Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the pale blue to blue-green variety of the mineral beryl, the same mineral as emerald. Its colour comes from traces of iron and ranges from very pale, almost colourless blue to the deep, saturated blue of the most prized stones. The name comes from the Latin "aqua marina", meaning seawater.

Unlike emerald, aquamarine often forms large, clean crystals with very few inclusions, so it can be cut into large, clear, faceted stones. The largest cut aquamarine, the Dom Pedro, weighs over 10,000 carats and is held by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. Aquamarine from the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil gave its name to "Santa Maria" aquamarine, a term now used for any intense, deep blue aquamarine.

Brazil is the most important source, especially the state of Minas Gerais, with other sources including Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia and Sri Lanka.

Many aquamarines, particularly those with a greenish tint, are gently heated to remove yellow tones and produce a purer blue. This treatment is permanent and widely accepted. Aquamarine beads are often translucent or milky material, while clear stones are faceted. Imitations include blue topaz, synthetic spinel and glass.

Aquamarine at a glance

Caring for aquamarine

Aquamarine is hard (7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale) and suitable for everyday jewellery, though it can chip with a hard knock. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe for clean stones, but avoid it for stones with inclusions or fractures, and avoid steam cleaning and sudden temperature changes. Store separately from harder gems.

In folklore

The beliefs below are traditional folklore, included for interest. They are not scientifically proven, and nothing here is medical advice.

Aquamarine has long been associated with the sea. Ancient legend says it came from the treasure chests of mermaids, and sailors carried it as a charm to protect them from shipwreck and to calm the waves. The Romans believed it could cure illness, and in the Middle Ages it was thought to reawaken love between married couples and to protect against poison. Aquamarine is a birthstone for March and the gift for a 19th wedding anniversary. It is associated with the zodiac signs Pisces, Aquarius and Scorpio.

Aquamarine is traditionally regarded as a stone of calm, courage and clear communication. Crystal healing lore holds that it soothes stress and fear, brings a sense of peace like the sea, and helps the wearer speak with clarity and confidence. It is linked to the throat chakra.

Related stones

Emerald, morganite, heliodor, goshenite and red beryl (other varieties of beryl). Stones that can look similar include blue topaz, blue zircon, blue spinel, apatite, blue chalcedony, synthetic spinel and glass.

For the technically minded

Shop aquamarine beads

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