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

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.