How is most aquamarine's color improved?

The color of most aquamarine is primarily improved through heat treatment. This process involves heating the gemstone to high temperatures, which can enhance its blue color by removing any greenish hues that may be present. Natural aquamarine can sometimes display a range of colors, from pale blue to greenish-blue, but heat treatment typically helps achieve that desirable, vibrant blue that is highly sought after in the market.

Heat treatment is a well-accepted practice in the gemstone industry, especially for aquamarine, and it can significantly affect the stone's visual appeal and value. Other methods, such as polishing, can improve the stone's surface shine but do not affect its color. Similarly, exposure to light and chemical enhancements do not typically enhance the color qualities of aquamarine in the same effective way that heat treatment does.