It is used to treat people suffering from certain diseases. healing properties aquamarine.

It treats diseases such as:

toothache;
pneumonia;
skin allergies;
thyroid disease;
reduces stomach pain;
removes toxins from the body;
In older people, a green-colored stone can even cure heart problems.

Since the natural mineral is used in jewelry, most people who wear it benefit from the following body indications:

vision;
maintaining immunity;
the work of the adrenal glands and endocrine glands.

Magic properties

Amulets have been made from this mineral both before and now, and also help to find secret meaning in events and in exposing a dark personality.

IN modern world this talisman is called " aquamarine stone of friendship and loyalty". Lovers believe that aquamarine influences relationships, happiness and married life.

There are beliefs regarding the “sea stone”:

Relieves laziness and blues.
Improves brain function.
Gives a positive charge and vigor throughout the day.
Improves mood.

The mineral affects the mood, and because of this, the shade of the crystal changes. Something similar can be observed in any weather conditions. For example, if the weather is good and the owner is in a good mood, then the stone will shine blue. If the weather is cloudy and the owner is in a gloomy mood, the shade may acquire a greenish color. It has been observed that wearing jewelry every day can make a person sad.

Legends associated with this mineral often circulate among people:

They say that this is the stone of Poseidon himself, the ruler of the seas and oceans.
Relieves stress, dispels fears and even improves vision.
Brings calm weather to sailors.
People who are deceitful and afraid of being exposed will never wear this stone.
Treats many diseases.

Magicians attach great importance to this stone and claim that this mineral directs a person’s energy and thoughts in the right direction, forcing him to follow the laws of virtue. It serves as a kind of barrier against slander and gossip, and by the cloudiness of the stone, the owner can guess that his interlocutor is blatantly lying to him.

In magical practice aquamarine is aimed at finding missing things. Even in ancient times, it was worn by high officials at court, believing that this talisman would protect against poison, which was often used to overthrow rulers and those close to them.

Thus, believing in magical power aquamarine stone, the significance of the stone is difficult to overestimate.

It is not considered an exception that the stone is suitable for people endowed with eloquence and helps calmly resolve disputes, proving the owner is right. The owner of a natural crystal will never be at a loss for words, and will easily come to any compromises, since the properties of the mineral are true.

The magical properties of the crystal help solve problems such as:

letter accusing the owner;
poor child rearing;
cases related to judicial and legal activities;
leaving a man or a woman;
quarrels with family and friends.

The aura of the stone helps to create certain conditions for such people who can rarely get along with each other and different interests and views on the same things.

Some monks use crystal during meditation. It helps to find happiness, peace of mind, find certain sounds, and also opens up paranormal abilities.

It is believed that if you send “ sea stone"to the north and peer into it, trying to “burn” the stone with your gaze, then you can see your guardian angel.

Magicians who use this gem in their activities can draw a lizard on it, and when a lazy or deceitful person receives it as a gift, he can return to the path of truth and hard work. The stone also easily removes the evil eye and damage.

To enhance the magical properties of aquamarine, experienced owners advise rinsing it with running water. Usually the talisman is worn on the chest, but after a long time, its owner may fall into inexplicable melancholy. As a rule, this is indicated by the greenish tint of the stone, and if the owner sees that his jewelry has changed color, it would be best to remove the crystal for a while.

Products with aquamarine

The natural mineral aquamarine is used by jewelers to create jewelry. When stones are subjected to heat treatment, peculiar gas bubbles are formed inside.

The following inclusions are especially appreciated and increase the cost:

chrysanthemums;
snowflakes;
stars.

According to many jewelers, aquamarine stone decoration will not spoil, but, on the contrary, will give them sophistication and sophistication.

This crystal is present in famous brands:

Gucci;
Nina Ricci;
Emilio Pucci et al.

Fashionable frames and jewelry cost incredible amounts of money, but you can still find jewelry at the best prices.

These include:

pendants;
earrings (silver and gold);
pendants;
necklace;
beads

“Sea Stone” suits any eye color and all kinds of outfits. It emphasizes the girl’s image, and she can safely go out and become part of the evening look.

Aquamarine care

Aquamarine is considered the stone of eternal youth, and to maintain this purest natural crystal, it is necessary to properly care for it.

This requires:

keep it away from sunlight;
if absolutely necessary, wash with running water and keep clean;
use a specially designated toothbrush to clean the edges of the stone;
keep the jewelry in trusted salt to remove negative energy (this should be done for 24 hours and extremely rarely, then rinse it with running water and flush the salt down the toilet).

How to check the authenticity of a stone?

There are several verification options:

Color. A real stone has a bright blue or greenish-blue color. There are greenish and yellowish shades - it all depends on where the stone was found.
Presence of natural inclusions. Depends on its hardness, density and refraction. Some crystals contain whitish inclusions in the form of snowflakes, stars, and chrysanthemums. If there are any, all doubts are gone – this is a real aquamarine.
Natural stone is transparent and shiny.
The stone should have a slight fracture.
Stones such as topaz and sapphire can imitate aquamarine. Only when heated can one say for sure whether a natural gem is a fake or not.
Blue spinel. It is quite often found on sale and very accurately imitates a gem. A jeweler or consultant can easily distinguish real stone from a fake, but the buyer is unlikely. Therefore, in such cases you should contact specialists.

Aquamarine cost

If desired, you can purchase aquamarine stone, price the mineral will depend on the weight of the stone and its color. Most women prefer a dark blue crystal, so such jewelry will cost more than, for example, an emerald.

Pure "sea stone" weighing 10 carats reaches price at 250 dollars per 1 carat . Weight measured in grams varies from 1500 to 2 thousand rubles per gram . However, collectible stones will be more expensive.

Who is aquamarine suitable for?

To figure out who is most suitable for aquamarine, you need to know your zodiac sign.

Cancer (will help find solutions to love issues);
(the stone will help you find an understanding that the people with whom a person communicates take advantage of his kindness). Since the sign of Pisces is ruled by the Moon, the gem is usually called “aquamarine moonstone.”

However, you need to remember that a gem reveals all the secrets of the owner of such jewelry, and if Cancer or Pisces has “dark” secrets, you should not make the secret obvious and switch to simpler stones.

But if a person is doing well and has no secrets, it will even help cope with diseases such as:

alcoholism;
heavy smoking;
drugs.

How does the stone help the signs of the zodiac cycle that benefit from wearing it:

Protects lovers and newlyweds from troubles and disagreements.
Strengthens friendship between boys and girls.
Helps direct your intellect in the right direction.

For those who prefer rings, astrologers advise wearing them on index finger left or right hand - this can speed up career advancement. And to strengthen family relationships, it is advised to put the ring on your ring finger.

Each owner must remember that this jewelry should not be worn for a long time, so that it does not change its color to green and does not make its owner sad.

Aquamarine and zodiac signs

Aquamarine compatibility with zodiac signs:

Sometimes a natural gem is also attributed to Libra, although this is a mistake, since amethyst is more suitable for them. If Libra does wear this gem, it can warn them of approaching danger both from outside and within themselves. Read more about can be read here.
In rare cases, aquamarine is suitable for Aquarius, helping them relax and relieve tension.
Gemini, Sagittarius and Scorpio Under no circumstances should they wear this stone, as they do not get along with it, and its properties will have a detrimental effect on their condition and communication. The stone forces you to tell the truth, and these three zodiac signs prefer to conceal some details. Although astrologers suggest that Gemini can be put on the positive list. The crystal sometimes helps solve internal problems that plague Gemini.
Taurus The stone can help in business, however, other talisman stones are more suitable for the earth elements.
Lions they try not to pay attention to the stone, which is more suitable for the water elements. The crystal will force him to be calmer and more reasonable, which clearly does not fit with such a violent and fiery sign.
Virgo, Capricorn and Aries never encounter aquamarine in their life. For example, Capricorns prefer dark stones (and agate), which give them strength and knowledge. Virgos prefer it because it gives her career growth. Aries leans toward fiery stones. Ruby influences his character and life path, and also provides support in his health.

This crystal will be able to protect its owner from various unpleasant situations if he also takes care of it. It is only important to choose the right stone and not buy a fake.

Good afternoon, dear fans and connoisseurs unusual world precious stones and gems! Today we are going on another virtual journey into the world of gems with the mysterious name “aquamarine”. The aquamarine stone is beautiful and pure, like a baby’s tear; it is fraught with many secrets and mysteries. What is aquamarine? Let's try to consider and study information about the stone from different points of view.

Aquamarine stone: it contains the secret of the sea, a drop of freshness or a crystal tear

There are several dominant and many minor versions of the name of the gem. Let's focus on the four main ones:

The name is associated with the Latin phrase “aqua marina” - sea water. The name of the mineral was given due to a certain similarity with clean and transparent sea water.
The second option takes us to the times of the Holy Roman Empire. The author of “Natural History” - a writer whose erudition his contemporaries could envy - Pliny the Elder (the full name of the writer is Gaius Pliny Secundus) even before our era, seeing the crystal purity and chastity of the mineral, compared it with the azure blue of sea water.
According to legend, ancient sailors found treasures, among them an unusual pebble that was associated with the surface of the sea. And since the mermaid was the keeper of sea treasures, associations arose with marine themes and the secrets of the underwater world.
Continuing the marine theme, it was assumed that the crystal reflected the sky, as clear and blue as the waters of the sea.

We will never know which version of the name was fundamental, but one thing is obviously indisputable - the color of the mysterious crystal resembles the quiet and transparent water surface of the sea.

A little about the physical and chemical properties of the gem

What does this mineral look like? This is one of the types of beryl, which belongs to the group of aluminosilicates]. This is a crystal of a regular hexagonal shape in the form of a prism. Hollow tubular inclusions and bubbles are allowed. Transparent.
On the Mohs hardness scale it has a value of 7.5-8.0, which corresponds to porcelain stoneware, i.e. The mineral is quite hard: diamond processing is possible, it scratches glass. Density - 2.75 g/cm³. Comparing this value with the similar value of diamond (3.5-3.52 g/cm³), we can say that aquamarine is slightly inferior to it in density.
As for the color range, the stone has shades from pale blue to greenish, which is due to the presence of iron in its composition. Interestingly, depending on the deposit, minerals of blue, blue, white, and green colors are found. Photo precious minerals are not always able to convey the depth of color and true color shade. So what color a mineral can be seen only with your own eyes.

The stone has a bright shine.
The refractive index of light is in the range of 1.56-1.60. The gem is uniaxial, presented in the form of pillars of varying heights and directions.
One of the significant characteristics of aquamarine is the change in color of the gem when heated. Thus, at a temperature of about 400°C the mineral darkens, and when exposed to sunlight it turns pale.
The stone is both hard and brittle, which is one of the distinguishing characteristic factors.

Where the mineral comes from, we find out the color

Aquamarine is not a rare mineral, unlike ruby, sapphire, alexandrite and other gems. Its deposits are found in different parts of the world. Interesting feature is that the color of stone from different deposits is different.

For example, aquamarine from the Urals and Transbaikalia has a bright blue color; green minerals are mined at the South Ural deposit; South American stones are blue. A well-known deposit in Brazil contains sapphire-colored gems. These are the so-called “maxis aquamarines”.

Where else is the mineral mined? In Madagascar and the USA.

Aquamarine categories

Precious or semi-precious gem? To answer this question, let us turn to the well-known classification of stones.

Precious minerals include minerals with special properties (hardness, brightness, shine, optical characteristics). The uniqueness of the stone is also taken into account. Therefore, stones such as diamond, sapphire, alexandrite, ruby and some others are such.
Semi-precious minerals include minerals with lower hardness values and other less pronounced characteristics. These include aquamarine, tourmaline, opal, zircon, etc. According to another classification that determines the order of the stone, aventurine is a second-order stone.

Precious or not - how important is this characteristic? The main thing is that the stone suits the person, complements him and is not in antiphase with him.

Magical properties of the stone

These properties of the gem appear quite widely and clearly expressed. Since the stone itself is quite bright, light and transparent, these same qualities are associated with it. It imparts pure and bright energy to the owner, opens up opportunities to understand oneself and the world around us, and saturates the inner world.

The description of the properties speaks of aquamarine as a stone of travelers and sailors, which helps to open new paths and lands, and provides a service in finding hidden treasures. Aquamarine is a guiding star for those who chart new routes on water, land and in the air. The color of the sea and sky is especially favorable for such travelers.
It stimulates the owner of the gem to self-development, research work, knowledge and the discovery of new horizons.

At the same time, the gem suppresses any negative emotions in behavior and communication. It prevents quarrels, aggression, and protects the owner from going to various extremes in any life situations. That is, it regulates the psycho-emotional state of a person.
A stone as pure as a tear cannot bring good luck to a vicious and dirty person. And it doesn’t matter whether this is connected with internal thoughts or external manifestations of vice. For example, smoking, alcoholism, promiscuity are incompatible with aquamarine.
The gem is a symbol-amulet of fidelity in friendship and marriage, marital happiness, cures its owner of laziness and revitalizes mental abilities.

Amulet and healing properties

It is impossible not to note the healing effect of the mineral. Calmness and tranquility are the two main pillars on which the healing effect of the stone is based.

In the evening before going to bed, hold the stone in your hands, look at it, just put it next to it - and your sleep will be sound and serene.
Take a warm bath in which aquamarine was previously placed for 10-15 minutes - this will promote harmony, relaxation and tranquility.
It is better to wear aquamarine closer to the body or apply it to those places that you are trying to cure from illness.
The stone is especially effective for diseases of the joints, veins, eyes, throat, thyroid gland and skin diseases. For diseases of the throat and thyroid gland, it is recommended to wear the stone around the neck in the form of a pendant set in metal, or simply a cabochon; for joint diseases - in the form of rings or bracelets.

The number of stones does not matter, but it is important that they are real.

Aquamarine also provides an invaluable service in supporting the body's immune system.

How to distinguish a mineral from a fake

As long as precious stones exist, there are those who want to counterfeit them, that is, wishful thinking. Moreover, these are not always scammers.

In particular, gem Alexandrite, due to its rarity and demand, has been replaced since the 19th century by artificially grown crystals, which, of course, did not have such magical and healing properties, but in terms of cutting and color play they were almost as good as natural ones, although the cost of the crystal was many times lower than the original mineral. “Every soldier dreams of becoming a general,” and most women dreamed of having jewelry with such a beautiful stone.

In the case of aquamarine, artificial crystal, more precisely glass and blue spinel, are almost never used due to the widespread availability of original samples. The stone is semi-precious - this is another plus in order not to use a fake.

How to determine the authenticity of a product and distinguish a fake from the original? It should be noted that aquamarines are not grown artificially. Therefore, if a fake is used in a product, it will be either glass or blue spinel. Thus, the basic properties of a real mineral will be impossible to reproduce in a fake, namely:

Pleochroism (in natural stone When the angle of inclination changes, the shade of the surface also changes).
Transparency and shine are not inherent in a fake.
The genuine structure has internal inclusions (see the physical and chemical properties of aquamarine), but glass does not.
When heated to a temperature of about 400°C, aquamarine will change its shade (darken), while glass will remain unchanged.

As for the cost of the original sample, it ranges from 230-250 dollars per carat for large stones from 10 carats, and about 60 dollars per carat for small samples. If the crystal exhibits asterism (see physicochemical properties of aquamarine) or a cat's eye effect, the cost increases.

How much does aquamarine cost in Russia? Depending on the number of carats, the cost in rubles varies from 2.5 thousand rubles for stones weighing 2 carats to 60 thousand rubles or more for samples of 50-55 carats. Prices are approximate and depend on the specific supplier.

Price jewelry with this stone varies quite widely and depends on the cut of accompanying precious and semi-precious stones and metals, etc. But, in principle, these decorations are available to various categories of the population.

The most famous examples and products made of aquamarine

The special purity and magic of the mineral were valued by famous jewelers, royalty and just richest people peace. The stone was a kind of sign of refined aristocracy. Rarely, unless it was a collector's item, was an aquamarine used only once. Although there are several museum rarities that deserve special attention.

For example, a family stamp seal made of a solid crystal or intaglio (crystals with engraved profiles of certain people). In particular, with the profile of Julia Domna - the wife of one of the emperors - Septimius Severus, made at the beginning of our era. The sample amazes with its elegance, accuracy of depiction of small details and the image as a whole, and the play of light and color somewhat enlivens the image.

Most of the crystals were used in arts and crafts along with other minerals and precious metals.

It is impossible not to mention the famous Easter Egg with a miniature copy of the cruiser “Memory of Azov” inside the workshop of Carl Faberge. Made of gold, platinum, and diamonds, the replica of the cruiser is placed on a stand made of a solid aquamarine plate, symbolizing the sea. The play of colors in shades of sea water perfectly conveys the surface of the water.

This egg is also notable for the fact that it is one of the few that did not leave Russia. Currently stored in the Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin.

Truly a world masterpiece and an ode to aquamarine is the Don Pedro crystal. The obelisk-shaped aquamarine measures approximately 40 cm in height and 10 cm in width. The artist Munsteiner studied the crystal for several months and selected a design. And when the work was finished, there was no limit to admiration! The play of clear lines combines needle-like strokes and shimmers of light. He simply radiated brilliance and inner light. It seemed that this was a magic crystal from a fairy tale that had unearthly properties.

Currently, the masterpiece is kept in the famous collection of the Smithsonian Institution.

No less significant are the famous sets of jewelry, the so-called parures, which belonged to Elizabeth II (a gift to the queen on behalf of Brazil was made on the day of her coronation) and that belonged to Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna (sister of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna).

The jewelry sets include a tira, necklace and bracelet that combine large aquamarine crystals with silver-cut diamonds. “Cold” beauty is associated with jewelry from the fairy tale “The Snow Queen” by G.H. Andersen.

Zodiac signs and aquamarine

We have come to the final part of the story, but no less important and interesting. Which horoscope sign is suitable for aquamarine, and which, on the contrary, is undesirable to wear this crystal?

Aquamarine favors Water signs, mainly Pisces And Cancer. Earrings with this stone will relieve their owner from headaches and thyroid diseases. A Cancer born between 22.06 and 1.07 will additionally be spared from deception and lies.
Fire sign - Sagittarius For those born between December 1st and December 12th, the mineral will help cool down anger and bring the inner world into a harmonious state. Firmly evaluate the pros and cons of making important decisions.

Air Signs ( Gemini And Libra) it is undesirable to wear aquamarine jewelry, and Aries And Capricorns- even contraindicated. It stimulates excessive aggression and activity in these signs and prevents them from concentrating in decision-making.
Virgos the crystal will help soften their perception of reality and smooth out rough edges.

Consequently, the stone is characterized by some selectivity in combination with zodiac representatives. Therefore, in solving the dilemma: to wear or not to wear aquamarine, you need to be guided not only by general recommendations, but also by the specific date of birth and individual perception of the stone.

Caring for aquamarine products

Caring for aquamarine products is no different from caring for precious stones.

It is better to store them in fabric bags and separately.
Wash in warm soapy water, do not use abrasives.
Products made of gold and silver with aquamarine must be treated with special care and avoid mechanical damage. We remember that aquamarine is a fragile stone.

And the main thing is not to forget and love the stones, then they will answer you in kind.

In conclusion, it should be said that the world of stones is diverse, but everyone can find in it their own, even a small stone, which will be their talisman and amulet in life.

This short but quite succinct video will help you get to know the “water” mineral a little more closely:

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Aquamarine stone is an amazing mineral, its fascinating multifaceted palette gave it its name - sea wave. This is one of the types of beryl, the color shades are soft cornflower blue, bright azure, deep blue, sometimes mistaken for or. The magical properties of aquamarine have been used for centuries; it was believed that the entire element of water is contained in an amazing stone.

Sky blue, turquoise aquamarine color was considered the patron saint of sailors, the talisman protected against the violent temper of the sea, and helped to successfully complete long voyages. Myths and legends are inextricably linked with the water element; this is a gift from Poseidon, which united the surface of the sea and the vastness of the sky. Duality is the main mystery of the mineral; it changes color depending on the angle of inclination.

In jewelry it was used to create jewelry, as well as figurines; the crowns of rulers were decorated with this particular gem. Monarchs at all times appreciated the beauty of the stone; famous masterpieces are the Faberge Easter egg, as well as the parure of the Queen of England, the scepter of the Polish king, and the six-kilogram bust of Napoleon. In addition to its aesthetic purpose, it was used as the basis for creating lenses for prototypes of modern glasses.

The most valuable are the blue specimens, the extraction of which is concentrated in Brazil. Prices for green and azure are slightly lower, but the minerals found are also widely used for jewelry.

Many medallions with images of rulers in this stone have been preserved; it was believed that the enclosed face made the owner immortal.

Physical properties

What is this "water" stone? It is a transparent mineral, part of a rock based on a crystalline system, one of the types of the beryl family. Deposits of the mineral are found all over the planet; a gem weighing 82 kg was found in the Urals; in Brazil, the record holder weighs 100 kg. The geography of deposits covers the extreme points of the Earth - the USA, Ukraine, India, Australia.

Depending on the location, the color scheme changes; green specimens are more often found in the south of the Urals, and deep blue ones are found in South America. In addition to the presence of iron in the composition, the unique combinations are due to the content of inclusions of lithium, potassium, and vanadium. Rays extend from the axis, creating the effect of rain; it is by these needle-shaped cavities that aquamarine can be distinguished from other representatives of the beryl family.

A variety of beryl with bluish-green hues is called aquamarine. This mineral is characterized by fading with prolonged exposure to the sun. The gem is sometimes confused with pale sapphires or topaz.

The main characteristic of aquamarine is its two-tone color, which appears if you change the viewing angle. Aquamarines are mostly step-cut and, interestingly, have high wear resistance.

Large aquamarine crystals have been found in Russia. The first minerals were found in the Urals in 1669. 82 kilograms - this is the weight of the largest gem found in Eastern Transbaikalia in the 18th century.

Aquamarine mines exist on almost all continents: they are mined in Argentina, Ireland, Norway, Ukraine and Sri Lanka. Good quality aquamarines are mined in the USA, India, Burma, Nigeria, and Afghanistan.

According to legends, the gem is able to maintain the unity of spouses and give courage. In the Middle Ages, they believed that aquamarine would ensure victory in sea battles, as well as safety during travel.

« Aquamarine" translated from Latin means " sea water“, so the gem began to personify the soul and essence of the sea.

What stones can be confused with aquamarine? The faint blue ones are very reminiscent of aquamarine, but in terms of jewelry quality they are significantly inferior to the famous mineral. Aquamarine does not have the same defect as spinel, namely gaseous inclusions in the stones that look like small bubbles.

Aquamarine color

Aquamarine stone: magical properties of the mineral

Healing properties of the stone

Aquamarine and zodiac signs. Meaning of the stone

It is vital for Libra to be justices of the peace and advisors to those around them, so representatives of this sign will appreciate the properties that the gem will give them, namely: a sense of justice, calmness and sobriety of mind, prudence and the ability to communicate with others. Aquamarine is able to calm Libra and relieve negative emotions. The stone will smooth out the frightening mood swings of Libra and will contribute to the establishment of both business and friendly relationships.

Aquamarine stone and Pisces are symbols of the water element, so they are very suitable for each other. The gem will enhance the positive qualities of representatives of the Pisces sign: immunity to negative emotions, calmness and equanimity, selflessness and a colossal desire to travel and spiritual development. Aquamarine will give Pisces courage and enhance self-esteem. The mineral will teach representatives of this sign to control their emotions, relieve shocks, useless worries and stress.

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