How to Identify and Value Santa Maria Aquamarine Gemstones

Santa Maria aquamarine is a rare and beautiful variety of beryl that has a deep blue color. It is named after the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil, where it was first discovered. Here are some tips on how to identify and value Santa Maria aquamarine gemstones:

• Color: The most important factor that determines the value of Santa Maria aquamarine is its color. The ideal color is a vivid sky blue with no greenish tint. The darker and richer the blue, the more valuable the stone. However, some lighter shades of blue can also be attractive and desirable, depending on personal preference.
• Clarity: Santa Maria aquamarine is known for its high clarity and transparency. It is usually eye clean, meaning that there are no visible inclusions or flaws. However, some stones may have minor inclusions that do not affect the beauty or brilliance of the gem. In general, the clearer the stone, the higher the value.
• Cut: Santa Maria aquamarine is a highly reflective gem that needs to be cut with precision and skill to maximize its light performance. The cut should enhance the color and sparkle of the stone, while avoiding windowing or extinction. The most common shapes for Santa Maria aquamarine are oval, round, cushion, pear, and emerald. However, other fancy shapes such as heart, marquise, trillion, and princess can also be found.
• Carat: Santa Maria aquamarine is usually found in small sizes, ranging from 0.5 to 5 carats. Larger stones are very rare and expensive. The price per carat increases exponentially with the size and quality of the stone. For example, a 1-carat Santa Maria aquamarine of good color and clarity can cost around $500, while a 5-carat stone of the same quality can cost around $5000.