gemstone
Aquamarine (Small Beads)
Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18 with traces of iron)
Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale light blue to greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.66-2.80.
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Pale light blue to greenish-blue
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale light blue to greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.66-2.80.
Formation & geological history
Aquamarine forms primarily in pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks. It crystallizes from mineral-rich fluids late in the cooling process of granite intrusions. Deposits range from millions to hundreds of millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry as faceted stones, cabochons, or decorative beads. Lower-quality beryl is also an ore for the metal beryllium, used in high-tech alloys for aerospace and electronics.
Geological facts
The largest gem-quality aquamarine ever found was the Marambaia Aquamarine, weighing over 110 kg. It is the birthstone for March and is named from the Latin 'aqua marina', meaning 'sea water'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hexagonal crystal habit in the field, its high hardness, and its lack of cleavage. These specific beads are likely machine-cut and polished from lower-grade translucent material rather than high-grade transparent gems.
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