Aquamarine - A Favorite Blue Gemstone

Aquamarine is an appropriately named gemstone as it genuinely resembles glistening water. The name comes from the Latin “aqua marina,” which means “sea water,” and before the 1600s, this gemstone was called “sea green beryl.” Whatever the century, lovers of the aquamarine gemstone can appreciate its beauty and shine, ranging in shades from dark teal to light blue. The iron concentration can alter the blue; however, the darker blue and greenish aquamarines are most desirable. It can even be heat-treated to alter its color, but heat-treated gemstones are worth less than natural ones.

Aside from its color, what qualities make aquamarine so unique? Well, for one, it has a vibrant history. Many ancient civilizations believed aquamarine could enhance beauty and intellect and bring joy. There is even evidence of aquamarine jewellery dating back to 500 BC in ancient Egypt, so it has been around for centuries. The ancient Romans wore aquamarine to cure health problems relating to the stomach, liver and throat. Roman mythology believed that the god of the sea, Neptune, found aquamarines washed up on shore. He loved them so much that he would collect all within his sight not to lose them in the sea. Neptune would even safeguard sailors wearing the stone.

Nowadays, aquamarine is unearthed throughout the world. Countries including Zambia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Madagascar, Pakistan, and the USA have aquamarines. Colorado has so much aquamarine that in 1971 it was declared the state’s official gemstone. Those born in March will be happy to know their birthstone is aquamarine, and people can readily wear it since this stone is widely found and used in jewellery worldwide. It ranks 7-8 out of 10 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness, so it is an excellent gemstone choice for earrings, necklaces and rings.

The largest aquamarine gemstone ever found was in the 1980s in Brazil. This stone, named Dom Pedro after the premier rulers of Brazil, is a staggering 10,363 carats. Aquamarine is also quite prevalent in the royal family. Queen Elizabeth has an aquamarine tiara, and Meghan Markle sports a 30-carat aquamarine ring.