Aquamarine Faceting Information
Aquamarine is known for its sea blue - blue green color. It is also the official birthstone for the month of March. This is a guide on Aquamarine Facet.
Aquamarine Faceting Information
Aquamarine (Beryl)
Color: Light blue to blue-green
Moh's Hardness: 7.5-8
Refractive index: 1.57-1.60
Critical Angle: 39.87°
Specific Gravity: 2.65-2.75
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal, tough
Dispersion: .014
Heat Sensitivity: Can be, usually not a problem
Dichroism: weak
Birefringence (double refraction): Weak (.006-.009)
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Treatments: Aquamarine is often heat treated to reduce the green/blue color and improve the blue color. It is generally safe to assume most rough has been heated.
What I prefer to polishing with: Cerium oxide with a Spectra Ultralap.
Jeff's Comments: Cuts and polishes like any other Beryl, usually no problems. I like to use a 1200 Nu Bond lap for pre-polish, it makes the polishing stage faster and easier. Orientating on the "c" is slightly better. Watch for silk and lilly pad type of inclusions perpendicular to the "c" axis.
Design Notes: About any design will work well. I prefer a deeper design and often cut Barions.
Design Links: Signature #4 - This is one of my favorite cuts in Beryl
Blue Ice - Designed for very long crystals
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
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