gemstone

Aquamarine (blue beryl)

Beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈; blue variety colored mainly by iron

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Identified September 20, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Pale blue to blue-green, transparent to translucent, vitreous luster, commonly hexagonal prismatic crystals with flat terminations. Mohs hardness 7.5–8; no prominent cleavage; specific gravity about 2.63–2.80. The small fragments appear consistent with broken or rough aquamarine crystals, though image-only identification is not definitive.

Formation & geological history

Forms in granite-related pegmatites and hydrothermal cavities when beryllium-rich fluids crystallize. Most gem aquamarine is Mesozoic to younger pegmatite material; a precise age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Cut aquamarine is used in jewelry; rough fragments are sold as mineral specimens or lapidary material. Very small mixed chips generally have modest commercial value.

Geological facts

The blue color commonly deepens after heat treatment, while irradiation may produce unstable colors in some material. Similar-looking blue minerals include blue topaz, fluorite, glass, and celestine.

Field identification & locations

Identify by hexagonal crystal form, glassy luster, hardness, and lack of obvious cleavage; a refractive-index or specific-gravity test is useful. Ethiopia has important beryl-bearing pegmatites, making this regionally plausible, but confirmation requires testing.