since 1978 custom jewelry design
since 1978 custom jewelry design
Aquamarine, a splendid blue gemstone whose name originates from the Italian word for seawater, embodies the splendor of the sea. A member of the beryl family, aquamarine is a sister to the rich green emerald. It can be found in a range of pale blue hues and aqua green colors. Legends refer to aquamarine as the treasure of Atlantis, with the power to keep sailors safe at sea.
In addition, aquamarine is also believed to have a soothing influence on relationships, especially in marriage. Its power to ensure a long and happy marriage makes it an excellent stone to give on anniversaries. Traditionally, aquamarine is also the birthstone for March.
There is much lore about the aquamarine stone. For instance, the Romans believed that if a frog were carved onto an aquamarine stone, it would reconcile enemies and make them friends. The Greeks and the Romans revered the aquamarine as a sailor's stone of protection and it was commonly worn to ensure a safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. The Sumerians, Egyptians, and Hebrews also admired and valued aquamarine gemstones. To many ancient cultures, it was a symbol of happiness, courage, and everlasting youth.
Aquamarine's powers of revelation were strong during the middle ages. It was common to carve gazing balls for fortune telling or to suspend an aquamarine crystal on a string over a bowl of water in order to divine messages as the stone disturbed the surface or touched letters drawn on the bowl's rim.
Designing with AquamarineWhile it was once fashionable to wear the sea-green color most commonly associated with aquamarine, today's consumers prefer shades of sky or deep blue. Because of this, aquamarine is routinely heat-treated to remove the naturally occurring green component. This is a highly sensitive and precise process requiring that the stone be heated between 725 and 850 degrees Fahrenheit. If the stone is overheated, it will permanently lose all its color.
Aquamarine looks stunning with bright yellow gold metals, creating designs of warmth and bright cheer. The arctic blue and sandy tones of aquamarine gemstone look fresh when paired with the subdued colors of tourmaline, dyed cultured freshwater pearls and citrine. It also looks stunning when paired with smoky quartz or deep garnet.
The Power of the Stone
Metaphysical Properties In the language of gemstones, aquamarine represents happiness, hope and everlasting youth. 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 it's ability to protect increased when immersed in water.
Today, aquamarine is still thought to bring protection to those at sea and is a popular gift among ocean travelers. On land, it is believed to have soothing effects on couples, helping them to work through their differences and ensure a long and happy marriage.
It is also considered to be the stone of courage and preparedness and is believed to help maintain balance and order. Aquamarine is often used as a "good luck" stone, thought to bring feelings of peace, love, joy and happiness to those who wear it. There is an energizing quality to Aquamarine that provides harmony and balance. If you dream of aquamarine, it is said that you will make new friends, and wearing earrings of aquamarine are thought to bring love and affection into your life.
Geological PropertiesAquamarine is commonly heat treated to remove yellow color and enhance the bright blue tones of the gemstone. The natural blue and green colors of aquamarine come from ferrous iron and metallic ions. Aquamarine gemstones are found in a number of exotic places including Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique, and the most brilliant blue varieties of the gemstones available today come from Brazil.
Mineral Properties of Aquamarine
Cyclosilicate, Beryl
Al2Be3(Si6O18)
Light blue, blue, blue-green, pale green; transparent to translucent
7-1/2 to 8 (Mohs)
2.67-2.71
1.577-1.583
Heat-treated to remove green and enhance blue
Proper CareAlthough aquamarine is a hard 7-1/2 to 8 on the Mohs scale, natural inclusions could make it vulnerable to breaking if exposed to extreme temperature changes or sharp blows. Do not use heat to clean aquamarine. Prolonged exposure to sunlight could fade color.
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Atlantic Gems does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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