Aquamarine's color may be clear to intense as in the famous variety of Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil.
The biggest aquamarine's Crystal was 48.5cm long by 41cm diameter for a weight of 110.50kg. This gemstone was discovered in 1910 in Brazil in Marambaia - Minas Gerais. The largest aquamarine carved is a gem of 26 kg, the "Dom Pedro" carved in 1922 in Germany at Idar Oberstein by Bernd Musteiner.
The Dom Pedro aquamarine in the vault at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
Dom Pedro III - Aigue marine 10395ct - MusteinerTreatment :
Heating : to improve de color : Heated to 400-500°C, the blue color becomes stronger and more durable (in general) but a too high temperature can also discolor it.
The use of irridiation gives a golden yellow color, which corresponds to the color of another beryl, the Heliodore.
It is relatively fragile and sensitive to shocks and heat. Cleaning with lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid is recommended. It can be rinsed with pure non-calcareous (which can leave traces) water and then with alcohol.
Store separately to prevent abrasion.
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Legend
There are a lot of myths and legends about aqamarine. It was elevated to the rank of symbol by the ancient romans, sumerians, egyptians, hebrews and later the christians. It was known to cure many diseases and afflictions, and to invoke love, happiness and eternal youth. It was said that aquamarine was coveted by the sirens, and the antique philosopher Pline described this mystical gem : "The magnificent aquamarine, which seems to have sprung from the treasure of a siren in the depths of a summer sea, has an undeniable charm." Since antiquity, aquamarine has been considered the Lucky stone of sailors.
To learn more about the mineralogy of the aquamarine, see mindat.com
