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Aquamarine

The name of the mineral derives from Latin 'aqua marina' meaning sea water and refers to the blue-greenish color of the stone. Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, just like emerald and heliodor. Its pale blue color is attributed to Fe2+. The stone is valued not only for its color and transparency, but also for its hardness.

Aquamarine

Basic properties

CompositionBe3Al2Si6O18
ClassSilicates
Crystal systemHexagonal
Mohs' hardness7,5-8
FractureConchoidal
CleavageImperfect
LustreGlassy
StreakWhite
LocalitiesBrazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, USA
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