FeatureGems & Gemology, Fall 2009, Volume 45, No. 3

Aquamarine from the Masino-Bregaglia Massif, Central Alps, Italy

Rosangela Bocchio, Ilaria Adamo, Franca Caucia

Aquamarine from granitic pegmatites of the Masino-Bregaglia Massif, Central Alps, Italy, is investigated by classical gemological methods, LA-ICP-MS chemical analyses, and UV-Vis-NIR and mid-IR spectroscopy. This beryl has typical gemological properties for aquamarine, including iron absorption features, and is characterized by a low alkali content and both types I and II water molecules. Although so far only a small amount of this aquamarine has been polished into gems, it represents an attractive gem material of potential economic interest.

You Might Also Like

YMAL AJP
Discover GIA's New Campus in London
Learn About NextGem
GIA NextGem™ Diamond Training for Retail
Explore GIA Laboratory Promotional Offers
Explore GIA Laboratory Promotional Offers
Shop the GIA Store
Shop the GIA Store
Aquamarine from the Masino-Bregaglia Massif, Central Alps, Italy | Gems & Gemology