ABOUT AQUAMARINE

The origin of Aquamarine's name lies in its Latin roots, referring to seawater, believed to have calming properties for ocean waves and ensuring sailors' safety. Traditionally associated with March's birthstone, it was also believed to bring happiness to marriages. High-quality aquamarines exhibit excellent clarity, clear transparency, and shades ranging from blue to slightly greenish-blue. Similar to other beryls, aquamarine naturally forms large crystals ideal for crafting substantial gems and intricate carvings.

Hardness : 7.5-8
Family : Beryl
Birthstone : March Birthstone
Zodiac Sign : Pisces Birthstone
Chakras : Throat Chakra
Anniversary : 19th
Color : Green-Blue
Crystal System : Hexagonal
Specific Gravity : 2.76

AQUAMARINE BIRTHSTONE MEANING & HISTORY

The name "Aquamarine" originates from the Latin word for seawater, with ancient mariners attributing to it the ability to calm waves and ensure sailors' safety. This gem, associated with March's birthstone, was also believed to bring happiness to marriages. Beryl, the mineral group to which aquamarine belongs, was thought to offer protection in battles and legal disputes, as well as enhance the wearer's amiability and mental acuity.

Aquamarine holds significance not only as March's birthstone but also as a traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary. One notable instance dates back to 1936 when the Brazilian government presented First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt with a 1,298-carat dark blue rectangular step-cut aquamarine, crafted from a larger piece of aquamarine rough weighing 2.9 pounds. This magnificent gem now resides at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Another renowned aquamarine, the Dom Pedro Aquamarine weighing 10,363 carats, is housed at the Smithsonian Institution, crafted into a 14-inch high obelisk using the fantasy cut technique by acclaimed lapidary Berndt Munsteiner.

WHERE IS AQUAMARINE FOUND?

For the past two centuries, the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has played a crucial role as a significant aquamarine source. Exploring the region unveils a diverse landscape: rocky hills, rivers, and scrub brush dominate the central and eastern areas, while savannahs, forests, and streams dot the west, with lush green hills stretching southward. Aquamarines are primarily found in both primary (hard rock) and secondary (weathered) pegmatite deposits in the eastern part of the state, near the gem hub of Teófilo Otoni.

Aquamarine Specimen Found in Pakistan

High in Pakistan's Karakorum foothills, aquamarine is also abundant. Miners navigate steep paths, ascending to elevations ranging from 9,800 to over 13,000 feet (3,000 to more than 4,000 meters), working along sheer cliffs. Despite the challenging terrain, this region boasts fertile valleys, rushing rivers, and quaint towns. Aquamarine from this area is renowned for its crystal-clear quality.

Beyond Brazil and Pakistan, aquamarine birthstones are mined across Africa, including Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia, and Mozambique. In the United States, notable sources include Colorado's Mount Antero region (the state gem) and Riverside and San Diego counties in California. Additionally, aquamarine deposits have been discovered in countries such as China, Myanmar, Russia, and Ukraine, among others.

Healing Properties of Aquamarine:

Courage, Calming, Good health, Inspiration, Inner Strength, Peace, Serenity, Soothing, Safe travel on water, Self-confidence, Stability in married life.

Grade Criteria

Like many gemstones we determine the quality by 4 Cs
1. Color
2. Clarity
3. Cut
4. Carat Weight

The preferred color for aquamarine is a rich, dark blue or deep blue. The majority of cut gems are free from visible imperfections, especially in larger sizes. Given the gem's light color, precise cutting is crucial to showcase its brilliance. Aquamarine crystals vary widely in size, ranging from tiny specimens to incredibly large ones, with some weighing as much as 100 pounds.