WorldWide Drilling Resource

March is Aquamarine by Harry W. Short, Engineering Geologist Aquamarine, the blue or blue-green mineral related to beryl is the traditional birthstone for March. Pale- green beryl is called aquamarine, and when colored dark green it is called emer- ald. The name aquamarine was derived from two words, aqua meaning water and marine referring to the ocean since its color resembles seawater. Some gem aqua- marines are often heat treated to produce the popular blue/green colors from less desirable yellow or pale gems. In biblical times, the emerald signified Saint John the Evangelist. Aquamarine gemstones are a variety of beryl composed of beryllium, aluminum, and quartz which crystallizes in the hexagonal system. It has poor cleavage in one direction, a conchoidal fracture, an index of refraction of 1.57 to 1.6-0, its hardness is 7.5 to 8.0 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale, and a specific gravity of 2.6 to 2.8. It has a vitreous luster and a conchoidal to uneven fracture. Beryl and its associated minerals are commonly found in granitic rocks and pegmatites. Aquamarine is sometimes found in large groups of many clusters of prismatic crystals having the same alignment. The crystal striations are commonly parallel to their long axis and six-sided crystals of aquamarine are common in pegmatites. It also occurs in a glassy form without showing a crystalline structure, and often has small holes and odd shapes. One beryl crystal, 18-feet long, was recorded in the Complete Book of Rocks and Minerals by Chris and Helen Pellant, in 1995. Another crystal, 14-feet long and weighing 18 tons, was found in Maine. See The Rock Book , 1956 (paperback 2003), by Carroll and Mildred Fenton. The best aquamarine today comes from Brazil, where it occurs in large crystals in a very clear condition. Pakistan and many u.S. localities, produce wonderful specimens as well. Mines in China have produced large numbers of excellent, flat-stubby crystals. Other countries producing aquamarine include Columbia, Madagascar, Russia, and Brazil. Notable aquamarine areas in the u.S. include North Carolina, New Mexico, the Black Hills in South Dakota, and several New England states. The light-bluish color of aquamarine arouses a strong feeling of sympathy, trust, harmony, and friendship. Women love this gem because its colorful shades comple- ment most any skin or eye color. It has been said aquamarine promises a happy marriage and brings joy and wealth to women who wear it. Harry Harry Short may be contacted via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Brazilian aquamarine photo by Mauro Cateb. 04 ' #0(++(-& 2 (-" 8 $ (-& 2 $ (-#31 07 1 $ 9 8 '$- (2 ".,$1 2. : ; 5$ *-.5 2'$ 9 $12 0!-*%.02 ++(-.(1 ."!2(.- ,!(+ 2$$)!7 ,(#5$12 -$2 !6 .++ 0$$ 0$2(/ %.0 54 MARCH 2016 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®