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
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.