Aquamarine
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameAquamarine
Chemical FormulaBe3Al2Si6O18
Mohs Hardness7.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageimperfect on {0001}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.7
Colorslight blue, blue-green, brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityErongo Mountain, Usakos and Omaruru Districts, Erongo Region, Namibia
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralssmoky quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
A prominent, well-formed hexagonal crystal of light blue aquamarine is centrally positioned on a matrix composed of numerous brown smoky quartz crystals. The aquamarine crystal exhibits good transparency and a distinct hexagonal habit.
Geological Context
Aquamarine, a variety of beryl, typically crystallizes in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often forming in association with quartz and feldspar in these intrusive igneous environments.
