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
Composition
Be3Al2Si6O18
Class
Silicates
Crystal system
Hexagonal
Mohs' hardness
7,5-8
Fracture
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Imperfect
Lustre
Glassy
Streak
White
Localities
Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, USA