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Availability :
Although small Aquamarines with good coloration can be hard to obtain, Aquamarines
are generally readily available. Supply meets demand.
Sources :
The major supplier of Aquamarine is Brazil, especially in the state of Minas Gerais.
Not only is Brazil the major supplier but it also provides the most valuable Aquamarines
on the market today. Other Aquamarine deposits can be found in Afghanistan, Angola,
China, Columbia, Kenya, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria,
Pakistan, Russia,
Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States (Colorado, Idaho), and Zambia.
Evaluation :
Aquamarine is rated as 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, which makes it durable and suitable for everyday wear. Aquamarine gemstones are often eye-clean and inclusion
free. The color of Aquamarine varies from pale blue to a strong sea-blue. Aquamarine
receives its color from traces of iron. When investing in an Aquamarine, choose
one that is pure in color and as dark as possible. The more intense and pure the
color of the stone, the more value it has. Color intensity tends to improve with
larger stones.
Aquamarines have been found and cut in remarkable sizes, and because of this the
price doesn't vary much in sizes above one carat. However, when Aquamarine gemstones
are exceptionally well cut, their value increases enormously, and prices rise to
around the same price per carat as a one carat gemstone of equal quality. Aquamarine
gemstones provide excellent value for money, particularly when considering the fact that a well colored, well cut Aquamarine is among the most spectacular gemstones
available in terms of overall apearance and brilliance. When buying Apatite gemstones,
the two most impotant factors to consider are color and clarity. Gemstones with
good color saturation and few inclusions are inherently more valuable and command
higher per Carat prices.
Common Cuts :
Aquamarine gemstones are most commonly cut into Emerald and Oval shapes.
Routine Enhancements :
Almost all of the Aquamarine gemstones on the market today have been heat-treated in order to produce the best / most desirable color. This treatment is used for
greenish, yellow or brownish stones to remove tints and produce a beautiful pure
blue coloration. This method of treatment is considered permanent and the color
should not fade over time.
Care & Cleaning :
Aquamarines can be cleaned by using warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove
any dirt or grease that is lingering. They should be kept away from household chemicals as they
can cause the stone to erode. Aquamarines should also be kept away from
excessive amounts of heat or drastic temperature changes. All gemstones should be
kept in a fabric lined box away from other harder jewelry items so as to avoid scratching
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