Aquamarine, with its soothing blue hues reminiscent of the sea, is a gemstone beloved for its clarity and calming properties. At South Shore Diamond Exchange, we understand the importance of authenticity when choosing gemstones, especially one as sought after as aquamarine. This guide will help you identify genuine aquamarine, ensuring that the pieces you select are as authentic as they are beautiful.
The Hallmarks of Genuine Aquamarine
1. Color Depth and Saturation
Subtlety and Range
Aquamarine’s color palette is a delicate spectrum from light sky blue to a deeper sea blue, sometimes with a slight greenish tinge, reflecting its namesake—the waters of the ocean. The color should appear soft and subdued, as aquamarine’s lighter tones are a result of its lower iron content, which differentiates it from other blue gemstones like sapphires.
Consistency and Uniformity
Genuine aquamarine displays a remarkable uniformity in color throughout the stone, which can be a critical indicator of its natural origin. Uneven coloring or sections with starkly different hues might suggest a stone has been artificially treated or enhanced.
Caution against Over-Saturation
One must be cautious of aquamarines that exhibit very intense and deep blues, as these are uncommon in natural settings without some form of enhancement. Stones that resemble the vibrant blue of blue topaz may have undergone heat treatments or dye applications, practices that are not uncommon but should be disclosed by sellers.
2. Clarity and Inclusions
Expected Inclusions
Despite its general clarity, natural aquamarine can include several types of inclusions. These might be long, hollow rods, tiny gas bubbles, or liquid inclusions, sometimes arranged in fascinating patterns that can add to the stone’s unique fingerprint. These features, typically seen under magnification, are integral in distinguishing natural aquamarine from flawless synthetic versions.
Feather-Like Formations
Another intriguing inclusion in natural aquamarine is feather-like formations, which are essentially small fractures or cleavages within the stone that resemble the structure of a feather. While these do not necessarily detract from the gem’s beauty, they provide valuable clues about its authenticity and natural formation.
Implications of Flawlessness
An aquamarine devoid of any inclusions should be approached with skepticism. Completely flawless stones are rare in nature but are typical in synthetic versions, such as hydrothermal aquamarine, which can be manufactured to mimic natural stones perfectly.
Using a Loupe
A jeweler’s loupe or a microscope is essential for a close examination of aquamarine. These tools can magnify the stone up to 10 times or more, allowing for detailed observation of inclusions and confirming the natural origin of the stone. This level of inspection can reveal the subtle beauty and imperfections that characterize a genuine aquamarine.
Assessing Aquamarine Hardness
To evaluate the hardness of aquamarine without risking scratches, consider using observation and comparison techniques. Since aquamarine ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, it is quite resistant to scratches from everyday encounters. Inspect the gemstone closely under good lighting for any signs of wear or scratching from common interactions. Genuine aquamarine should show minimal if any, signs of abrasion if it has been handled carefully. This non-invasive approach allows you to assess the hardness and integrity of the stone while preserving its pristine condition.
Simple Optical Tests
Evaluate Transparency
Genuine aquamarine has a glass-like transparency with few inclusions visible to the naked eye. Place the stone against a light source and look through it. A clear, transparent appearance without murkiness or cloudiness often indicates a high-quality real aquamarine.
Refraction Test
This can be done using a simple handheld lens. Hold the aquamarine above a line on a piece of paper; if you see two lines when looking through the stone, it indicates double refraction, a characteristic not typically associated with real aquamarine, which is singly refractive.
Observe for Dichroism
Aquamarine can display dichroism—showing two colors depending on the angle of view. Using a dichroscope or simply rotating the stone under different angles in light can reveal shades of blue and green. A lack of color variation under this test might suggest a synthetic or treated stone.
Advanced Gemological Tests
Refractive Index
Using a refractometer, a professional can measure the refractive index of the stone, which for aquamarine should be between 1.567 and 1.590. Measurements outside this range could indicate a different material.
Spectroscopic Features
A spectroscope reveals the absorption spectrum of a gemstone. Aquamarine shows a distinct pattern due to iron, which causes its blue color. This pattern can help differentiate it from other similar gemstones.
Fluorescence
Under UV light, genuine aquamarine often exhibits weak yellow to green fluorescence. This test, while not conclusive on its own, can support other findings when identifying the authenticity of the gemstone.
Conclusion
Identifying real aquamarine involves a combination of visual assessment, physical tests, and professional gemological analysis. By using this guide, you can feel more assured about the authenticity of aquamarine gemstones.
At South Shore Diamond Exchange, we are dedicated to helping our customers make informed decisions and enjoy the beauty of genuine gemstones. Visit our store or contact us for personalized advice and to view our exquisite collection of aquamarine jewelry.