The Science Behind Aquamarine’s Color Variations and Market Value

Aquamarine has an iron content and its unique chemical composition results in blue and green shades’ that are Aquamarine's signature.

The Science Behind Aquamarine’s Color Variations and Market Value

Ever popular for its exquisite blue and green hues, aquamarine has been long loved for its beauty and meaning. Aquamarine stone is a beryl and is available in pale blue to deep blue-green colors. 

So it's no surprise that aquamarine is a popular jewelry choice with its calming, serene qualities.The science of aquamarine’s color, aquamarine market demand and factors that affect the price of gemstones for sale comes alive in this blog.

The science of Aquamarine’s Color

Aquamarine has an iron content and its unique chemical composition results in blue and green shades’ that are Aquamarine's signature. Aquamarine crystal is a transparent to translucent gem containing traces of iron (Fe) in the structure. 

When light hits the crystal, the iron lets some wavelengths of light go through — the gemstone’s color — and reflects the rest. The more iron contained in the aquamarine, the deeper the blue, but this affects the overall clarity, quality of stone, and how transparent it is.

Fun Fact: AQ encourages people to reject the blue color of aquamarine as ‘bright’ while in truth the most valuable aquamarines can vary from a rich, deep blue to medium blue.

It all depends on how much iron there is in an aquamarine stone; the tone can vary between a shirt to gunmetal gray. Lighter, paler blue stones are usually more plentiful, but darker blue blue stones are rarer—all the more valuable. 

How Color Variations Affect Market Value

The color, size, clarity, and cut of an aquamarine gemstone are the main determinants of the value of said gemstone. On the aquamarine stone color chart, there are several key factors that influence how the stone is priced, including:

  • Light Blue: The most common are the lighter shades of aquamarine, and are usually the least expensive. They are beautiful, but with the intense color saturation not seen in rarer stones.

  • Medium Blue: It is the most popular and most stunning color. It has vibrant color and clear transparency — perfect for jewelry.

  • Deep Blue or Blue-Green: There are no other stones on the market that are more prized or valuable. But it’s their rich blue green color — to which collectors and jewelers pay a premium because of their rarity — that’s so coveted.

Besides color, the stone’s size and clarity affects its price on the market also. The highest prices are commanded by larger aquamarine crystals free of inclusions and with vibrant blue hue.

Know more about other gemstone then click here : Aurora Opal

Factors That Determine Opportunity Cost of Aquamarine

The color is of course still important; however, clarity and cut are two of the most important factors that affect the aquamarine stone price.

  • Typically aquamarine has good clarity, with fewer inclusions than some other gemstones. However, high quality aquamarine stones are frequently cut in designs that will highlight color and transparency.

  • Clarity: The more inclusions in the aquamarine stone , the less desirable. Most valuable are stones which have no internal flaws on them.

  • Cut: Well cut gemstones display more brilliance and sparkle, as a result of the cut of the gemstone. Aquamarine crystals are also cut in a common emerald cut, with round and cushion cuts being more popular.

Geographical Origin: Does It Matter?

  1. Its market value also depends on the origin of aquamarine gemstone. Brazil is one of the largest producers of high quality Aquamarine stones around the world. Madagascar, Zambia and Mozambique are also other notable sources.

  2. Brazilian Aquamarines: Aquamarines that are blue in color are known for being deep blue and since Brazilian aquamarine is often considered the finest quality, prices for this stone are higher.

  3. Zambian Aquamarines: More greenish hues tend to come at these as well, which are also highly desired but might be priced differently based on how they look.

Conclusion:

How that color works the science behind it determines where the aquamarine stone price lies in the market and other factors such as clarity, cut, and geographical origin.

From its March gemstone heritage or some other reason, serious aquamarine buyers can look forward to finding a gemstone for sale in today’s range.

 Its rich history, beautiful hues, and increasing demand make aquamarine a good investment for both personal adornment and a valuable gemstone to own within any collection.

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