All about Aquamarine, the Birthstone for March

If you were born in March then Aquamarine is your birthstone. A beautiful stone, Aquamarine can range from a rich, seafoam green colour, to a very pale blue and can be both opaque or see-through.

As well as the birthstone for March, it is the traditional 19th wedding anniversary stone and is thought to bring happiness in marriage, making it a popular stone as an alternative engagement ring.

Facts

Brazil is the worlds leading source of Aquamarine and has been for the last 100 years, but it can also be found in many places around the world, including many parts of Africa, the United States, Russia and India.

Aquamarine gets its name from the Latin words "aqua" meaning water and "marina" meaning sea.

Aquamarine is the name used for the gem-quality specimens of the mineral Beryl. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8 making it one of the harder gemstones although its tenacity is rated as brittle and therefore can be chipped by hard knocks. We advise to always take your Aquamarine jewellery off during activities that may result in accidental impact.

History and Legends

Aquamarine has been a popular stone for thousands of years and decorative jewellery and amulets using Aquamarine have been found that date back as far as 500 B.C.

Believed to be a precious treasure from mermaids, sailors wore Aquamarine amulets to keep them safe at sea, ward off seasickness, and protect them from Satan. If immersed in water they believed that the powers multiplied protecting them from storms and even calming the waves.

The Romans believed that Aquamarines could cure medical problems with the liver, stomach, and throat. Healers used it to reduce fluid retention and to calm the nerves. In the Middle Ages, this gemstone was used to reduce anxiety and the toxicity of poisons. It was also used to protect against gossip!  

Healing properties

Aquamarine is associated with the throat chakra and is believed to help overcome the fear of speaking by relaxing the speaker whilst helping them articulate clearly even in difficult situations.

It is known as the stone of breath, the respiratory tract and the lungs and is thought to help with sinus conditions, coughs, allergies and hay fever.

Aquamarine is believed to be the stone of courage. Its calming energies reduce stress and calms the mind. It filters information reaching the brain and clarifies perception, sharpens intellect, and clears up confusion. It promotes self-expression, soothes fear and increases sensitivity.