SCIENTIFIC

The name aquamarine is Latin for seawater, and its association with the sea comes from its brilliant range of hues from an almost transparent blue to a deep ocean azure.   Aquamarine (blue) is a member of the beryl family which includes emerald (green) and morganite (pink) as two of the other better-known varieties.  Beryl is a beryllium aluminum silicate with trace amounts of other elements, one form of iron causes a lighter blue color and a different form of iron results in yellow with the presence of both forms of iron a deep blue, chromium sometimes with vanadium causes the green color, one form manganese causes the pink and a different form causes a deep red which is quite rare.  There is also a colorless variety.  Irradiation can enhance the colors, and in the case of the clear variety results in a variety of colors depending on the presence of trace elements.  Beryl is found worldwide in mostly granitic pegmatites and can grow to very large sizes.  One crystal in Maine measures 18 x 3.9 feet and is estimated to weigh nearly 20 tons.  A crystal from Madagascar measures 59 x 11 feet and is estimated to weigh some 420 tons.  It is the largest known naturally occurring crystal in the world.  Beryl is the state mineral of New Hampshire. 

USES

Aquamarine is primarily used in making jewelry, although the clear variety was used to make glasses as early as the 13th century in Italy.  It is the birthstone for March.  It is very hard slightly softer than diamond, and therefore wears very well.

MEANING

Aquamarine is a stone that provides a soothing and calming effect and is associated with the throat chakra.  It is especially notable for helping to soothe anger, calm fears, soothe anxiety, and is known to enhance communication.  In ancient times, aquamarine was thought to protect those at sea. It was believed to make sailors fearless and safe from adversaries on the open waters. As far back as 480 BC, aquamarine was considered to be the treasure of the mermaids because its ability to protect increased when immersed in water.  It is often thought of as a “good luck” stone.