By Chisom Ibemere
Aquamarine gemstone is named after the latin for seawater and it is a pale blue to light green variety of beryl. It’s derived from two Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea) which translates to the colour of the sea. It’s colour can be altered by the presence or application of heat.
The word “Aquamarine” was first used in 1677. Aquamarine is abundance in nature and valued by it’s weight, colour, cut or clarity. Natural blue colour of aquamarine can be very expensive.
Aquamarine has been used in history to symbolize youthfulness and happiness because of it’s colour and believed to be a protective measure for those travelling across the sea.
Aquamarine are widely distributed and can be found in countries such as Afghanistan, Kenya, China, Nigeria, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Australia etc. It occurs in granite and Pegmatites. It can also be seen in the veins of metamorphic rocks, mineralized by hydrothermal actions.
Aquamarine is combined with silver and white gold in Jewelries. Aquamarine gemstone can be used in soothing sore throats, swollen glands and thyroid related problems.
Aquamarine can be found in places like Kogi, Ogun, Nasarawa, Oyo states of Nigeria.