Beryl · Mohs 7.5–8
Aquamarine: Identification, Meaning & Care
Aquamarine is the blue to greenish-blue variety of beryl, colored primarily by iron.
Aquamarine properties
- Formula
- Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
- Mineral group
- Beryl
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5–8
- Color
- Greenish blue to blue
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Cleavage / fracture
- Indistinct
How to identify Aquamarine
- Often forms long six-sided prisms.
- Pale color is common; saturated rough is less typical.
- Glass imitations may show bubbles under magnification.
Aquamarine care
Water
Warm soapy water is usually suitable; avoid heat for included stones.
Light & heat
Normally stable, but heat treatment history may be unknown.
Storage
Store separately from harder materials and cushion sharp edges, points, or cleavage-prone faces.
Traditional meaning
Associated in maritime folklore with safe travel and calm seas.
Traditional symbolism is presented as cultural history or personal practice, not as a scientific or medical claim.
Sources & further checking
- Mindat mineral database
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia
- RRUFF mineral database
- International Mineralogical Association
See our full methodology.