The name Aquamarine is derived from Latin words meaning sea and water, therefore name “aquamarine” means sea water.
It is pronounced – aq·ua·ma·rine (ăk’wə-mə-rēn‘)
Aquamarine along with the bloodstone is the birthstones of Pisces (Fish): Feb. 19 – March 20 and is commonly used for people born in the month of March. Aquamarine is also the anniversary gemstone for the 16th and 19th year of marriage.
Aquamarine – a symbol of beauty, honesty, and loyalty and is said to attract love and affection to the wearer. The gem is found in a wide range of blue shades, from the palest pastel to greenish-blue to a deep blue. The color of the stone does not necessarily decide the quality or price; though deeper blue gems are the rarest. The clarity of the stone and the cut will usually determine the price not the color. As a rule of thumb the larger the stone the darker the color. Aquamarine is one of the stones that if exposed to sunlight can fade so you should not leave it out where it is exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time, nor would I wear it while sunbathing.
Aquamarine is a close cousin of the Emerald and is the most common variety of gem beryl. It occurs in pegmatite, in which it forms much larger and clearer crystals than emerald.
A word of caution when purchasing an aquamarine. Some unscrupulous jewelers have been known to sell blue topaz as aquamarines, since blue topaz is much cheaper. For many years aquamarine has been a favorite of many consumers.
Gem lore: Aquamarine works against nerve pain, glandular problems, toothache, and disorders of the neck, jaw and throat. It strengthens liver and kidneys. Aquamarine diminishes problems with eyes, ears and stomach, relieves cough. Moreover, aquamarine protects from perils of the sea, including seasickness. It is said to help ease depression and grief.
Mystical power: Aquamarine has a soothing effect on “just married” couples, assisting them in working out their differences and insuring a long and happy marriage. Aquamarine is said to re-awaken love in long-married couples and signify the making of new friends.
It also provides courage and strengthens the will. Aquamarine protects against the wiles of the devil. Others say that the Aquamarine is an excellent stone for meditation.
Aquamarine is found in Brazil, India, Russia (Ural mountains) and USA (Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, North Carolina, Colorado and Vermont). Aquamarines are mined in a number of exotic places including Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique. Brazil is the source of the finest aquamarines.