Aquamarine Beads

Aquamarine beads are made of a mineral known as a beryl. Beryls are a favorite element in jewelry supplies, due to their hardness and transparency. Significant sources include Brazil, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Africa.

According to legend, aquamarine originated in the treasure chest of mermaids, and has long been considered a lucky stone for sailors. In Latin, "aqua" means water and "mare" means sea. Hence, aquamarine means water of the sea. Aquamarine has been mined and used in jewelry making for thousands of years. Aquamarine beads have even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. It is also an optional birthstone for October. Astrologically, these gemstone beads are associated with Pisces and Scorpio.

Aquamarine is a transparent pale blue to bright sea blue stone, often with milky inclusions. There is a kind of aquamarine called "milky aquamarine" which is completely opaque. The blue coloring is caused by trace amounts of iron. However, it is often more blue green than blue, and heating to 300 degrees Celcius will eliminate the green, producing the more desireable blue color. Irradiation can reverse this process restoring the original yellow and green colors.

common treatments: often heat treated

special care: avoid prolonged exposure to strong heat

hardness: 7.5 - 8