Beadshaper

See Beadshaper Gallery for fabulous fashionable hand crafted jewelry.









Sunday, March 13, 2016

AQUAMARINE AND OTHER BERYLS


Beryl is a gem which contains the element beryllium. The name is derived from the ancient Greek word beryllos. Pure beryl is clear but there are varieties with various ranges of color. Emerald is a green variety. Aquamarine ranges from light blue and bluish green varieties to dark blue. Emeralds have been mined in upper Egypt since ancient times and were traded in Egypt and Mesopotamia as early as 4000 BC. Ancient people thought beryl had healing and protective properties. Beryl powder was used in Roman times to treat eye disease. Aquamarine gems were worn by sailors in the belief it would protect them from the sea. People in the Middle Ages thought aquamarine would protect them from poisoning.
You can find the aquamarine necklace pictured above at Aquamarine Necklace

No comments: