Beryl vs. Aquamarine — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Beryl is a mineral family that includes various gemstones, whereas aquamarine is a specific type of blue or cyan variety of beryl, prized for its color and clarity.
Difference Between Beryl and Aquamarine
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Beryl is a broad category of minerals known for their varying colors and types, including emerald and morganite. Whereas aquamarine is specifically a blue to blue-green variety of beryl. Its color is primarily due to iron ions in its crystal structure.
Aquamarine is recognized for its transparent to translucent clarity, making it highly valued in jewelry. On the other hand, beryl can range from transparent to opaque depending on the type and presence of impurities, which can affect its use and value.
The hardness of beryl, including aquamarine, is generally around 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which indicates good durability for various uses. Aquamarine, being a type of beryl, shares this hardness, making it suitable for daily wear in jewelry.
While beryl is sourced from various parts of the world, including Africa and South America, aquamarine is particularly noted for its deposits in countries like Brazil and Mozambique, influencing the gem market with its availability and quality.
Aquamarine is often heat-treated to enhance its blue color, a common practice in the gemstone industry. In contrast, other types of beryl might undergo different treatments or remain untreated, depending on the desired market and aesthetic preferences.
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Comparison Chart
Color Varieties
Various (green, pink, yellow)
Blue to blue-green
Clarity
Ranges from transparent to opaque
Mostly transparent to translucent
Hardness
7.5-8 on the Mohs scale
7.5-8 on the Mohs scale
Common Treatments
Varies by type
Often heat-treated for color enhancement
Primary Locations
Africa, South America, etc.
Brazil, Mozambique, etc.
Compare with Definitions
Beryl
Known for its hardness and durability.
Beryl is durable enough for everyday jewelry.
Aquamarine
Often heat-treated to enhance color.
The aquamarine’s color was enhanced by careful heat treatment.
Beryl
A mineral composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate.
The green variety of beryl is known as emerald.
Aquamarine
A blue to blue-green variety of beryl.
Aquamarine is favored for its soothing sea-blue color.
Beryl
Can be transparent or opaque.
He preferred opaque beryl for its unique appearance.
Aquamarine
Commonly transparent or translucent.
The transparency of aquamarine makes it perfect for fine jewelry.
Beryl
Often used in jewelry and ornaments.
A beryl necklace caught her eye because of its shimmer.
Aquamarine
Highly valued in the gemstone market.
The aquamarine ring was the centerpiece of the auction.
Beryl
Available in various colors.
The pink beryl she wore is also called morganite.
Aquamarine
Sourced primarily from Brazil and Mozambique.
The finest aquamarines are found in the mines of Brazil.
Beryl
Beryl ( BERR-əl) is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate with the chemical formula Be3Al2Si6O18. Well-known varieties of beryl include emerald and aquamarine.
Aquamarine
A transparent blue-green variety of beryl, used as a gemstone.
Beryl
A transparent to translucent glassy mineral, essentially aluminum beryllium silicate, Be3Al2Si6O18, occurring in hexagonal prisms and constituting the chief source of beryllium. Transparent varieties in white, green, blue, yellow, or pink are valued as gems.
Aquamarine
A pale blue to light greenish blue.
Beryl
A mineral of pegmatite deposits, often used as a gemstone.
Aquamarine
The bluish-green colour of the sea.
Beryl
(countable) An example (a stone) of the mineral beryl.
The crown was set with six beryls of excellent size and color.
Aquamarine
A bluish-green variety of beryl.
Beryl
(uncountable) A dull blueish green colour.
Aquamarine
Of a bluish-green colour.
Beryl
Of a dull bluish green colour.
Aquamarine
A transparent, pale green variety of beryl, used as a gem. See Beryl.
Beryl
A mineral of great hardness, and, when transparent, of much beauty. It occurs in hexagonal prisms, commonly of a green or bluish green color, but also yellow, pink, and white. It is a silicate of aluminum and beryllium. The aquamarine is a transparent, sea-green variety used as a gem. The emerald is another variety highly prized in jewelry, and distinguished by its deep color, which is probably due to the presence of a little oxide of chromium.
Aquamarine
A transparent variety of beryl that is blue green in color
Beryl
The chief source of beryllium; colored transparent varieties are valued as gems
Aquamarine
A shade of blue tinged with green
Common Curiosities
What is beryl?
Beryl is a mineral that includes a variety of gemstones known for their hardness and color diversity.
How is aquamarine related to beryl?
Aquamarine is a type of beryl characterized by its blue to blue-green color.
Can beryl be used in everyday jewelry?
Yes, due to its hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, beryl is suitable for everyday wear.
Why is aquamarine often heat-treated?
Heat treatment enhances the blue color of aquamarine, making it more appealing in the gem market.
How do the sources of beryl affect its market?
The availability and quality of beryl from different sources can greatly influence its value and marketability.
Are there any other popular types of beryl besides aquamarine?
Yes, other popular types include emerald (green) and morganite (pink).
What are the uses of beryl in industry?
Beyond jewelry, beryl is used in certain industrial applications due to its beryllium content.
Where is aquamarine most commonly found?
Brazil and Mozambique are among the top producers of high-quality aquamarine.
How does the clarity of aquamarine compare to other beryls?
Aquamarine is generally more transparent or translucent compared to some other beryl types which may be opaque.
How does the color of aquamarine vary?
The color can range from a lighter blue to a more intense blue-green, depending on the iron content.
Can beryl be synthesized in a laboratory?
Yes, synthetic beryls, including aquamarine, can be created in laboratories.
What are the historical significances of aquamarine?
Historically, aquamarine has been associated with the sea and is believed to protect sailors and ensure a safe voyage.
What makes aquamarine distinctive from other blue gemstones?
Its specific shade of sea-blue and its clarity make aquamarine distinctive.
Is aquamarine considered a precious stone?
Yes, aquamarine is considered a precious stone due to its aesthetic appeal and rarity.
What treatments are common for beryl stones?
Beryl stones, depending on the type, might be untreated or subjected to heat or color treatments.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
