Aquamarine
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a gemstone in the Beryl Group. Blue Beryls are called Aquamarine. The name, Aquamarine means ‘sea water’. Much Aquamarine is found in Brazil in alluvial gravel deposits and more recently it has been found in Nigeria.
History
Aquamarine use was first recorded by the Greeks between 480 and 300BC
Aquamarine of at least 2000 years old has been found in Israel. In the Roman period Aquamarine was used in the making of jewellery and at the beginning of the Victorian era, aquamarine was used in settings pressed out from light metals.
Folklore
Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March and signifies happiness and understanding. “But oh what shall a March maid do? Wear an Aquamarine to be brave and true” (source unknown)
It is said that Aquamarine is a cure for coughs and that it is useful as a physical and emotional balancer. It is supposed to help those wanting to learn and helps give insight into the inner self.
In ages past Aquamarine was said to contain mystic powers and it was worn as an amulet in order to prevent coming to harm as it was thought that it was the ‘Stone of Safety’. as well as the ‘Gem of Eternal youth’. It is thought to be a ‘lucky’ stone, bringing comfort in times of difficulty.
In the middle ages, the Aquamarine was used by soothsayers in order to tell fortunes and to look at the future.
Aquamarine, in modern times is associated with the 38th Wedding Anniversary.
Care
Aquamarine is a tough stone. It should be cleaned with a soft brush in warm, soapy water, then rubbed with a toothbrush before rinsing in warm water and leaving on a towel to dry.
Exposure to excessive heat may cause breakage or colour fading.
Caring for Aquamarine (Summary)
• Wash in warm, soapy water
• Rub with a soft toothbrush
• Rinse in warm water
• Dry on clean towel
Techical
Aquamarine is found as hexagonal crystals. It is a hard stone, measuring 7.5 on the Mohs scale with a Density of 2.68 – 2.74.
The colour of the blue stone is due to the presence of iron in the stone.