Mineral Factbook

Aquamarine

Varietyof Beryl

Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green gem variety of beryl. As a variety of Beryl, it shares that species' composition (Be3Al2Si6O18), crystal structure, and hardness; the distinction is the appearance defined above.

Photos

Aquamarine specimen photo
Parent Géry · Public domain · Commons
Aquamarine specimen photo
Parent Géry · Public domain · Commons
Aquamarine specimen photo
Parent Géry · Public domain · Commons
Aquamarine specimen photo
Parent Géry · Public domain · Commons

About Beryl

Full reference data — crystallography, X-ray diffraction, and cited physical properties — is on the Beryl species page.

FormulaBe3Al2Si6O18
Hardness (Mohs)7.5-8
Specific gravity2.63-2.8
Density (calculated)2.851
Crystal systemhexagonal
Color rangeblue, green, red, rose, white, yellow
Lustervitreous
Streakwhite