Birthstones - March (Aquamarine or Bloodstone)

Aquamarine

Mohs Hardness: 7.5 - 8
Specific Gravity: 2.72
Refractive Index: 1.577-1.583

Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March and also the gem designated for the 19th wedding anniversary.
Aquamarine is the blue, or perhaps more correctly, blue-green or aqua variety of the mineral beryl and occurs primarily in granite pegmatites. Other beryl family members include emerald, morganite, goshenite, bixbite, heliodor and green and golden beryl. Unlike emerald, aquamarine gems are often completely flawless. In fact, an aquamarine gem with a visible flaw is rarely seen. The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin "aqua marina," meaning "sea water." Aquamarine is colored by trace amounts of iron that find their way into the crystal structure. The gemstone is dark to light blue to blue green, with a vitreous luster. The deeper and more saturated the color, the more valuable the stone.

Aquamarine is always a pastel blue, but the darker the color, the more valued it is. Connoisseurs also prefer a pure blue, with little or no green in it. If you prefer a greenish tinge, you will generally find that such stones are less expensive than their more blue counterparts. Because the color is generally pale, aquamarine should have good clarity. In jewelry, the preferred cuts are emerald cut and round brilliant, as well as long oval shapes. Aquamarine is a relatively high priced, semi-precious gemstone, higher in value than blue topaz, most amethyst and most garnets.
 
The leading producer of aquamarine is the country of Brazil, and it is also found in India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia and USA (Colorado, Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont).

Care & Cleaning of Aquamarine

The beautiful color of your aquamarine will last indefinitely, if the gem is properly cared for. As with all gems, protect aquamarine from scratches and sharp blows and extreme temperature changes. The beautiful light blue to blue-green color of aquamarine may fade upon prolonged exposure to light. Because of this, aquamarine should never be worn while sunbathing or using a tanning bed. Aquamarine should not be cleaned in a home ultrasonic machine. Instead, use mild soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning. We suggest that you bring your jewelry to Gillespie Jewelers at least three times each year for a complimentary inspection and cleaning.