Aquamarine

The gemstone Aquamarine is the modern March birthstone.  It is also the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Scorpio.  Aquamarine is suggested as a gem to give on the 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries.

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, which also includes emerald and ranges in colour from an almost colourless pale blue to blue-green or teal.  The most prized colour is a deep-blue aqua colour. 

It is 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale of hardness and gets its name from Latin words meaning water and sea.

The most valuable aquamarines come from Brazil, but it is also mined in Kenya and Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia.

Some gemstones are heated to high temperatures to enhance the colour and/or clarity of a stone.  Aquamarines are often heat treated to change a blue-green or teal coloured stone to a pure blue.  This results in a permanent colour change.


Legend and Healing Properties

Since early times, aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness.  It is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful.  As a healing stone, it is said to be effective as a treatment for anxiety.

A legend says that sailors wore aquamarine gemstones to keep them safe and prevent seasickness.