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Aquamarine stone derives its name from the Latin word, aqua which means water, and marina meaning the sea. It showcases a blue color that resembles the color of the sea and is thus often confused with similar-colored gems like blue topaz and blue spinel. Aquamarine stone is considered semi-precious, but high-carat weight stones are rarely found and hence considered more valuable. You will find synthetic and fake aquamarines in the market that resemble the same color and it is difficult to differentiate between the real and fake ones. This blog refers to the steps that can help one determine the genuine gemstone.
Aquamarine comes from the beryl mineral family with a chemical composition of Be3Al2Si6O18. It features a light blue color with a greenish tint. The amazing color of this stone is due to the presence of ferrous iron. The beauty of this gemstone has long been admired throughout history and it was believed that these stones were worn by the high priest of the Second Temple. This semi-precious gemstone was used as a talisman for protection and luck by fishermen while traveling in the sea.
Emerald and aquamarine are close cousins originating from the same mineral family. If you want to know more here are the Key Differences Between Aquamarine and Emerald Stones.
Even today these gems are admired for their astrological powers. If you are a public speaker, teacher, or in a profession that requires good communication skills, a natural aquamarine stone is excellent for you. It also enhances wisdom, and analytical thinking and provides calmness to the wearer. This stone provides emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Wear a real aquamarine necklace if you want to bring good fortune to your life but only the original ones for maximum benefits.
These stones are found worldwide from mines in Brazil, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Australia. They have moderate rarity but finding them in deep colors is difficult. The real aquamarine stone value starts from INR 1000 and can extend up to INR 10,000 or even more. However, you can find these stones at prices lower than this but these can be fake or synthetic gems. For instance, Santa Maria aquamarine stone sourced from Brazil accounts for rarity with its deepest blue color. The color of the stone gets lighter with the increase in its size thus finding them in small size is difficult. Hence, you must buy natural aquamarine that can be treasured for a long in terms of beauty and benefits.
Let's see how you can find out if these stones real
Aquamarine gemstones have a light blue color resembling seawater. Along with this primary hue greenish and yellowish tint is also seen thus making them distinguishable from other blue stones. Synthetic aquamarines showcase dark violetish or dark grayish blue color. They are mostly transparent and you can see crystal clear through the stone. This is the best way to test the originality of aquamarine stone at home.
Even glass looks eye-clean and thus it is sometimes not easy to differentiate between fake gemstones. Fake aquamarine made of glass feels warm at room temperature while real aquamarines feel cooler when touched.
A natural aquamarine stone ranks between 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale making it durable for everyday use. This means it cannot be scratched easily whereas glass can be.
Maxixe-type beryls are irradiated beryls sold in the market in the name of aquamarines. These beryls are treated with artificial radiation to get the enhanced blue color and thus are often misinterpreted as real aquamarine stone. To check for its originality, observe the color of the stone when it is exposed to sunlight. Maxixe-type beryls fade in sunlight while genuine aquamarine does not.
Look for different colors from different angles to find out real aquamarine vs fake. This property of showing two different colors is known as dichroism which is often shown by genuine aquamarine (also known as Beruj ratna in Hindi). The range of colors goes from deep blue to a pale bluish-green color. Synthetic and Maxixe-type beryls do not show dichroism properties.
Heated aquamarine stone shows black inclusions which is due to the presence of carbon. The presence of such inclusions differentiates between treated and untreated gemstones. Unheated aquamarine shows an elegant sea blue color with crystal clear clarity. However, some studies show inclusions such as feathers, liquid-filled capillaries, and fluid inclusions that are visible under a microscope. So, check with your gemologists for these inclusions as fake stones do not come with inclusions, they are clear like glass.
If you find air bubbles within the surface of the gemstone then it is probably a fake aquamarine. You need to visit a knowledgeable gemologist for the same as these minute things are visible with specialized types of equipment only. This is because tiny air bubbles can also be seen in genuine aquamarine but their presence may differ.
There are lot many blue gemstones and they are often mistaken as beruj ratna. Since each gemstone has its own significance and physical properties it is important to know the point of differentiation. Natural aquamarine holds great significance in astrology. It is worn to build a strong relationship between couples and hence preferred as an engagement or wedding ring as well. Aquamarine crystals possess strong healing properties and are kept in offices and homes to add calmness and positivity to the place.
Blue Glass is not a gem but it is often sold as beruj stone in the market. It is made by melting sand, limestone, and soda ash. The blue color is given by adding cobalt oxide or copper. Blue glass is cheaper than the original aquamarine gemstone. You can get them half the value of the actual stone. If you are looking for a genuine aquamarine stone with astrological and healing benefits you should think of quality and not price. You can always check for real aquamarine vs fake by testing the hardness and bubbles of the two.
Blue topaz is a stunning gemstone from the topaz family which is exclusively popular for astrological and jewelry purposes. Due to the similar color, it is often confused with an original beruj stone. The best way to differentiate between the two is by using UV or black light. Aquamarine reflects a peak pale blue color whereas blue topaz glows with a weak yellow or greenish color. These two stones differentiate in price as well. Blue topaz is cheaper and prices start from INR 350 and extend up to 1500 per carat or more.
To check whether your purchased aquamarine stone is real and of good quality it is important to look for the four Cs that is color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
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