Introduction

Aquamarine has been prized for thousands of years for its mesmerizing color and clarity. The name aquamarine comes from the Latin phrase "aqua marina," meaning "water of the sea," referring to its sparkling ocean-like hue.

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, which also includes emeralds and morganite. Unlike emeralds, this crystal does not contain high amounts of chromium, making it a rarer and more valuable stone. Aquamarine ranges in color from pale to deep blue, with the most prized stones exhibiting a pure cerulean without any gray or green.

Composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate, it has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for jewelry. Aquamarine has a vitreous luster and excellent transparency, with many gem-quality stones being eye-clean. The clarity, color, and hardness contribute to its popularity as both a valuable collector's item and everyday adornment.

With its refreshing cool tones invoking images of clear blue waters, aquamarine has captured the human imagination for millennia as a symbol of calm, serenity, and healing.

Meaning and symbolism

Aquamarine has long been associated with the sea and water due to its mesmerizing ocean-blue tones. In fact, its name comes from the Latin "aqua marinus," meaning "water of the sea."

Since ancient times, aquamarine has symbolized tranquility, calmness, and foresight. Sailors believed it would bring them safe passage across stormy seas, which is why it is sometimes called the "Sailor's Stone." Its connection to water also made it a talisman for fishermen wishing to have a bountiful catch.

Mermaids and other mythical sea creatures are said to have adorned themselves with aquamarine jewels from sunken pirate ships. Some legends tell that mermaids would gift the stones to humans in exchange for protection of their ocean homes. Due to this mythical association, people believed aquamarine could give the gift of foresight, enhance intuition, and bring courage to the wearer.

The ancient Greeks and Romans believed the crystal came from the jewel boxes of sea nymphs and spread the legend that sirens used the alluring blue-green stones to harness the power and fury of the sea.

With its many legends linking it to water, tranquility, and foresight, aquamarine is a stone imbued with mystical meaning. From mythical sea creatures like mermaids to sailors crossing stormy seas, aquamarine has long been a symbol of all things connected to water and the infinite secrets held in ocean depths.

Healing properties

Aquamarine is renowned for its healing properties, both emotionally and physically. It is a calming stone that can aid in reducing stress and anxiety. Its soothing energy brings mental clarity and inner peace.

Specifically, it is believed to provide healing benefits for:

• Emotional Healing

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Promotes emotional stability
  • Encourages inner calm and peace
  • Aids in processing grief and letting go
  • Boosts courage and enhances communication

• Physical Healing

  • Throat - Soothes sore throats and respiratory issues
  • Immune System - Strengthens the immune system and improves resistance to illnesses
  • Eyesight - Protects eyes and improves vision

The gentle energy of aquamarine makes it an excellent stone for emotional healing. It quiets the mind and releases negative thoughts and feelings of fear or anger. Holding this stone can instantly induce a sense of tranquility. Wearing it as jewelry helps maintain positivity throughout the day.

For physical ailments, aquamarine is considered beneficial for both chronic conditions and temporary issues affecting the throat, immune system, and eyes. It is said to accelerate recovery and restore good health. Placing it on the throat area is believed to relieve coughs, laryngitis, and swollen glands.

Everyday uses

Ancient peoples revered aquamarine for its calming and soothing energy. In the modern world, this gemstone continues to offer a practical benefit for incorporating into daily life.

Jewelry

Aquamarine shines in jewelry pieces like necklaces, rings, and pendants. Its light blue color provides a cooling accent against the skin. As a March birthstone, it makes a lovely gift for anyone with a March birthday. Set in silver, the blue aquamarine and shiny metal complement each other beautifully.

Meditation

Holding a gently polished stone during meditation provides a calming influence. It resonates with the throat chakra, enhances communication abilities, and assists in self-expression. Gazing into aquamarine during a meditative state also expands perspective and clears the mind.

Feng Shui

In feng shui, aquamarine embodies the water element for its oceanic color. Place an aquamarine stone fountain in the north area of a home or office to promote good career flow. The stone also balances the water energy in the restroom and kitchen. An aquamarine pendant or bracelet can deflect negative water energy when worn on the body.

Protection & Cleansing

Aquamarine is known for its protective qualities, shielding the wearer against negative energies and influences. Its calming blue color creates a barrier against feelings of anger, fear, and anxiety. Wearing it can help rid the aura of dark thoughts and promote inner clarity and peace of mind.

To keep the crystal strong, it's important to cleanse it regularly. The easiest method is to place it in spring water overnight so the stone can soak up the water's purifying energies. Letting the crystal sit in direct sunlight for a few hours will also cleanse and energize it.

Over time it can absorb negative vibrations from its environment and the people around it. A simple way to recharge its radiance is to place it next to a crystal of rock quartz, which amplifies natural healing properties. Setting the two stones together on a bedside table creates a positive field of energy around you while sleeping.

Buying Guide

When selecting your aquamarine, consider the 4Cs - color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.

If you are a fan of metaphysics, it's important to consider how a stone “feels” to you.

Here at HAWKHOUSE we take a balanced approach to color, crystalization and cost. Aquamarine is one of the most expensive stones that I source, so this helps us find the most interesting, special stones for the most reasonable price.

Color

• The most sought-after aquamarines have a light sky blue color, without any gray or green. Stones with a vivid blue are considered top quality.

• While a saturated blue is ideal, aquamarines can range from nearly colorless to light blue-green. The stronger the blue, the higher the value.

Clarity

• Aquamarines are expected to have some inclusions and flaws. However, the clearer the stone, the better, they say. Personally at HAWKHOUSE we love inclustions, especially tourmaline inclusions…

Cut

• Step cuts like the emerald cut are popular for aquamarine as they enhance the blue color. (we love rose cut)

• Well-cut stones should have good brilliance and balanced facets. Proper proportions maximize light return through the top of the gem.

• While carat weight is personal preference, opt for an stone with excellent cut, color and clarity rather than size alone. An exquisite aquamarine need not be huge.

However, the most important factor in gem shopping is to find a stone that you love! While the following factors are great indicators of what the masses seek, be sure to find a stone that resonates with you.

Pricing

Aquamarine is one of the more affordable precious gemstones. However, there can still be a wide range in pricing based on the stone's size, quality, and source.

Larger, high clarity stones with deep, intense blue color will fall on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. While inclusions and pale color reduce an aquamarine's value.

Quality Affects Value

The Four Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat weight) determine an aquamarine's overall quality. Pricing is based on how these factors come together:

• Color: Deep blue gems with no green or gray overtones are most valuable. Light or pale stones are less expensive.
• Clarity: Eye-clean stones are preferred. Those with fewer inclusions and high transparency bring higher prices. Heavily included stones have reduced value.
• Cut: A precise cut that maximizes an aquamarine's brilliance and fire increases its beauty and worth. Poor cuts negatively impact value.
• Carat Weight: Larger aquamarines have exponentially higher prices per carat. Premium is placed on size.

Top-grade aquamarines with excellent color, clarity, cut and larger carat sizes will have the highest market values. Inferior quality in any of these factors substantially lowers cost.

Where Found

Aquamarine is found in a number of places around the world. The most significant deposits are located in:

• Brazil - The state of Minas Gerais in Brazil produces some of the highest quality aquamarine crystals in the world, with deep blue color. Other deposits are found in Bahia, Goiás, and Espírito Santo.

• Africa - Significant aquamarine mining takes place in African nations like Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria and Tanzania. The stones from Africa often possess a slightly greenish tinge.

• India - The hills and plateaus of India, especially in Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir, are known for yielding aquamarine gems.

• Russia - The gemstone-rich Ural Mountains of Russia contain substantial aquamarine deposits. Other notable sources include the pegmatite deposits in the Sayan Mountains near Lake Baikal.

Aquamarine is commonly found emerging with other beryl varieties like morganite, heliodor, and bixbite in pegmatite formations. While this crystal occurs around the world, the finest quality specimens prized for their deep blue color and clarity come from Brazil.

Interesting Facts about Aquamarine

• Aquamarine is the official state gemstone of Colorado, adopted in 1971. This sky blue stone was chosen due to Colorado's Rocky Mountains nicknamed the "Aquamarine Mountains".

• Aquamarine is also the traditional birthstone for March, due to its soothing blue tones reminiscent of the tranquil sea during the spring season. It's said to have a calming, cooling energy perfect for the sensitive Pisces.

• In addition, aquamarine is the traditional 19th wedding anniversary gemstone. It symbolizes lasting youth, health and hope for the marriage ahead. An aquamarine anniversary ring or pendant makes a fitting gift, with its legacy of bringing joy and open communication to relationships.

Conclusion

Aquamarine is a beautiful light blue or blue-green variety of the mineral beryl that has been cherished since ancient times for its mystical powers and soothing energy. As we've explored, this March birthstone is associated with calm, courage, and enhanced communication.

With its gentle but potent vibration, this crystal can aid in physical healing, alleviate stress, and protect against negative energy. It's the perfect crystal ally for boosting serenity, self-expression, and insight.

Some key benefits of aquamarine include:

• Calming and soothing emotional issues like anxiety, fears, or grief
• Boosting confidence and verbalization
• Cleansing and aligning the chakras
• Strengthening the immune system and managing pain or illness
• Shielding against environmental pollutants or electromagnetic stress

Whether you place the stone in your home, wear it as jewelry, or meditate with a tumbled stone, invite its tranquilizing energy into your life. Discover your own truth in aquamarine's watery depths, and embark on a journey of empowerment and hope. With an open heart, you too can unlock the magic of the mermaid's treasure.