The name Aquamarine comes from the Latin aqua marinus, meaning “water of the sea,” and refers to its sparkling ocean-like colour. The pale blue, transparent crystal is a member of the Beryl family. Its colour, sometimes bluish green, is caused by iron oxides within the chemical makeup of the stone.
Birthstone for March, this historical gemstone has featured in writings for at least 3000 years and was revered by ancient Sumerian, Egyptian and Greek cultures and as an object of great beauty and of great spiritual strength.
Its fame as a gemstone of spiritual power is reflected in the carvings that survive from this period, hoopoe birds which were used to communicate with water spirits or to raise the dead, frogs which could restore peace to warring enemies and crows which bestowed happiness on their owner.
Aquamarine has been loved for many centuries and its similarity to the clear colour of the ocean has fostered natural associations with water and sea travel. Going back to Ancient Greek culture, some believed that Poseidon, God of the sea, created the aquamarine directly from seawater. Other legends claim that mermaid's tails are made of aquamarine, adding some magic to the gem.
Both the ancient Romans and Greeks perpetuated the belief that the ocean-coloured gem had the power to calm dangerous waves thereby safeguarding vessels along with their crew, passengers, and cargo. Fishermen treasure the gem for bringing them luck in their efforts to collect food. This makes the gem an important token for sea travellers of any kind. Expanding on this principle, aquamarine is still thought to offer its owner protection in general.
Aquamarine grows in many different locations around the world. This ensures that there is lots of inventory to be had and that the supply chain is secure. Among these are abundant deposits that can be found on the African continent in places like Mozambique, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia and the famously gem-rich Madagascar. Australia and the US both have aquamarine sources (it is the state gem for Colorado), while the Pakistani product sometimes includes very dark stones. It was recently discovered that China has plentiful amounts of small, pale aquamarine crystals and it has become the main source of low-cost gems. However, even with so many global deposits to draw from, Brazil is possibly the most prolific supplier of aquamarine.
Aquamarine conjures up images of the sea - a serene and tranquil picture that can bring calm and peace and relieving stress, making it a perfect crystal for meditation. This gemstone has been associated with fidelity, friendship, health, hope, and youth for centuries.
The water element is a large part of the crystal's legend. Sailors believed that aquamarine was a gift from mermaids and would wear it to protect them from drowning or simply prevent sea sickness. They would also decorate their vessels with gemstones to encourage calm seas and thus save them from sinking.
In some cultures, the stone was believed to have a soothing effect on marriages and relationships, making it an ideal amulet for calming the storms in a marriage. A gift of an aquamarine from husband to wife can smooth the rough waters of the home, too.
Back in ancient Rome, lovers would exchange gifts of aquamarine to signify pure love rather than lust in their relationship. This is because the stone is said to foster awareness and communication skills. In fact, this is one of the reasons it is one of the most popular anniversary gifts, especially for the 19th wedding anniversary.
The March birthstone is said to encourage peace of mind. Many believe that wearing the gem eases anxiety, increases mental clarity, and promotes healing from past traumas. Like many other blue gemstones, aquamarine also is thought to have physical health benefits and increase vitality. Specifically, some credit the gem with being able to help regulate hormones and the thyroid gland.
Aquamarine is a considered a stone of breath, the respiratory tract, and the lungs. It is said to be helpful in healing sinus conditions and frequent coughing and to be effective for hay fever and other chronic allergies. To relieve colds and bronchitis.
Aquamarine is a cooling stone; countering infections and useful for laryngitis, strep throat, or a sore throat. It is believed to harmonize the pituitary and thyroid glands, regulating hormones and growth. It is beneficial for teeth and gum problems.
It is believed to support the healing of inflammatory diseases of all kinds. It is soothing for eczema, hives, rosacea, and psoriasis. It may also help prevent outbreaks of herpes. Some skin diseases caused by allergies may be eased by Aquamarine and can complement the treatment for shingles.
Aquamarines require no special care and can resist scratching from everyday wear very well. However, inclusions within aquamarines may not react well to mechanical cleaning techniques like ultrasound or steam, increasing the risk of shattering. Therefore, consult with a gemmologist first to determine if your gems can withstand these cleaning methods. Of course, you can always use a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water to clean your aquamarines safely.
Sources
www.meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com
