Aquamarine is one of two birthstones for March, the second March Birthstone is Bloodstone.
Aquamarine gets it’s name from the Latin word aqua, meaning “water,” and marina, meaning “of the sea.”
The Gem was believed by ancient mariners to calm the seas and keep sailors safe while travelling.
What Colour is an Aquamarine?
The Gemstone has a narrow colour range. Aquamarines are the green-blue to blue variant of the mineral Beryl. This is the same mineral that forms Emeralds, but it is usually pastel green to greenish blue.
The purer and more intense the blue colour, the more valuable the Aquamarine. The Gems' most valuable hue is a dark blue to slightly greenish blue. Heat treatment results in the gem taking on a more blue appearance.
Aquamarines are naturally large in size and well-formed making them valuable to mineral specimen collectors.
The Gemstone can be cut into almost any shape but is often fashioned into Emerald cuts and round or oval brilliants.
What does Aquamarine symbolise?
Aquamarine has historically been used as a symbol of happiness, hope and everlasting youth. Due to its colour and along with its name, Western culture connected it with the ocean. The gem is also believed to also prevent illnesses.
Aquamarine is often used as a "good luck" gift, thought to bring feelings of peace, love, joy and happiness to those who wear it.
Aquamarine Origin
For over two centuries, Aquamarines were largely found in Minas Gerais, a large inland state in southeastern Brazil.
Aquamarines are found in primary (hard rock) and secondary (weathered rock) pegmatite deposits in the eastern portion of the state, near the gem centre of Teófilo Otoni.
They can also be found in the Karakorum foothills of Pakistan. Minors risk their lives to climb up the sides of forbidden cliffs and steep hills to retrieve these gemstones.
Aquamarine in Jewellery
Aquamarine is a semi-precious gemstone that is durable, with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it a great choice of gem for everyday wear.
Our Sabi Hoop Charm features an Aquamarine gem, named after the Sabie River where life is slower and full of beauty.
We've had the priveldge of creating a few unique custom Aquamarine jewellery pieces, including engagement rings, stack rings, and pendants.
To create your own custom aquamarine jewellery piece, please get in touch with our customs team. We would love to help you create a meaningful modern heirloom.
3 Things You Should Know About Aquamarine
- Aquamarines are traditionally given for the 19th wedding anniversary.
- The world’s largest aquamarine, the Dom Pedro, measures 34cm in length.
- People born in March are lucky to have two birthstones. Besides the aquamarine, there is also the bloodstone.
