Aquamarine – beauty that stands the test of time
3 min reading time
Aquamarine, a member of the beryl family gets its name from its color which ranges from pale blue to light green and has one thinking of the sea and water. Its name comes from aqua (Latin for water, and marine derived from marina, Latin for “the sea”).
Aquamarine, a member of the beryl family gets its name from its color which ranges from pale blue to light green and has one thinking of the sea and water. Its name comes from aqua (Latin for water, and marine derived from marina, Latin for “the sea”). It is considered one of the oldest gemstones first appearing sometime between 480 – 300 BC.
Beryl is the primary source of the element, beryllium and is colorless unless tinted by impurities which can give it colors ranging from blue, green, yellow, pink and the rarest, red. Emeralds are also a form of beryl.
It is found in Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, China and the US.
Aquamarine is a 7.5 – 8 out of 10 on the Mohrs scale making it perfect for everyday wear.
Why is Aquamarine Special?
It is thought to have metaphysical properties, including reducing stress, promoting calm and balancing emotions.
Aquamarine has lent itself to myths and legends and capable of delivering great results from love to war. The Romans believed that if a frog was carved on an aquamarine, it reconciled enemies and made them friends. Another Roman legend stated that the stone absorbs the atmosphere of young love: "When blessed and worn, it joins in love and does great things." Aquamarine was also considered the most appropriate gift to give to a bride by her groom following their wedding. The Greeks and the Romans considered the blue aquamarine as the sailor's gem, ensuring the safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. In Medieval times, the stone was thought to reawaken the love of married couples. It was also believed to render soldiers invincible.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. It is commonly associated with youth and happiness given its association with the ocean. If you are a stickler for these things, it is also the gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary.
Folk lore has it that aquamarines came from the treasure chests of mermaids. Sailors took up the idea that having an aquamarine was a lucky charm to ward off shipwrecks.
Aquamarine became the state stone of Colorado in 1971, even though it is a landlocked state.
How to Care for Aquamarine Jewelry:
Use a soft cloth and gentle soap and water to clean the aquamarine. Follow the cleaning with a soft dry cloth should do the trick. Avoid any cleaning products containing ammonia or alcohol.
Try to prevent cosmetics, lotions, sunscreens from encountering the stone.
Our artist friends here at Sundara Joon have been hard at work making some beautiful pieces incorporating this special stone. Check out their special jewelry for yourself. Peridot is a wonderfully popular stone on its own but is equally lovely when paired with other colorful gemstones.
Still Want More?
- American Gem Society – March Birthstones
- The American Gem Trade Association - Aquamarine
- GIA – aquamarine
- com – Aquamarine