Aquamarine is a mineral of the silicate group, a subgroup of the cyclosilicate group. It is a member of the beryl family, and its transparent light-blue color is reminiscent of seawater. Similar in appearance to blue topaz, it is often confused with the latter. Aquamarine has been known since antiquity, and was long considered a talisman by the Egyptians and Romans.
Aquamarine properties
- Type: Fine stone
- Color: Pale blue to blue-green
- Hardness: 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale
- Density: 2.65 to 2.80
- Family: Beryl
- Birthstone: Mars
- Zodiac sign: Pisces in 2nd and 3rd decans and Aries in 1st decan
- Events : March birthdays and 19th wedding anniversary
Aquamarine history
The origins of the name
Closely linked to the ocean, aquamarine takes its name from the Latin aqua and marina, meaning water and sea respectively.
Aquamarine characteristics
A gem with sublime shades of blue, aquamarine is a fine stone from the beryl family. Transparent, with hues ranging from a light pastel blue to the deepest blue, with touches of green, it evokes the world of the sea.
There are several types of aquamarine on the market, such as those from the Boca Rica deposit, whose green hue is reminiscent of Brazilian lagoons, or from the Pedra Azul deposits, which produce a mysterious stone resembling the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
With no inclusions visible to the naked eye, it is one of the purest stones available.
Provenance and main deposits
Discovered in Brazil in the 16th century, aquamarine is still produced in large quantities in Brazilian mines. Some of the largest specimens have been found in this country. But while Brazil remains one of the world’s most important aquamarine-producing countries, it is far from the only one renowned for the quality and beauty of its stones.
Several African countries, such as Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia and Mozambique, now boast significant deposits. Beautiful crystals have also been mined in Russia’s Ural Mountains. Aquamarine is also mined in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, China and Vietnam.
Aquamarine astrology and symbolism
Aquamarine is the birthstone of March. It is therefore particularly associated with the signs of Pisces in the 2nd and 3rd decans and Aries in the 1st. Its light blue color is also reminiscent of the celestial vault, and can therefore be associated with the air signs Gemini, Aquarius and Libra.
This gem is also linked to arcana VIII of the tarot: Justice. It thus symbolizes fairness, balance and truth. Its transparency and purity have made it the stone of innocence, youth and perseverance.
Virtues and benefits
Corresponding to the throat chakra, aquamarine is beneficial to people suffering from respiratory allergies. It is also beneficial for people with thyroid problems. It is also said to have a positive effect on the kidneys and the immune system in general. Its soothing properties are said to help relieve pain and irritation associated with stress and nervousness, as well as migraines and itching.
In the Middle Ages, it was also used to combat toothache. From a spiritual point of view, aquamarine is said to help free speech, express emotions and develop creativity. Aquamarine is therefore very useful to artists.
Legends, myths and significance
With a name and color evocative of the sea and ocean, aquamarine has always been regarded by the Greeks and Romans as the stone of the god Neptune. Since time immemorial, sailors and fishermen have worn them as lucky charms to protect themselves against storms.
Other legends have it that this gem came from the treasure trove of mermaids and was brought to the surface by seahorses. It is said to be even more brilliant and powerful when immersed in water.
The most famous aquamarines
The largest aquamarine ever cut in the world comes from Brazil. Since 2012, it has been on display at Washington’s Smithonian Institute, a museum that holds one of the world’s richest mineral collections. The stone was found in Brazil in the 1980s. At the time, the crystal was 91 cm long and weighed 45 kg. A famous German jeweler, Bernd Munsteiner, cut this aquamarine in the shape of an obelisk. The piece is 35 cm high and weighs 10,363 carats, or over 2 kg. It has been christened “Dom Pedro”, in reference to two 19th-century Brazilian emperors, Peter I and Peter II. Today, the “Dom Pedro” aquamarine is displayed alongside an equally impressive jewel: the famous “Hope” diamond from the French crown.
Giving an aquamarine
Aquamarines are usually given on the 19th wedding anniversary. Its delicate hues harmonize beautifully with silver and suit almost all skin complexions and eye colors. So you can’t go wrong with an aquamarine necklace, earrings or ring.
According to ancient traditions, this gem favors happy marriages and fidelity in love. So don’t wait until you’ve been married for 19 years to give your beloved an aquamarine ring or pendant!
