Aquamarine

Is Aquamarine Precious or Semiprecious?

Aquamarine isn’t considered a precious stone. There are only four types of precious stones:

• Diamonds 
• Emeralds 
• Rubies 
• Sapphires 

Stones like opals, pearls, and jade are sometimes categorised as precious, but that’s not accurate. Every gemstone besides a diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire is categorised as semi-precious. Thus, aquamarine is a semiprecious gemstone and not a precious one. 

What Is the Symbolism of Aquamarine?

Aquamarine, the stunning blue birthstone for March, has unique hues among other precious and semiprecious stones. Its vibrant colour symbolises good health, youthfulness, and hope. 

Because aquamarine is often associated with the sea, it symbolises spiritual cleansing. It invokes the purity of blue waters and the calmness and relaxation the ocean brings. Furthermore, aquamarine symbolises the feeling of trust and letting go.

During ancient times, this semiprecious stone was considered the treasure of mermaids. Sailors used aquamarine as a talisman to have good luck on the open waters. The stone was also used as a symbol of fearlessness and protection. Today, aquamarine is said to bring protection and happiness to those who travel over or near water. Additionally, it represents clear communication coming directly from the heart. 

Is Aquamarine More Expensive Than Sapphire?

Although aquamarines and sapphires cost a wide range of prices, aquamarines are often less costly than sapphires. Typically, a high-quality aquamarine costs between $400 and $600 per carat, while sapphire generally costs between $1,000 and $3,000 per carat. 

Which Is Better: Aquamarine or Blue Topaz?

Here’s how these two beautiful blue gems stack up side by side:

• Availability: Both jewels are readily accessible, but blue topaz is more accessible because it goes through common heat treatments. Aquamarine is rarer because of its natural colour; richly saturated gemstones are often pricey and scarce. 
• Colour: Many blue topaz jewels are heat-treated, whereas aquamarine is natural. Of course, some aquamarines are heat-treated to improve their colour saturation. 
• Durability: Aquamarine wins over blue topaz because of its excellent resistance to abrasions and external cracking.  
• Price: Blue topaz gems are more affordable because they’re widely available. Aquamarine costs twice as much as blue topaz, thanks to its natural colour.

If you want the best value for your money, blue topaz is better than Aquamarine. However, aquamarine is perfect for you if you value organic and rare gems which will keep their beauty longer.

Does Aquamarine Scratch Easily?

Aquamarine has a hardness value of eight on the Mohs scale. That means this gemstone has a high resistance to abrasions and scratches, making it an excellent choice for everyday jewellery. Aquamarine’s hardness also means it can keep a good polish longer.

How Do I Clean Aquamarine Jewellery?

The best way to care for aquamarine jewellery is to clean it in warm and soapy water:

• Fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of detergent or dish soap. 
• Let your aquamarine jewellery soak for some time, and then use a brush with soft bristles to clean the jewellery. 

After cleaning your jewellery, rinse it in warm water to remove excess soap.