mineral

Aquamarine

Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18 with iron impurities)

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue to light green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Poor; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.80

Hardness: 7
Color: Pale blue to light green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 6, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue to light green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Poor; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.80

Formation & geological history

Formed in granitic pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where beryllium is present. Most specimens date from several hundred million years old, crystallizing from cooling magma-enriched fluids.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings). It is also a minor source of beryllium for industrial alloys, though most beryl of this quality is reserved for collectors or lapidary use.

Geological facts

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Its name is derived from the Latin 'aqua marina', meaning 'sea water'. Unlike emeralds, aquamarines often grow in very large, clean crystals.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hexagonal crystal habit (if present), its hardness (will scratch glass), and its distinctive watery-blue hue. Commonly found in Brazil, Pakistan, and Madagascar. Collectors look for high clarity and deep 'Santa Maria' blue saturation.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral