Is aquamarine a stone or crystal?

About Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a captivating gemstone belonging to the beryl mineral family. The name "aquamarine" is derived from the Latin words "aqua marina," which translates to "water of the sea." This nomenclature perfectly encapsulates the gemstone's enchanting color palette, reminiscent of the mesmerizing shades of ocean waters. 

How to Define Stone？

In a broad sense, the term "stone" is used to describe naturally occurring solid minerals or mineral-like materials. Stones are typically formed through geological processes such as crystallization, sedimentation, and metamorphism. They can encompass a wide range of materials, including minerals, rocks, and gemstones, and are often valued for their aesthetic, practical, and cultural significance. 

What is Crystal, then ?

Natural Chakra Crystals

Crystals, on the other hand, possess a distinct arrangement of atoms or molecules, typically resulting in geometric forms. They exhibit a repeating pattern in their atomic structure, which grants them unique optical properties, such as clarity and luster.

Comparing Aquamarine to Other Stones

• Emerald: Both aquamarine and emerald belong to the beryl family of minerals. While emerald is known for its rich green color due to trace amounts of chromium or vanadium, aquamarine displays a range of blue to greenish-blue hues attributed to traces of iron. Emerald is often valued for its intense green color and is typically more expensive than aquamarine.

• Diamond: In contrast to the brilliance and hardness of diamonds, aquamarine has a different appearance and is not as hard. Diamonds are prized for their high refractive index, exceptional durability, and colorless nature, while aquamarine is treasured for its tranquil blue hues and is less resistant to scratching.

• Sapphire: Both aquamarine and sapphire are popular choices for blue gemstones. However, sapphires are typically darker and richer in color compared to aquamarine. Sapphires are also known for their exceptional hardness, ranking just below diamond on the Mohs scale, whereas aquamarine has a lower hardness level.

• Ruby: Ruby, a variety of the mineral corundum, is renowned for its deep red color, while aquamarine exhibits various shades of blue. Rubies are notably harder than aquamarine and have a higher refractive index, resulting in a different appearance when compared to aquamarine.

Aquamarine is Both a Stone and a Crystal

Aquamarine is indeed a crystal as it has a highly ordered and repetitive atomic structure, characteristic of crystalline materials. The confusion may arise from the fact that aquamarine is often referred to as a "stone" in the context of gemology and jewelry, but this does not negate its classification as a crystal. Therefore, aquamarine can be accurately described as both a crystal and a gemstone.

Origins and Properties of Aquamarine

Origins

Aquamarine can be found in various locations around the world, with notable deposits in countries such as Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia, and others. These locations contribute unique characteristics to the gemstone, and aquamarine from different origins may exhibit variations in color, clarity, and other properties. 

Properties

As a member of the beryl family, aquamarine shares several properties with its counterparts, including a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, excellent transparency, and a vitreous luster. Its color range typically spans from pale blue to deep azure, with the most prized specimens exhibiting a pure, intense blue hue. 

How Aquamarine is Formed

Aquamarine is formed through geological processes involving the mineral beryl. Beryl typically forms in pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks. The presence of elements such as beryllium, aluminum, and silicon, along with specific temperature and pressure conditions, contributes to the creation of aquamarine crystals within these geological environments.

Over time, the growth of aquamarine crystals occurs through a combination of cooling and solidification processes, often resulting in the development of sizable and well-formed crystals. In some cases, aquamarine can also be found in secondary deposits, where it has been transported and redeposited by natural forces such as water or erosion.

What's Aquamarine Stand for in Jewelry

Aquamarine Snowflake Pendant Necklace - 925 Sterling Silver

• Courage and Clarity: Aquamarine is often associated with attributes such as courage and mental clarity. It is believed to bestow upon the wearer a sense of fearlessness and clear thought.

• Serenity and Tranquility: The serene blue hues of aquamarine are linked to feelings of calmness and peacefulness. As a result, it is symbolically regarded as a stone that promotes tranquility and relaxation.

• Protection for Travelers: Throughout history, aquamarine has been considered a talisman for travelers, believed to protect sailors and ensure safe voyages across the seas. This connection to safeguarding individuals during travels adds a layer of symbolism to the gemstone.

• March Birthstone: Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March. In this context, it represents purity, hope, and optimism, making it a meaningful choice for individuals born in that month or as a gift for special occasions occurring in March.

Conclusion

Through examining aquamarine's formation process, properties, and comparison to other stones, we can confidently determine that aquamarine possesses attributes of both a stone and a crystal. Its crystalline structure and unique optical properties align with crystal characteristics, while its formation within solid rocks and moderate hardness classify it as a stone.