Aquamarine: The March Birthstone
Aquamarine is March's birthstone, this gemstone is simply stunning and is really popular in modern jewellery designs due to its pretty aqua blue colour. Named from the Latin for seawater, it was thought to protect sailors at sea and calm the waters.
Below we will explore the history, uses and spiritual properties of aquamarine as well as share some jewellery making inspiration. Aquamarine is also the gem for the 19th wedding anniversary and is thought to bring happiness and reawaken love in long-married couples.
Aquamarine Facts
Colour: Aquamarine comes in many hues of blue ranging from a soft pale sky blue to a vivid turquoise like the deep oceans. Aquamarine is a type of beryl (emerald is the deep green variety of the mineral).
Appearance: More frequently aquamarine is transparent, however it can also be opaque. It grows in a hexagonal crystal formation, typical inclusions are fine hollow rods that sometimes reflect white light. When growth lines are present in larger numbers a cat's eye effect or even a six rayed star is possible.
Rarity: Aquamarine is a well-sourced gemstone, however certain colours and desired inclusions are rare. Madagascan aquamarine tends to be of a deeper blue shade which is one of the most sought after colours of the gem at the present time. Cats eye aquamarine is also very popular which is usually cut into cabochon stones to maximise the optical effect over the surface of the stone.
Mohs Scale Hardness: Aquamarine measures 7.5 on the Mohs scale so is one of the harder grades of gemstone.
Sourced: Aquamarine is most commonly found in Brazil however it can also be found in Mexico, United States, Brazil, Russia, Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Madagascar.
Formation & History Of Aquamarine
The popularity of colours in this beautiful stone has changed over the past few centuries, in the 19th Century the most sought after shade was the sea green / blue, whereas in more recent times the sky blue and dark blue varieties have become more popular. It's green / blue colouring is given by the amount of iron content the gem contains.
With most of the aquamarine that is available, a heat treatment is often applied to enhance its blue hues and the untreated stones tend to have a more greenish tinge to them. The blue hues can also be lost by overheating the stones - we recommend that it is always best to set your gemstone last so that it does not come under any unnecessary heat.
Aquamarine being the colour of water has been named 'The Sailors Lucky Stone' due to its link to the life-giving force of nature. In Latin tradition it has also been named 'Water of The Sea'.
Old traditions say that by wearing aquamarine you will enjoy a happy marriage and it is said to bring the woman who wears it joy and wealth!
Learn more about Aquamarine
Mythology, Healing & Spiritual Qualities Of Aquamarine
Aquamarine in legend is believed to contain the power of the sea and has been dedicated to a number of sea goddesses such as Aphrodite. Sailors have used the gemstone throughout history to protect them from storms and drowning as well as to ensure a safe arrival back home after a voyage. The gemstone is said to be the stone of courage.
This gemstone is said to re-establish a loving communication between couples that have grown apart, attract overseas business or connections and can help to overcome fears and phobias, especially those regarding water, such as swimming and travelling. It is also said to induce calming energies that reduce stress and quiet in the mind, invoke tolerance of others and help to filter information to the brain to encourage clarity.
It is believed to also help with travel sickness especially sea sickness, sore throats, tooth and gum problems and water retention. Aquamarine is also said to help with digestive disorders, kidney problems, colds and respiratory difficulties, as well as ease panic and pain. The powers of this stone are said to be emphasised when in water however wearing the stone can still be very beneficial.
Aquamarine is also a stone connected with travel, it can aid in the safety of your travels or open opportunities to widen your travels both physically and mentally.
Recharge the powers of aquamarine by placing it on a blue glass bowl filled with seawater (or water with a pinch of salt) on a full moon and leave it overnight then rinse with fresh water in the morning.
Jewellery Design
Aquamarine is really growing in popularity with the recent trends in semi-precious gemstone jewellery, popular combined with silver and other pastel coloured gemstones.
Aquamarine is a strong stone so it is suitable for various jewellery designs and settings, however its colour is heat sensitive so care needs to be taken when soldering (as we have said previously - always set last). Being based in Cornwall and working 5 minutes from the coast means we can't help but have a strong connection with the sea here at Kernowcraft, which is why aquamarine really is one of our favourite gemstones.
This gemstone looks especially great with silver, as well as other pastel coloured gemstones.
Aquamarine Briolette Iris Earrings
These delicate aquamarine iris flower earrings sparkle beautifully in the light and take very little time to make!
Moss Aquamarine Heart Necklace
This necklace design is perfect if you want to make a special handmade gift with moss aquamarine. We've used our simple solid heart charm alongside a wire wrapped aquamarine briolette to create a pretty design that really stands out.
Aquamarine Crystal Earstud Earrings
A simple crystal earring jewellery making project using our huggie claw earstuds.
Bezel set aquamarine and textured leaf earrings made by Gem Heaven Jewellery
Stunning faceted aquamarine ring made by Karen Young
Resources
Books
- Gemstones, Second Edition - Cally Oldershaw, Cristine Woodward and Roger Harding.
- Gemstones Of The World - Walter Schumann
- The Crystal Bible - Judy Hall
- The Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals - Cassandra Eason
Websites:
Also in this section:
- The Chakras & Stones For Beginners
- Top Gemstones For Love & Valentine's Day
- Rare Ammolite For Jewellery Making
- 5 Gemstones To Wear On Your Travels
- Mohs Hardness Scale, Gemstone Durability & Jewellery Making
- Top 10 Affordable Gemstones For Jewellery Making
- Your Guide To Anniversary Gemstones & Jewellery Making
- Your Guide To Birthstones & Birthstone Jewellery
- Discover Rare Cornish Turquoise
- Garnet: The January Birthstone
- Amethyst: The February Birthstone
- Aquamarine: The March Birthstone
- Diamond: The April Birthstone
- Emerald: The May Birthstone
- Pearl: The June Birthstone
- Ruby: The July Birthstone
- Peridot: The August Birthstone
- Sapphire: The September Birthstone
- Opal: The October Birthstone
- Topaz: The November Birthstone
- Turquoise: The December Birthstone
- Types Of Diamonds For Jewellery Making
- Lapis Lazuli, The Stone For Truth & Communication
- Types Of Agate Stones For Jewellery Making
- What Are Precious & Semi-Precious Stones?
- Watermelon Tourmaline For Jewellery Making
- 6 Stones For Alternative Engagement Rings
- Rare Tanzanite For Jewellery Making
- Gemstones For Your Inner Mermaid
- 5 Spiritual Gemstones To Help Your Mind & Body
- Rose Quartz, The Love Stone
- What Are Drusy Gemstones?
- What Is A Boulder Opal & How Do We Source Them
- All About Our Natural Untreated Turquoise