"As you would expect from a gemstone whose name means sea water, Aquamarine is reminiscent of the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Conjuring up glorious thoughts of happy, warm, sunny, evenings by the edge of the sea and memorable times"

Its more important significance however, is its designation as the official birthstone for March. People with birthdays that fall in March are especially fortunate as Aquamarine is one of the world's most beautiful and sought after gemstones. 

As well as being the March birthstone, Aquamarine is also considered the perfect gift to celebrate the 19th wedding anniversary as it is said to be a powerfully soothing influence on relationships and ensuring a long and happy marriage.

A very wearable light blue gemstone, that can transition easily from day to evening and can take a few knocks without chipping or scratching (see the Moh’s scale of hardness).  They can be set into all forms of jewelry and look stunning combined with Diamonds and an array of other colored gemstones.

AQUAMARINE - REMNANTS OF THE OCEAN

"You are at the beach, staring deeply into the ocean, the waves roughly push against each other engulfing your mind but somehow, it’s calming. You look far deep into the horizon and see the curve of the light blue sky seemingly touch the dark blue sea- It’s breathtaking"

Remnants of the ancient ocean that were scattered across the world in form of gemstones, the Aquamarine, enchanting like the sea, calls out to you.  The serene Aquamarine colors match the light blue waters and even a stormy deep greenish blue- hauntingly beautiful.

---

HOW DOES AQUAMARINE FORM?

Well, the Aquamarine originated from water millions of years ago. Can you believe that a pool of water trapped in an ancient rock would slowly form such a beautiful crystal?

The Rock Cycle

Aquamarine mainly forms in granite pegmatites (coarse-grained igneous rock) and hydrothermal vents. The remaining liquid that is left behind after granitic magma crystallizes is what gives rise to pegmatites. The residual fluids, which are rich in volatile elements and minerals such as silicon, aluminum, and beryllium, concentrate when the magma cools and solidifies. 

Beryllium is a necessary component for the production of Aquamarine. Although beryllium is a relatively uncommon element in the crust of the Earth, it can be found in concentrated forms in some geological settings. 

The dissolved elements start to precipitate out of the solution and form crystals as the hydrothermal fluids cool. Crystals of beryl, begin to form in pegmatite veins and host rock fissures or cavities and come into contact with the right minerals and circumstances. They are known to change color according to what other minerals they come in contact with as they form. 

Emeralds for example, are colored by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Aquamarine is colored by traces of iron. 

Aquamarine crystals grow over long periods, which enables them to take on their distinctive hexagonal prismatic shape- crystals/pencils in the host rock. This is a very long process that can take millions of years to form. The settings in which aquamarine forms can vary and may lead to variations in gem quality, size, and color.

Aquamarine crystal specimen showing a hexagonal crystal habit from the Rare Gemstone Company's Aquamarine mine, Meru, Kenya. Mined 1984 

Did you know that both Emerald and Morganite are also forms of Beryl?  They are all minerals composed of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate, they change color according to what other minerals they come in contact with as they form. Emeralds for example, are colored by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Aquamarine is colored by iron.

  

---

AQUAMARINE - THE GEM OF THE SEA WITH RICH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Admired for its light, oceanic hues Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin for seawater. The name “aquamarine” is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.

Historically believed to be a sacred gift from mermaids, Greeks and Romans used it as protection over the water as they believed it would guarantee safety whist travelling by sea. Greek legends claimed that aquamarine was in fact, washing up on the shores as a protective charm for sailors. This gave rise to the belief that aquamarine could calm stormy seas and ensure a safe voyage.

The Romans, valued the gem as a stone of love and fidelity. They used it in wedding rings and amulets, believing it could strengthen marriage bonds and bring harmony to relationships. Roman healers also used aquamarine to treat throat ailments and promote clarity in communication.

In Medieval times, Aquamarine was considered a mystical stone with healing and divination powers. Medieval knights and soldiers carried aquamarine into battle as a protective talisman, believing it could ensure victory and keep them safe from harm. 

The earliest known civilizations to use Aquamarine valued it for both ornamental and spiritual purposes. The Egyptians highly prized Aquamarine, often carving it into amulets, beads, and burial jewelry. They believed it symbolized eternal youth and happiness. Egyptian pharaohs and queens were often buried with aquamarine to protect their spirits in the afterlife.

In Asian culture, this gemstone was often associated with wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Ancient Indian texts describe aquamarine as a stone of serenity and clarity, used by sages to deepen their meditation practices. It was also believed to enhance communication and improve leadership skills, making it a favored stone among scholars and rulers.

However, the ocean's colors that the Aquamarine possesses are more than mere visual or spiritual phenomena. Its curved deep into the formation of the gemstone.

---

AQUAMARINE QUALITY? … What should I look out for? 

Aquamarine Color - The best Aquamarines are a stunning very slightly greenish blue color with a moderately strong color saturation/intensity.  Some Aquamarine is naturally a more yellow/green color, this green hue can sometimes be removed by heating the gemstone. This is a routine treatment for some Aquamarine to remove the greener hues and to bring out or enhance the blue hues. You will often see in the market ‘heat treated (routine)’ and this perfectly accepted in the gem trade. However, a fine, natural, untreated Aquamarine will command a higher value. 

Aquamarine From The Rare Gemstone Company's Aquamarine Collection

"Aquamarine can be mistaken for Blue Topaz as the color can be quite similar, though Topaz does tend to have a more ‘neon’ edge to it as it is often irradiated to enhance its color"

 

 

The color difference between Topaz and Aquamarine

Aquamarine Clarity - Unlike Emerald which is usually heavily included or flawed, making them look ‘sleepy’, Aquamarine is commonly more ‘clean’ by comparison and therefore has higher clarity. As with all gemstones, the best stones are those that have the best/top color and saturation combined with the highest clarity.

 

Aquamarine is a very popular gemstone and widely accessible.  It is very affordable in lighter colors but the more cleaner, deeper colors command higher prices.

---

WHERE IS AQUAMARINE FROM?

The largest and best know deposit of Aquamarine is found in Brazil but other areas include Pakistan, China, Myanmar, Russia, Ukraine and more recently in Africa. Nigeria and Mozambique have been mining some Aquamarine until it was also discovered in Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia in the 1980’s and Mozambique in the 90’s. 

Mozambique Aquamarine - Santa Maria Afrique

Santa Maria Afrique Aquamarine rough from Mozambique

Recently, some of the world's finest Aquamarine has been discovered in nearby Mozambique. These stones rival the colors of the famous Santa Maria Aquamarine from Brazil, long recognized as the pinnacle of Aquamarine color. These stunning Aquas from Mozambique have been named Santa Maria Afrique after their Brazilian counterparts.

---

IS AQUAMARINE DURABLE ENOUGH FOR JEWELRY?

Apart from its unique formation and features Aquamarine is an exceptionally durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5 to 8. This makes it resistant to scratches and daily wear, making it an ideal choice for engagement rings and other everyday jewelry pieces.

Unlike some gemstones that are highly included or opaque, Aquamarine is typically highly transparent and free of inclusions, its brilliant clarity and glassy luster enhance its elegance.  Many aquamarines display excellent transparency, often requiring little or no treatment to enhance their natural beauty.

Because of its excellent hardness and toughness, it can be cut into a variety of shapes, from classic Emerald cuts to intricate Marquise cuts. Its durability ensures that aquamarine jewelry can last for generations when properly cared for.

---

AQUAMARINE – MEANING & HEALING, MEDITATION & ENERGY

°Aquamarine, the soothing gemstone - assisting in the release of anger and used as an aid in the reduction of stress. It is said to help one make positive changes in one’s life, as well as granting courage to go on. 

° It is believed to be the strongest gemstone for clearing and activating the Throat Chakra by stimulating energy from the heart to the throat, allowing one's deepest and heartfelt truth to be communicated.

° Aquamarine is said to be an excellent crystal for meditation, as it quiets the mind and aids in the awakening of paranormal abilities and inducing revelations. 

° Some traditions claim it is possible to see your guardian angel through an Aquamarine crystal when it points to the north.

° Aquamarine, is still to this day, believed to aid in fluid retention and will help deal with glandular disorders, as well as aiding in maintaining the health of your eyes.

° Aquamarine is believed to have a powerfully soothing influence on relationships, particularly on married couples and ensuring a long and happy marriage. Hence, why it considered such a perfect gift on a special occasions. 

---

THE ENDURING LEGACY OF AQUAMARINE

Throughout history, Aquamarine has been more than just a beautiful gemstone. It has been a symbol of protection, love, clarity, and healing, treasured by civilizations across the world. It is also considered the birthstone for March, a meaningful choice for those born in the month or those seeking a gem that represents renewal and peace. Today, Aquamarine continues to be valued for its timeless elegance, making it one of the most cherished gemstones in the modern world. Aquamarine’s rich history ensures that its beauty remains as deep and enduring as the ocean itself. Count yourself very fortunate if you were born in March!

See some Beautiful Aquamarine Jewelry by The Rare Gemstone Company

Create your own unique piece of MARCH BIRTHSTONE jewelry, choose an Aquamarine and have it set in a custom designed, handmade piece and start your gem story.

#yourgemyourstory