What’s aquamarine?

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Aquamarine is a pale blue to green type of gemstone that has been used in ornamental jewelry for centuries. It is a type of beryl, a stone that contains a mixture of beryllium, aluminum, and silicate: other beryls include emeralds, golden beryls called heliodors, and morganites, also known as rose beryls. The chemical formula for aquamarine, along with all other beryls, is Be3Al2 (SiO3) 6. The stone’s color comes from trace amounts of iron that have become embedded in the stone’s hexagonal crystalline structure.

Aquamarine, along with beryls in general, has been recognized and valued as a gemstone for thousands of years, and is even featured in the Bible. The double reference to water in the name, which is a compound of the Latin words aqua, for water, and marina, “of the sea” suggests that the ancients closely connected the stone with water. In addition to appearing in settings with other, more precious gemstones, aquamarine was also highly valued by sailors, who considered it a lucky stone.

According to navigational lore, aquamarine could ensure safe passage for sailors, and many wore the stone on their bodies or slept with an aquamarine under their pillow for a peaceful night’s sleep. Sailors also believed that mermaids had tails made of aquamarine. In addition to being the lucky stone for sailors, aquamarine is also the birthstone for March, and 19th anniversary wedding gifts traditionally include aquamarine in some cultures. In the Middle Ages, many people felt the stone had health-enhancing properties, and some carried it for warding off poison.

The main source of aquamarine is Brazil, although it is also found along the east coast of the United States. The stone has also been found in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India, and the Ural Mountains. No independent deposits of aquamarine have been found: the stone is associated with deposits of other rocks and minerals such as tin, granite, feldspar, and tourmaline. The stone can be almost clear to deep blue in color, and is sometimes heat treated to enhance the color. Due to aquamarine’s clear and brilliant appearance, it is usually presented in a facet cut, so that the faces of the stone dance in the light.

Taking care of aquamarine is relatively easy, because the stone is hard and difficult to break. It can be washed with a mild soap and water solution, and even brushed out with a toothbrush if it starts to build up dirt and grime. Be careful when choosing a detergent as some detergents can react with the metal the stone is set in and keep the aquamarine out of heat as this can damage the stone. The stone should maintain a proper balance of oil and moisture when worn next to the skin, although avoid wearing aquamarine if you have an active day planned, as the stone can break or chip if struck against something.

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