Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
hexagonaluncommonSilicates (Cyclosilicates)
Aquamarine
Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
This specimen features a prominent, well-formed, transparent blue aquamarine crystal, characteristic of the beryl group, growing alongside dark, opaque schorl (black tourmaline). The aquamarine exhibits a prismatic habit with a distinct hexagonal cross-section.
Aquamarine Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
7.5Crystal System
hexagonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
imperfect basalFracture
conchoidal to unevenSpecific Gravity
2.68Colors
blue, greenish-blueTransparency
transparentType Locality
Erongo Mountain, Usakos and Omaruru Districts, Erongo Region, NamibiaMineral Group
Silicates (Cyclosilicates)Uses
jewelry, collectorAssociated Minerals
schorl, feldspar, quartz, micaRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Aquamarine typically forms in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often associated with other pegmatite minerals like feldspar, quartz, and various tourmalines. Its blue color is due to iron impurities within the beryl structure.
