The Birthstone of March: Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the translucent blue variety of crystal belonging to the beryl family. Ranging in colour from transparent, pale-blue hues to slightly greenish-blue tones, the variety seen in aquamarine is caused by the presence of iron oxides within its chemical composition. 

All about Aquamarine

Heat treated aquamarine tends to result in crystals with a strong, deep blue-like appearance whilst natural aquamarine is usually of a lighter hue and more green in colour. Aquamarine is commonly sourced throughout the world, from Namibia, Myanmar (Burma) to Pakistan with the largest producer of aquamarine being Brazil.

Aquamarine remains to be one of today's most popular and sought-after stones as like most beryls, it forms beautiful large-crystals that make it perfect for fashioning carvings and fine jewellery. Aquamarine grows in six-sided prismatic crystals, often at great lengths which when faceted can showcase a vitreous lustre with exceptional and beautiful sparkle.

Well-cut gems of aquamarine that show brilliance, are of strong and deep blue and green tones and are without visible inclusions demand a high value within the industry. 

History and Lore

A crystal associated with the deep powers of the ocean, aquamarine was thought to be a treasure of mermaids and was commonly used by sailors and roman fisherman as an talisman of safety, good luck and fearlessness over water. Many Egyptians and Hebrews considered held aquamarine in high value, considering it a symbol of everlasting youth, love and happiness.

Wearing this stone in a simple pendant, ring or drinking from amulets embellished with the crystal was considered symbolic enough. This closely parallels Roman legend that aquamarine embodies the spirit and atmosphere of young love and when worn, blesses its wearer in hope and promise of great things to come. Roman folklore has shown that figures of frogs engraved upon beryl aquamarine was thought to reconcile any discord between enemies and bring about friendship instead. 

Emotional Healing and Spiritual Properties

Aquamarine is a water element stone renowned for cleansing the body and shifting limiting emotional patterns, opening up communication and enabling free expression and release. Identified as a stone of spiritual healing and   energy balance, aquamarine is a stone of empowerment and strongly thought to activate the throat chakra.

The throat chakra is the voice of the body and so aquamarine is worn by many to stimulate the flow of energies between the throat and the heart, enhancing and aligning how we communicate our ideas, beliefs and emotions to one another. 

Aquamarine was also used by the Romans as a talisman for cleansing and purifying water when travelling over sea. Often carried by sailors to prevent them from danger of drowning, aquamarine has historically been identified as a stone for energy seekers. The energies of the crystal itself align with the energies of its wearer, helping to navigate the mind to seek new horizons, adventures and opportunity.

In other words, aquamarine has historically become a symbolic compass of value and a force of direction for those who are lost, wandering or seeking new capabilities. 

Today aquamarine remains to be a popular choice of crystal used in jewellery, adorning rings, pendants, bracelets and keepsakes. Pale blue aquamarine is often thought to be a love crystal which is why it is often given as a love token or eternity ring to encourage commitment, fidelity and harmony between two lovers. 

For a birthstone gift or token of significance that gives beyond its physical beauty then aquamarine is a stone that never fails to deliver!

Image & source credits: Pinterest, crystalvaults, gia, jewelsforme