Aquamarine – Sea Blue Beryl | Origins, Colours & Value | GemMine
What Is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of the mineral beryl, sharing the same mineral family as emeralds and morganite. Its name derives from the Latin "aqua marina" meaning sea water, perfectly capturing its serene, transparent blue. Aquamarine scores 7.5–8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable for everyday jewellery. It is one of the most popular coloured gemstones globally, prized for its clarity and cool, calming colour.
Where Does Aquamarine Come From?
- Brazil (Minas Gerais) – The world's largest producer and home to some of the largest crystals ever found, including the famed 110kg "Marta Rocha" aquamarine.
- Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan) – Produces some of the finest, most intensely saturated blue aquamarines in the world from high-altitude mountain deposits.
- Nigeria & Mozambique – African sources producing excellent quality material in a range of blue tones.
- Madagascar – Yields both pale and deeply saturated material.
- Russia (Ural Mountains) – Historic source of fine "Santa Maria"-coloured stones.
- USA (Colorado & California) – American aquamarine, particularly from Mount Antero in Colorado, is prized by collectors.
Aquamarine Colours
- Santa Maria – The most prized colour — an intensely saturated, pure medium-deep blue with minimal green overtones. Originally from Santa Maria de Itabira, Brazil.
- Santa Maria Africana – Similar deep blue from Nigerian and Mozambican deposits.
- Espirito Santo – A lighter, brighter blue aquamarine from Brazilian deposits.
- Blue-Green – Natural colour before heat treatment; some collectors prefer the natural teal tone.
Ethical Sourcing
Aquamarine is predominantly mined through small to medium artisanal operations in Brazil. Pakistani aquamarine from the Gilgit-Baltistan region supports high-altitude mountain communities. GemMine prioritises responsibly sourced aquamarine from certified supply chains.
Aquamarine Value & Rarity
Top-quality Santa Maria and Santa Maria Africana aquamarines in sizes above 5ct command significant premiums. The finest deep blue stones (unheated) with GIA certification can reach £1,000+ per carat. Large, clean crystals of collector quality are increasingly sought after internationally.
Aquamarine Price Guide (GBP)
| Quality | Colour | Price per Carat (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Pale blue-green | £5–£30 |
| Good | Medium blue | £30–£150 |
| Fine | Deep blue (Santa Maria) | £150–£600 |
| Exceptional | Intense deep blue, large | £600–£1,500+ |
Famous Aquamarines
- The Dom Pedro Aquamarine – The world's largest faceted aquamarine at 10,363 carats, carved by artist Bernd Munsteiner, now at the Smithsonian.
- Queen Elizabeth II's Aquamarine Tiara – A magnificent aquamarine parure gifted to the Queen by Brazil in 1953, one of her most worn jewels.
Why Choose Aquamarine?
Aquamarine combines exceptional clarity, beautiful colour, and excellent durability in a gemstone that remains accessible compared to the "big three" precious stones. Santa Maria colour material continues to appreciate in value as collector interest grows. GemMine offers fine aquamarines from Brazil, Pakistan, and Africa.