| Aquamarine
Aquamarine
is the blue to greenish blue variety of the mineral species
beryl. The beryl family also includes emerald and morganite.
The name aquamarine comes from the Latin word for seawater
due to its color, which resembles the sea. In the Middle Ages,
aquamarine was considered a symbol of happiness and everlasting
youth. Today, aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of
March and is designated for the 18th wedding anniversary.
Most aquamarines are heated to reduce any green overtones
in the stone, bringing out a more desirable blue color. This
enhancement is done on a routine basis and is stable.
Sources: Brazil, Africa, and Madagascar.
Other colored stones:
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