Aquamarine is the name used for the mineral beryl within the colour range of greenish blue to blue. Beryl was once one of the world's only important ores of beryllium metal. ... Aquamarine gemstones can range from a very light hue to much deeper, vibrant shades of blue.

Emerald is precious while aquamarine is semi precious. ... As an example, many natural pearls garner huge prices, often worth more than a low quality precious diamond, ruby, emerald or sapphire. Spinels are another example. Additionally, many semi precious stones can be more rare than some of the precious.