Aquamarine is one of the most gorgeous and sought-after gemstones, prized for its calming blue color and clarity. Its origin comes from the Latin "aqua marina," which means "sea water," aptly describing the calm and soothing tones of the stone. Whether you have an interest in jewelry, as a collector of gems, or working with crystals, you want to be aware of the categories of aquamarine, and the color, sources, and value of aquamarine to make the right decisions to buy or invest in this natural beauty.

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About Aquamarine Stones

Aquamarine is a form of beryl, which is most notably recognized for emeralds. The various shades of blue can range from pale ice blue to deep ocean blue, and this coloring results from very small amounts of iron contained in the crystal. Aquamarine is widely used in fine jewelry for its brilliance and clarity. It has metaphysical properties associated with calmness, clarity, and protection. While some aquamarine crystal varieties receive heat treatment to enhance their natural color, some varieties do not receive any treatment and remain in their original natural state.

Shades & Types of Aquamarine Stones

Aquamarine is available in several forms of aquamarine gemstones, each displaying their own properties of color, clarity, and energy. Different varieties of aquamarine range from light, pastel blues to deep ocean tones and will suit different tastes and intentions, making them the most noticeable forms of aquamarine stones in the general marketplace. Here are the main types of aquamarine gemstones.

If you’re new to this mesmerizing blue gem, start with Gemstone 101: Aquamarine to explore its origin, properties, and symbolism.

Santa Maria Aquamarine 

The Santa Maria aquamarine is highly valued for its deep ocean-blue color and outstanding clarity. Mined mostly from Brazil, gemstones of this color rarely need heat treatment due to their vivid color and overall quality. One of the most valuable varieties of aquamarine, it is a perfect choice for both collectors and fine jewelry and an example of both rarity and elegance.

Santa Maria Africana 

The Santa Maria Africana comes from the African continent and presents medium-to-deep blue color tones that are slightly less intense than the Brazilian Santa Maria but are nevertheless some of the most desired varieties of aquamarine due to their clarity and sparkle, appropriate for rings, pendants, and nice gemstone jewelry.

Curious why this gemstone shines so often on red carpets? Discover the allure in Why Do Celebs Love Aquamarine?.

Espírito Santo Aquamarine

This form of aquamarine largely comes from Brazil and shows soft light-to-medium blue colors. It is one of the more affordable forms of aquamarine and is good for daily wear or meditative uses due to its soft and calming color.

Maxixe Aquamarine

Maxixe aquamarine is a rare type of aquamarine gemstone that is known for its dark, brilliant blue color. It can be found in Brazil and Africa and is highly sought after by many collectors. Despite its darker color, the stone can fade if exposed to prolonged sunlight.

Milky Aquamarine

Milky aquamarine is a lighter, more opaque type of aquamarine stone that has a lighter, pastel blue color that is usually more affordable than other types of aquamarine. This type of aquamarine stone is good for casual jewelry or a crystal collection.

Cat’s Eye Aquamarine

Cat’s Eye aquamarine is extremely rare and valued for its chatoyancy, which creates a luminous line moving across the surface. This rare type of aquamarine is concentrated in Brazil and is highly prized by collectors of crystals and gemstones because of this optical effect.

Final Thoughts 

Learning the distinct categories of aquamarine assists buyers in finding the best stone for either a jewelry piece, as a collectible, or for spiritual reasons. Each aquamarine category has a unique beauty and energy, from the deep, rare blue of the Santa Maria aquamarine to the gentle tones of Espírito Santo aquamarine. When choosing a gemstone, consider its color, clarity, origin, and price in a way that satisfies both your aesthetic needs and personal preferences.

Before investing, learn how to spot authenticity in How to Tell If Aquamarine Is Real? — essential for every gemstone buyer.

FAQ

1. How many types of aquamarine are there?

Ans. There are six types of aquamarine: Santa Maria, Santa Maria Africana, Espírito Santo, Maxixe, Milky, and Cat’s Eye.

2. Which aquamarine is the rarest?

Ans. The rare aquamarine types are Santa Maria, Maxixe, and cat's eye aquamarine, which strikingly exhibit their deep color, clarity, and optical phenomena.

3. What causes aquamarine to have different hues of blue?

Ans. The different blues are due to trace iron content, while sun exposure or heat is used to lighten or brighten the tone.

4. Is aquamarine okay as daily jewelry?

Ans. Yes. All types of aquamarine gemstones have reasonable hardness (7.5 - 8 Mohs) and may be worn daily in rings, pendants, and earrings, and can withstand reasonable care.

5. What is the care for aquamarine stones?

Ans. Gently clean in mild soap and plain water; do not use harsh cleaners, and store separately to avoid scratches. You will want to protect rare types like Maxixe aquamarine from exposure to lots of sunlight.