Aquamarine is a beautiful gemstone that comes in various shades of blue, from light to dark. But what is the most valuable aquamarine color, and what factors affect its value? In this blog post, we will explain what aquamarine is, its healing properties, and how to assess its quality and value based on its color.

What is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a gemstone prized for its mesmerizing shades of blue that range from light to dark. It is a popular choice for jewelry, and its spiritual and healing properties have been revered for centuries. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, but it stands out from other members because of its unique color palette.

Origin

Aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua marina, which means ‘sea water’. This is a reference to the fact that the gemstone can be found in a range of different shades of blue that resemble the colors of the sea. It is believed to have originated in the mines of Ancient Egypt and was a favorite gemstone of Queen Cleopatra.

Characteristics

Aquamarine is a silicate mineral consisting of silicon, oxygen, and other elements. It has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, which is fairly tough and durable. The gemstone also has transparency ranging from being semi-transparent to opaque.

Varieties

Aquamarine comes in a range of varieties, but some of the most popular ones are Cat’s Eye Aquamarine, which has a chatoyancy effect, and Maxixe Aquamarine, which has a deep blue hue. Other varieties include Santa Maria Aquamarine, which is highly transparent and has a light greenish-blue color, and Morganite, which has a peachy-pink hue.

Aquamarine is also known for its unique inclusions, which are often visible on the surface of the stone. These inclusions, while they can affect the value of the gemstone, add to its character and charm.

Aquamarine’s Healing Properties

Aquamarine is more than just a beautiful gemstone; it also has powerful healing properties on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. It has long been believed to possess a range of spiritual powers, and its ability to help with physical and emotional healing is just as impressive. Let’s explore the healing properties of aquamarine in more detail.

On a spiritual level, aquamarine connects to divine energy. It is believed to purify and cleanse the soul and to bring balance and harmony into one’s life. Aquamarine also helps to open up intuition and spiritual awareness. It can facilitate communication with higher energies and help to find inner peace.

On an emotional level, aquamarine is known for its calming effects. It assists with emotional balance and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help to reduce fear and boost confidence. By encouraging the release of repressed emotions, aquamarine can also help to create a sense of inner peace and calm.

On a physical level, aquamarine is known to help with healing. It is known to be beneficial for the eyes, teeth, skin, and hair, and it can also help to reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing of wounds. It is believed to benefit the heart and lungs and improve overall health.

These healing properties make aquamarine the perfect choice for those looking to improve their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Whether you want to create emotional balance or spiritual awareness, aquamarine can help you achieve your goals.

Different Shades of Aquamarine

Aquamarines come in all sorts of shades, ranging from almost colorless to intense dark blue. Each variety is unique and has its own special characteristics. The stone’s hue, origin, and iron content all play a role in determining the value of an aquamarine.

Light Aquamarine

Light aquamarine is the most common and affordable variety of aquamarine. It features a soft blue hue and is often almost colorless.

Medium Aquamarine

This is the most sought-after shade of aquamarine and is a rich, deep blue. It is also the most valuable because it is rarer than light aquamarine.

Dark Aquamarine

This is the darkest and most intense shade of aquamarine and is the rarest of the three. It is also the most expensive because it is so rare.

The Most Valuable Shade of Aquamarine

As we mentioned before, aquamarine comes in various shades of blue, from light to dark. But which shade is the most valuable? Generally, the darker shades of aquamarine are more valuable, because the deeper the color, the rarer it is. While light aquamarine stones are fairly common, dark aquamarine stones are much rarer.

When assessing the value of aquamarine, it’s important to take into account color saturation and intensity. The more intense the shade of blue in the gemstone, the more valuable it will be. The most valuable aquamarine stones have a deep, vibrant blue color.

In addition, the quality of the cut of the stone will also affect its value. A well-cut stone with good clarity and even color distribution will always be more valuable than an inferior-cut stone. The cut has the potential to enhance the color of the stone, so a well-cut stone with an even color can make the stone appear more valuable.

The price range for aquamarine also depends on the carat size of the stone. Generally, the larger the stone, the more expensive it will be. But the cost of aquamarine per carat can vary significantly, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.

In summary, the most valuable shade of aquamarine is a deep, vibrant blue color that is well-cut with good clarity and even color distribution. The carat size and price per carat will also affect the value of the stone.

Care and Maintenance of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a durable gemstone, so proper care and maintenance can help it stay beautiful for years to come. Here are some tips on how to protect and care for aquamarine jewelry.

Cleaning

Aquamarine should be cleaned with mild soap, like liquid dish detergent, warm water, and a soft toothbrush. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone. After cleaning, rinse the jewelry thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth.

Storing

Store aquamarine jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or lined jewelry box to avoid scratches and tangles. It’s also a good idea to keep the aquamarine away from other gemstones to avoid any scratching.

Avoiding Damage

To avoid damaging your aquamarine, it should be removed before engaging in any strenuous activities or working with household chemicals. Also, avoid exposing your aquamarine to extreme temperatures, as this can dull the color of the gemstone.

Have your aquamarine checked regularly by a professional jeweler for any signs of wear or damage.

They can check the prongs holding the aquamarine in place and ensure the gemstone is secure in its setting.

If the aquamarine needs to be reset, take it to a professional jeweler.

Finally, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia when cleaning your aquamarine jewelry. These chemicals can cause discoloration or even damage the gemstone.

Caring for your aquamarine jewelry is important to owning such a beautiful gemstone. With the proper care and maintenance, your aquamarine will stay beautiful for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Aquamarine is a precious gemstone that has been beloved by many for centuries. Its ethereal blue hues are captivating, and its healing properties are said to be powerful.

Aquamarine’s color is one of the key factors that affect its value. The most valuable color of aquamarine is usually a deep, intense blue, but lighter shades can also be valuable. In addition to the color, clarity, carat size, and cut all affect the gemstone’s quality and value.

Caring for aquamarine jewelry is important to maintain its beauty and value. Regular cleaning and proper storage will help keep it looking its best. It is also important to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Overall, aquamarine is a beautiful gemstone that can make a stunning piece of jewelry. Its spiritual, emotional, and physical healing properties can bring many benefits to the wearer. Knowing how to assess the quality and value of an aquamarine will help you to select the best piece of jewelry.

Whether you choose a light, medium, or dark blue aquamarine, you can be sure your gemstone will be an exquisite addition to your jewelry collection.