About

The aquamarine belongs to the beryl family and is the birthstone of March. This gemstone has its name from the Latin names for water and sea. The history and legends surrounding this gemstone continue to connect it to the sea. It can be found in a broad spectrum of blue and green nuances, while its opacity can vary from clear to milky and almost opaque. Read on to learn more about aquamarine!

Birthstone

The aquamarine is the birthstone of March. Aquamarine jewellery is the perfect gift for someone born in March or can be worn to represent someone born this month. Wearing your birthstone is said to bring good luck.

Wedding anniversary

A selection of gemstones are tied to wedding anniversaries. The aquamarine is traditionally gifted on the 19th wedding anniversary.

Symbolism

The qualities of aquamarine are said to include heightened awareness, calming of the mind, sharpened intellect and strong intuition. Wear the gemstone when you want to alleviate worries, promote self-expression and reduce stress.

History

Sailors used to wear aquamarines to prevent seasickness and keep them safe on their many journeys across the sea. In some cultures, aquamarine has been a symbol of everlasting youth. In the middle-ages, aquamarine was believed to be an antidote for poison.

Legends

The legends of the aquamarine continue to connect it to the sea. According to an ancient Greek legend, aquamarine was found in the treasure chests of mermaids. The aquamarine was said to protect sailors on their journeys across the sea. Its powers were said to increase when immersing the gemstone in water. Archaeologists have found the aquamarine carved into statues of Poseidon, God of the sea.

Gemology

Aquamarine can, amongst other countries, be found in Brazil, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Russia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It belongs to the beryl family along with morganite and emerald. It is a fairly hard gemstone, ranking on 7,5-8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Aquamarine is found in blue and green colours, ranging from deep teal to pale blue in varying opacities. The depth of its colour is determined by the amount of iron in the gemstone. The aquamarine can display a cat-eye effect, also known as chatoyancy.