Aquamarine facts for kids

Aquamarine is a beautiful word that can mean two things! It's a lovely shade of blue-green, just like clear ocean water. It's also a precious gemstone, a type of beryl, known for its stunning blue color. People have loved aquamarine for centuries, both as a color and as a sparkling jewel.

Aquamarine: The Ocean's Gem and Color

What is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a type of mineral called beryl. Other famous beryl minerals include emerald (green) and morganite (pink). Aquamarine gets its name from Latin words meaning "water of the sea." This name perfectly describes its clear, often blue-green color.

This gemstone is known for its excellent clarity. It often looks like a clear drop of water. The color of aquamarine can range from very light blue to a deeper blue-green. Its beautiful color comes from tiny amounts of iron inside the crystal.

Where Does Aquamarine Come From?

Aquamarine crystals form deep inside the Earth. They are found in rocks called pegmatites. These rocks are often found in mountains. Some of the most famous places where aquamarine is mined include Brazil, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Other countries like Madagascar, Zambia, and the United States also have aquamarine deposits.

Miners carefully extract these crystals from the ground. Some crystals can be very large. The largest aquamarine ever found weighed over 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds)! It was discovered in Brazil in 1910.

The Aquamarine Gemstone

Properties of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a fairly hard gemstone. On the Mohs scale, it ranks between 7.5 and 8. This means it is durable enough for everyday wear in jewelry. It is not as hard as a diamond, but it is harder than many other gems.

Jewelers often cut aquamarine into many shapes. Popular cuts include oval, emerald, and round. These cuts help show off the gem's sparkle and color. The clearer the stone, the more valuable it usually is.

Aquamarine in Jewelry and History

Aquamarine has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations believed it had special powers. Sailors often carried aquamarine. They thought it would protect them at sea. They also believed it would calm rough waters.

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. This makes it a popular gift for people born in that month. It is also a traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary. Many people believe aquamarine brings happiness and courage. It is also thought to help people communicate better.

The Color Aquamarine

The color aquamarine is a beautiful shade. It sits between blue and green on the color wheel. Think of the clear, shallow waters of a tropical ocean. That's the color aquamarine! It's a calm and refreshing color.

This color is often used in fashion and home decor. It can make a room feel peaceful and open. In art, aquamarine is used to paint water scenes. It helps artists capture the beauty of the sea. The color reminds us of nature and tranquility.