| Birthstones for March: Aquamarine & Bloodstone |
| Jenny Andersen Antique and Estate Jewelry |
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Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, as is its more famous cousin,
emerald. Aquamarine is greenish blue or blue in color; most of the blue on
the market today have been heat treated. Unlike emerald, aquamarine
crystals commonly are large and clear of inclusions. Common beryl crystals
many feet in length have been found. The name aquamarine comes from
Latin words for 'water' and 'sea', as befits the color. It is supposed to be a
lucky stone for sailors, and once symbolized happiness and youth.
Hardness: 7 1/2-8
Composition: Beryllium aluminum silicate
Crystal structure: hexagonal
Care of aquamarine: Do not use steamer if inclusions are present. Ultrasonic
is usually safe. As always, warm soapy water and a soft brush are safest.
Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony, an opaque sub-species of quartz. It is
dark green with red spots. The red spots account for the name and for its
reputation for preventing loss of blood.
Hardness: 6 1/2-7
Composition: Silicon dioxide
Crystal structure: cryptocrystalline
Care of bloodstone: Steamer and ultrasonic are usually safe. Heat may
cause color change, however.
emerald. Aquamarine is greenish blue or blue in color; most of the blue on
the market today have been heat treated. Unlike emerald, aquamarine
crystals commonly are large and clear of inclusions. Common beryl crystals
many feet in length have been found. The name aquamarine comes from
Latin words for 'water' and 'sea', as befits the color. It is supposed to be a
lucky stone for sailors, and once symbolized happiness and youth.
Hardness: 7 1/2-8
Composition: Beryllium aluminum silicate
Crystal structure: hexagonal
Care of aquamarine: Do not use steamer if inclusions are present. Ultrasonic
is usually safe. As always, warm soapy water and a soft brush are safest.
Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony, an opaque sub-species of quartz. It is
dark green with red spots. The red spots account for the name and for its
reputation for preventing loss of blood.
Hardness: 6 1/2-7
Composition: Silicon dioxide
Crystal structure: cryptocrystalline
Care of bloodstone: Steamer and ultrasonic are usually safe. Heat may
cause color change, however.
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