Aquamarine Vietnam

Aquamarine Locations Vietnam

Aquamarine mining in Vietnam is primarily associated with the Thuong Xuan District in Thanh Hoa Province. This region is known for its commercially significant aquamarine deposits. The aquamarine, along with topaz, is mined from granitic pegmatites and associated eluvial deposits in this district. Vietnamese aquamarine is renowned for its attractive color and well-formed crystals.

The Thuong Xuan District, located approximately 70 kilometers west of the provincial capital Thanh Hoa City, is the main area where aquamarine mining takes place in Vietnam. The aquamarine deposits in this district have been the focus of mining operations due to their economic significance. The geological setting of the district, including the presence of granitic pegmatites, provides favorable conditions for the formation and concentration of aquamarine.

 

Aquamarine is a gemstone that belongs to the beryl family of minerals, which also includes Emerald and Heliodor. It is a transparent, blue to greenish-blue gemstone known for its beauty and clarity. The name “aquamarine” is derived from the Latin words “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning sea, reflecting its color reminiscent of the sea.

Heliodor

This is the lesser known sister of Aquamarine and Emerald, but every bit as beautiful.

The colour is a beautiful deep yellow and larger gems up to 15cts are available. They make stunning pendants.

Here are some we purchased in Than Hoa Vietnam

 

 In terms of gemology, aquamarine is composed of beryllium aluminum silicate and has a chemical formula of Be3Al2Si6O18. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for various types of jewelry. Aquamarine typically exhibits a prismatic crystal habit, and its color can range from pale blue to intense blue, with greenish or bluish-green undertones.

The gemstone’s color is primarily influenced by trace amounts of iron within the crystal lattice. The most valuable aquamarines possess a vibrant, pure blue color without any green or gray undertones. Larger, well-formed aquamarine crystals are highly sought after and command higher prices in the market.

In terms of metaphysical properties, aquamarine is associated with qualities such as calming energies, clarity of thought, and emotional balance. It is considered a symbol of youth, happiness, and eternal life. Aquamarine is also recognized as the birthstone for the month of March.

 

Aquamarine Geology

Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, which is a beryllium aluminum silicate. It is a gemstone that forms in geological settings such as granite pegmatites and veins in metamorphic rocks. Most gem-quality aquamarine crystals are formed in cavities below Earth’s surface during the late stages of crystallization of a magma body. The presence of hydrothermal activity plays a role in the mineralization of aquamarine in metamorphic rock veins.

Beryl, including aquamarine, crystallizes in the hexagonal system and exhibits a vitreous luster. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale and an imperfect cleavage. The color of aquamarine can range from greenish-blue to blue, often resembling the color of the sea. This color is influenced by trace amounts of iron impurities present in the crystal structure.

Geologically, aquamarine is associated with granitic pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks that have a high concentration of minerals. These pegmatites provide the ideal conditions for the formation of large and well-formed aquamarine crystals. Aquamarine can also occur in metamorphic rocks that have been mineralized through hydrothermal activity.

Understanding the formation and occurrence of aquamarine involves exploring concepts such as magma crystallization, mineralization, and geological processes associated with pegmatite and hydrothermal systems. It is also interesting to study the geological environments where aquamarine is commonly found, such as specific regions or geological formations known for their aquamarine deposits.

Vietnam is known for its diverse range of gemstones. Besides peridot, gemstones like sapphires, rubies, spinels, aquamarine, topaz, quartz crystals, tektite, and opal can also be found in the country. The gemstone mining industry in Vietnam is primarily concentrated in the town of Luc Yen, located in the northeast region of the country. This area is relatively rural and serves as a hub for gemstone extraction and trade.

GIA article about AQUAMARINE FROM THETHUONG XUAN DISTRICT,
THANH HOA PROVINCE, VIETNAM