SANTA MARIA AQUAMARINE GEMSTONE

IMPORTANCE

What Makes Santa Maria Aquamarine So Special?

Santa Maria aquamarine is a unique variety of aquamarine known for its breathtaking blue hue that resembles the pristine waters of the ocean. What sets it apart from regular aquamarine is its remarkable color saturation, often described as an intense, vivid blue with a slight hint of green. This striking shade is due to the presence of iron in its crystalline structure, which gives it that distinctive allure.

Originating primarily from the Santa Maria de Itabira region in Brazil, this gemstone has become highly sought after for its beauty and rarity. The rich history and legend surrounding this gemstone further contribute to its desirability. Many consider Santa Maria aquamarine a symbol of tranquility, peace, and serenity, making it a favored choice for stunning and meaningful jewelry.

VALUE

Determining Santa Maria Aquamarine's Value

When evaluating the value of Santa Maria aquamarine, four primary factors come into play: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight, often referred to as the "Four Cs."  

COLOR

The most important factor for Santa Maria aquamarine is its color. High-quality stones feature a vivid blue tone, free from inclusions or color zoning. Deeper blues are more valuable, while those with a balanced blend of blue and green tones also hold high value for diverse tastes.

CLARITY

Clarity in Santa Maria aquamarine refers to the absence of inclusions or blemishes. The best stones are flawless to the naked eye, enhancing transparency and light performance. Exceptional clarity boosts desirability and market value, making it more crucial for aquamarine than other gems.

CUT

The cut of an aquamarine affects its brilliance and appearance. Well-cut stones reflect light beautifully, enhancing depth. Popular cuts include oval, emerald, and round, each highlighting different aspects of the stone's beauty. Expert cuts improve both brilliance and durability, making them ideal for everyday wear.

CARAT

Carat weight impacts value, with larger stones of vibrant color and clarity commanding higher prices. However, value increases exponentially with weight. Well-matched carat weights in sets can also boost desirability, especially for collectors.

Storage

Caring for Santa Maria Aquamarine

Proper care is essential to maintaining the beauty of your Santa Maria aquamarine jewelry. Here are some tips:

• Cleaning
  

  Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush or cloth to clean your aquamarine. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone.

• Storage
  

  Store your aquamarine jewelry in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in a jewelry box to prevent scratches from other gemstones.

• Avoid Impact
  

  Aquamarine is durable but can chip or scratch. Remove jewelry during activities that may cause impact.

IDEAL CHOICE

Who Can Wear Santa Maria Aquamarine?

Santa Maria aquamarine is versatile and can be worn by anyone. Its tranquil blue color appeals to various tastes, making it suitable for everyday wear or special occasions. Additionally, because aquamarine is often associated with the zodiac sign Pisces, those born under this sign may feel a stronger connection to this gemstone. However, anyone who appreciates its beauty and the calming energy it symbolizes can wear it.

Difference

How Does Santa Maria Aquamarine Compare to Other Gems?

When comparing Santa Maria aquamarine to other blue gemstones like blue zircon and Swiss blue topaz, several distinct characteristics come into play. Santa Maria aquamarine is celebrated for its striking, ocean-like blue hue, which is often deeper and more vibrant than the brighter, more intense blue of blue zircon, known for its exceptional brilliance and fire. On the other hand, Swiss blue topaz showcases an electric blue that is uniform but may lack the depth of aquamarine.

Santa Maria aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it suitable for everyday wear, while blue zircon is slightly less durable, rated between 6 and 7.5. Swiss blue topaz ranks highest at 8 on the Mohs scale. Clarity is another distinguishing factor; Santa Maria aquamarine is often flawless or nearly so, while blue zircon and Swiss blue topaz may contain inclusions. Overall, Santa Maria aquamarine is generally more valuable and rarer than its counterparts, making it a sought-after choice for those who appreciate its serene beauty and quality.

ORIGIN

Where Does Santa Maria Aquamarine Come From?

Santa Maria aquamarine primarily originates from the Santa Maria de Itabira region in Brazil. Discovered in the late 20th century, this locale quickly gained fame for producing some of the finest aquamarines available. However, deposits of aquamarine can also be found in other countries, including Nigeria, Madagascar, and Afghanistan. Still, the distinctive color and clarity of Santa Maria aquamarine have made it the gold standard in aquamarine gemstones.

OVERVIEW

What Does Santa Maria Aquamarine Mean?

Santa Maria aquamarine is not only prized for its physical beauty but also for its metaphysical properties. Believed to promote calmness and clarity, it is often used in meditation practices to enhance tranquility and alleviate stress. Many users report that wearing or carrying aquamarine can help with effective communication, making it a popular choice for those in creative fields or public speaking roles. Additionally, it is associated with the throat chakra, aiding in clear expression and honest communication. As a stone of courage, aquamarine is thought to provide emotional support during challenging times, foste ring a sense of peace and emotional balance.

TREATMENT

Santa Maria Aquamarine Treatment

To improve its aesthetic appeal, Rose de France amethyst often undergoes heat treatment. This common practice in the gemstone industry enhances the color and clarity of the stones, making them appear more vibrant and flawless. The treatment is permanent and does not typically affect the gem's durability, ensuring that it remains suitable for everyday wear.