Colored Aquamarine

[naomidogg]

Hi,

I have an emerald cut aquamarine that seemed much, much bluer when I bought it. I know aquamarines are pale blue in color or often almost white. If this stone was irradiated, is it paler because it's losing its color? Do they lose color or is the irradiation permanent?

Thanks!

 

[chrono]

Yes, there are aquamarine that have been irradiated to look a darker blue. This treatment is not stable nor permanent, so expect aquamarine treated as such to fade over time.

 

[LD]

Are you absolutely sure it's an Aquamarine? I've seen Topaz sold as Aquamarine before.

Dark blue aquas are quite sought after (more so than the paler ones) so if you do have one, you're a lucky person!

 

[Lee Little]

That was my first thought too LD, Topaz is more likely.

 

[cm366]

Blue topaz is treated, but unlikely to fade - if your stone is paler now than when you purchased it, and you haven't been cooking it deliberately, it's probably not topaz.

It's certainly possible to get darker blue untreated aquamarine, it's just rarer and more expensive, but yes, the irradiated material fades. It's quite commonly heated, but as far as I know that's not to deepen the colour, only to remove green hues, and it's permanent. Sorry to hear yours is fading!

 

[chrono]

I have not heard of blue topaz fading, so it is unlikely to be irradiated blue topaz.

 

[pregcurious]

Was it sold to you as untreated? I would consider contacting the original vendor. They should stand by their stone.