# Aquamarine > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Maxixe. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Pale blue to greenish-blue | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Alchemist]], [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Alchemical<br>- Healing<br>- Ornamental<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Hexagonal | > | **Formations** | Crystal deposits in granitic pegmatites and veins of metamorphic rocks | > | **Formula** | Be3Al2Si6O18 | > | **Hardness** | 7.5–8.0 (Mohs) | > | **Mineral Class** | Silicate mineral | > | **Primary Components** | beryllium, aluminum, silicon | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description A common blue variety of beryl, named after the color of sea water, and used in inexpensive jewelry. It brings luck and protection to mariners and those lost at sea. ### Physical Description A common, blue variety of beryl, used as a transparent or translucent semiprecious stone. The crystals range from tiny to massive; the largest grow to near a meter and weigh almost 50 kilograms. The blue color usually comes from iron impurities, and ranges from very pale blue to greenish- blue; the rarer variety, called maxixe, is deep blue in color. The value of aquamarine is decided by its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. --- ## Occurrence Aquamarine is found wherever beryl occurs, most notably in granite pegmatites and veins of metamorphic rocks mineralized by hydrothermal activity. It is abundant and inexpensive, but the highest quality gems are found at high elevations, upwards of 4 kilometers above sea level. ### Extraction & Preparation Aquamarine is resistant to scratching, but rather brittle and easily chipped upon impact. The blue color can be enhanced by gentle heating, which removes the yellowish hue, but the effect will fade in sunlight. Mining, handling, and refining aquamarine can lead to inhaling toxic beryllium dust. See Beryl on p. 64 for more details. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties Hardness and abundance make aquamarine a popular choice for jewelry; unlike softer stones, it fares well even in bracelets and rings. Use it for sculpting, engraving, mosaics, and seal-making. Many collectors are searching for the largest, cleanest, and best-formed crystals, and some specimens may reach prices way beyond what their relative abundance would dictate. ### Magical Properties Deeply connected to the element of water, aquamarine is a stone of choice for mariners and other seafaring travelers. It holds the power to calm the waves and avert storms, keeps sailors protected from sea monsters and other marine dangers, and helps those lost at sea find a safe passage home. Stowed on fishing boats, it brings good fortune and prosperity. Aquamarine purifies water—inside and outside bodies—neutralizes toxins, cures eye ailments, and makes saltwater safe to drink. It allows water-breathing and only grows in power when submerged in saltwater; some researchers even suggest that a ritual circle of aquamarine surrounds the sunken city of Atlantis, keeping it safe and hidden beneath the waves. Channeling the calm, serene energy of a placid sea, aquamarine brings relaxation and tranquility even under duress. Wear it against your heart to push away fear and anxiety of social interactions, make yourself more amicable, and bring peace of mind. It fosters sincerity and bestows an ability to find hidden meanings and truth. With a gift of mental clarity, it quickens the intellect and helps in legal matters. The positive effect of calmness and serenity extends to personal relationships. Aquamarine is said to absorb love and strengthen bonds between lovers; as such, it is commonly used in wedding jewelry or as a gift to newlyweds. It promotes happiness, healthy communication, and mutual understanding, at the same time releasing the stress and tensions that might pile up even between the most loving couple.