Difference between revisions of "Aquamarine"
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+ | Aquamarine is a pastel greenish-blue variety of the mineral beryl. Its name is derived from the Latin words for water and sea. Crystals form in large hexagonal prisms. In ancient times, it was believed that sailors wearing aquamarine pendants would be protected from the perils of the sea. The stone symbolized happiness and eternal youth. It was viewed in Christian symbolism to bring moderation and control of passions to its owner. |
Revision as of 13:29, 2 October 2006
Aquamarine | |
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Chemical composition | Be3Al2(SiO3)6 Beryllium aluminum silicate |
Crystal system | Hexagonal |
Habit | Prismatic |
Cleavage | Imperfect, basal, almost never seen |
Hardness | 7.5 to 8 |
Optic nature | Uniaxial - |
Refractive index | 1.577-1.583 (+0.017, - 0.017) |
Birefringence | 0.005-0.009 |
Dispersion | Low, 0.014 |
Specific gravity | 2.72 (+0.18,-0.5) |
Lustre | Vitreous |
Pleochroism | Weak to moderate |
Aquamarine is a pastel greenish-blue variety of the mineral beryl. Its name is derived from the Latin words for water and sea. Crystals form in large hexagonal prisms. In ancient times, it was believed that sailors wearing aquamarine pendants would be protected from the perils of the sea. The stone symbolized happiness and eternal youth. It was viewed in Christian symbolism to bring moderation and control of passions to its owner.