Battle of the Blues: Natural vs Synthetic Aquamarine

Aquamarine Basics

What is Aquamarine Made Of?

Both natural and synthetic aquamarine are varieties of beryl, a naturally-occurring ore of beryllium, specifically called beryllium aluminum silicate. Under the right geological conditions, this mixture forms beautiful blue hexagonal crystals.

Color Varieties in the Beryl Family

Beryl comes in various colors, defining the type of gem. Dark green beryl is known as emerald, pink beryl as morganite, and blue to blue-green beryl as aquamarine.

Round Aquamarine:

Pear Morganite:

Aquamarine Durability

Both natural and lab-created aquamarine are highly durable gemstones, thanks to beryl’s Mohs hardness rating of 7.5-8. Falling between quartz and corundum (sapphires and rubies), this rating makes aquamarine suitable for daily wear, contributing to its increasing popularity as an engagement ring choice among couples.

Where Aquamarine is Found:

The blue color of aquamarine, whether natural or lab-created, is due to iron replacing some of the aluminum in the crystal structure. Stunning aquamarine crystals can be mined from various parts of the world, including Russia, Brazil, Pakistan, India, and parts of Africa.

Synthetic vs Natural Aquamarine

Creating Aquamarine in a Lab

The primary difference between natural and lab-created aquamarine is their source. While natural aquamarines take thousands of years to form deep within the Earth under varying conditions, lab-created aquamarine is produced in a controlled environment.

1. A solution containing the necessary chemicals is mixed, akin to following a recipe.
2. The solution is then “cooked” under consistent temperature and pressure conditions.

In a relatively short period, crystals form that resemble natural ones but with fewer flaws. While gemologists can differentiate between lab-created and natural aquamarine, it is almost impossible for the untrained eye to discern the difference.

Mining Natural Aquamarine

Natural aquamarine, unlike the synthetic variety, must be mined. Brazil, known for its significant aquamarine reserves, produced the world-renowned Dom Pedro aquamarine, an obelisk displayed at the Smithsonian, originating from a 100-pound rough stone.

Brazilian aquamarines also feature prominently in Queen Elizabeth II’s jewelry collection. During her coronation, the Brazilian government gifted her a stunning aquamarine necklace and earrings, complemented by an exquisite aquamarine tiara she had designed later. This set is remarkable for its large, high-quality faceted stones.

Before being featured in jewelry, natural aquamarine must be extracted from the Earth, sometimes easily accessible with a shovel or requiring extensive rock splitting. Aquamarine deposits are often located in mountainous regions and are found alongside other beryl varieties in India, Pakistan, and the US.

Key Differences: Inclusions & Price

Inclusions in Aquamarine

One major difference between lab-created and natural aquamarine is the number and type of inclusions, though aquamarine generally boasts high clarity. This makes it difficult to distinguish between natural and synthetic aquamarine without gemological tools.

Another factor is heat treatment, often used to enhance color in natural stones. Greenish stones are typically natural, while synthetic stones are consistently blue due to controlled “recipes.”

Price of Aquamarine

Price and jeweler reputation can help identify whether aquamarine jewelry features natural or lab-created stones. By law, jewelers must disclose the origin and treatments of the stones. Generally, lab-created aquamarine is less expensive due to its abundance and lower production costs, offering high-quality imitations at a fraction of the price.

It’s essential to ensure you get what you pay for, whether it’s an aquamarine white gold ring or a budget-friendly lab-created jewelry piece.

Buying Aquamarine Jewelry

When purchasing jewelry, setting a budget is crucial, even for an aquamarine birthstone ring. At Artful Bracelets, our rings range from $300 to $3,000, with styles featuring or without gemstones and/or diamonds.

Consider the shape, as it affects cost and complements different wearers. Carat weight also impacts price. Contact us at 206-623-5339 or email service@artfulbracelets.com for assistance in selecting the perfect aquamarine gold ring. Live chat is available during business hours, Monday to Friday, 10AM – 6PM ET.