mineral

Aquamarine

Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue to greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.90.

Hardness: 7
Color: Pale blue to greenish-blue
Luster: Vitreous

Identified April 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue to greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.90.

Formation & geological history

Forms in pegmatites, often through hydrothermal activity in late-stage granite crystallization. Can be found in alluvial deposits. Geological age varies by deposit, ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry as a gemstone. It is also a source of beryllium, which is used in high-tech alloys for aerospace and telecommunications. Highly valued by mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Its name is derived from the Latin 'aqua marina' meaning sea water. The largest gem-quality aquamarine ever found was the 'Dom Pedro', which weighed approximately 100 pounds before cutting.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hexagonal crystal habit, hardness (will scratch glass easily), and distinctive sea-foam green to blue color. It is commonly found in Brazil, Pakistan, and Madagascar.