Aquamarine is a mineral of the beryl family, with a chemical composition Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆. It is particularly prized for its pale blue to blue-green color, reminiscent of the shades of the sea. This mineral owes its hue to the presence of iron in its crystalline structure. Aquamarine is often sought after for its transparency and vitreous brilliance, making it prized by jewellers and gem collectors alike.
Crystallizing in the hexagonal system, it forms long, well-defined prismatic crystals. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is relatively scratch-resistant and highly durable.
In ancient times, sailors often wore aquamarines as amulets to protect themselves from the dangers of the sea and storms.
