The aquamarine takes its name, as described by Pliny (Gaius Plinius Secundus, 23–79 better known as Pliny the Elder), from the green of the sea, but it varies from the cool sea green to an intense deep green. The name aquamarine was derived by the Romans, "aqua" meaning water and "mare" meaning sea. From ancient times it has been held in almost the same reverence as the emerald and has frequently been considered the stone of purity.

In general

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family. It is one of the most famous and beautiful gems out here today. It is almost free from inclusions. Aquamarines vary in colour from deep blue to blue-green of different intensities, caused by traces of iron.  The more intense the colour of an aquamarine, the higher value it has. Professionals prefer a pure blue, with no green in it.

Aquamarines mined in Brazil, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Russia, and Afghanistan. The top quality aquamarines come from Brazil.

Ancient times

Its first documented use was by the Greeks between 480-300 BC. They wore aquamarine amulets engraved with the god Poseidon on a chariot. Aquamarine it was sacred to Neptune and was worn by sailors and travellers on the sea.

Engraved with the head of the sea god and his trident, the stone had special power to protect its wearer from the perils on the sea, not only from wind and wave, but from sea monsters and submerged rocks.

Travellers by land also believed that the aquamarine preserved them from dangers in strange lands, and assisted them in finding the hidden objects of their search. It also had power to preserve the wearer against poison administered by the envious or by enemies.

Healing & Protection Aquamarine

Medicinally aquamarine was endowed with the power to cure ailments involving the jaws and the throat, as well as the stomach and liver. Necklaces of aquamarine beads were believed to cure the toothache as well as to preserve the teeth.

Aquamarine is associated with the thymus gland. It is very soothing worn as a necklace.

If the aquamarine is worn as a birthstone, it has the power of banishing fears and of controlling the emotions in times of stress and anxiety.

The aquamarine is the stone of sailors, believing it would be protection for them on water. Folklore says the aquamarine will protect against gossip. It is also said the aquamarine will pick up spirits.

During the Middle Ages, it was believed to be an effective antidote against poison.

Aquamarines were thought to be the source of power for soothsayers, who called it the “magic mirror”, and used it for telling fortunes and answering questions about the future

Tag: Aquamarine