illustration: Paper Bicycle

“The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin wordaqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.  This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage.  The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded.  Its pale, cool color beautifully complements spring and summer wardrobes.  Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the color usually is more intense in larger stones.”  – American Gem Society

In honor of the March birthstone, we’re diving into the qualities of the aquamarine stone.

Identification

Color:  Iron is the substance which gives aquamarine its color – a color which ranges from an almost indiscernible pale blue to a strong sea-blue. The more intense the color of an aquamarine, the more value is put on it. Some aquamarines have a light, greenish shimmer; that too is a typical feature. A clear blue continues to epitomize the aquamarine, because it brings out the immaculate transparency and shine of this gemstone.
Mohs Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale

History

There are many myths and legends about the aquamarine stone. Romans believed if the figure of a frog was carved on an aquamarine stone, it reconciled enemies and made them friends. Another Roman legend said the stone absorbed the atmosphere of young love: “When blessed and worn, it joins in love, and does great things.”

The Greeks and the Romans knew the aquamarine as the sailor’s gem, ensuring the safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. In Medieval times, the stone was thought to reawaken the love of married couples. It was also believed to render soldiers invincible.

The Sumerians, Egyptians, and Hebrews admired and valued aquamarine greatly as a symbol of happiness and everlasting youth. During the Christian era, the aquamarine was linked with the Apostle, St. Thomas, because it “imitated the sea and the air” and the Saint “made long journeys by sea, even to India, to preach salvation.” Identifying a certain jewel with one of the twelve apostles was a common practice at that time. It was also once thought to be an antidote for poison.

Physical, Mystical and Spiritual Properties

Aquamarine is known as the stone of breathe, the respiratory tract and the lungs. It can heal sinus conditions and frequent coughing. It’s effective for hay fever and other chronic allergies relieving colds and bronchitis.

It’s a cooling stone that counters infections and is useful for laryngitis, strep throat or a sore throat. It harmonizes pituitary and thyroid glands, regulating hormones and growth. It also supports the healing of inflammatory diseases of all kinds and is soothing to eczema, hives, rosacea and psoriasis.

It’s a water element stone that’s powerful for cleansing the emotional body and opening communication. It can keep ego in check before it causes an individual to overreact. This makes the stone perfect for better relationships, love and compassion.

The stone helps to balance excessive anger or fear and clears past emotional, physical or verbal abuse. And, it’s useful for moving through transition or change – helping one to overcome fear of the unknown.

 

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