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Cool blue aquamarine is part of the Beryl family of gemstones. Its name is derived from Latin, meaning “sea water”.
Jet-black schorl is the most common member of the tourmaline-mineral group. It crystallizes in the hexagonal (trigonal) system as long, longitudinally-striated prisms. Its black color is caused by a high iron content.
Size: .75″ X .75″ X 1.75″
Locality: Erongo Mountain, Usakos & Omaruru Districts, Namibia
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Beryl / Aquamarine and Schorl Crystal Mineral Specimen
BERYL (var. AQUAMARINE)
HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Aquamarine, which has been known since antiquity, was recognized as a variety of beryl in 1797. The name “aquamarine,” pronounced ahh-kwa-mar-REEN, stems from the Latin aqua marina, literally meaning “sea water,” in allusion to its blue and greenish-blue colors. Important collecting localities are in Namibia, Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Russia, Madagascar, Malawi, and the United States (Colorado, Maine, California).
MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Aquamarine crystallizes in the hexagonal system as well-developed, six-sided, transparent-to-translucent prisms. It has a blue-to-greenish-blue color, a vitreous luster, a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8.0, and a specific gravity of 2.6-2.9. It occurs primarily in granite pegmatites in association with such minerals as albite, quartz, and muscovite.
METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Aquamarine has served as a gemstone since medieval times. Because of its blue colors, aquamarine acquired much superstitious lore that was connected to the sea, especially the belief that it could protect sailors on their voyages. Aquamarine remains a popular gemstone today and is usually faceted into classic square, rectangular, and round gems of one to ten carats. According to modern metaphysical practitioners, aquamarine provides foresight and courage; enhances happiness, intelligence, and youthful qualities; and alleviates anxiety-related stress. Aquamarine has no technological uses.
COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Aquamarine is valued by collectors because it is an uncommon variety of beryl, and also for its pleasing blue colors, well-developed crystals, and occurrence in attractive composite specimens with other pegmatite minerals.
SCHORL
HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Schorl, pronounced SHORL, has been known since antiquity and was named in the 13th century after the German mining town of Zschorlau, where it was occurred in quantity in the local tine mines. Important sources are located in Brazil, Pakistan, Germany, Madagascar, Canada, Mexico, and the United States (California, Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado)
MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Schorl [basic sodium iron aluminum borosilicate, NaFe3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4] crystallizes in the hexagonal (trigonal) system as long, longitudinally striated, jet-black, opaque prisms with distinctive, triangular cross sections. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, a vitreous luster, indistinct cleavage, and a specific gravity of 3.2. Its diagnostic jet-black color is caused by its high iron content. Schorl, the most abundant member of the tourmaline-mineral group, occurs primarily in granite pegmatites with quartz, albite, and the tourmaline-group mineral elbaite.
METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Schorl is a semiprecious gemstone that was especially popular during the Victorian era in mourning jewelry. It serves as a minor gemstone today. Schorl has no technological uses. During medieval times, schorl was thought to alleviate the symptoms of pulmonary ailments. Metaphysical practitioners believe that schorl removes and blocks and negative energies, increases physical vitality, and enhances insight and vision in daily activities.
COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Schorl is widely collected for its jet-black color, vitreous luster, excellent crystal development, and long, striated prisms. It is especially popular as composite specimens in association with white albite and other pegmatite minerals.
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