Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a variety of Beryl.  This material is characterised by its pale Blue-Green, to Blue colour, and is also quite clean and free of any inclusions.  Aquamarine has a Moh's Hardness of 8.0, and is quite durable to boot. It is a reasonably priced gemstone on the marketplace, and some particular shades are highly sought after. Aquamarine can be found in several places around the world including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle-East, and the United States; however most (and often the best material), is found in Brazil. Aquamarine can be Heat Treated to enhance the Blue colour tones at the expense of the Green colourations. Beryl (a Beryllium Aluminium Silicate) that has Iron (Fe) oxides present within it, typically cause it's colours to form that of Aquamarine.


Aquamarine comes from the Latin Aqua Marinus or 'Water of the Sea'. Interestingly enough, Aquamarine looks just like the sea's many shades of Blue. The crystal meaning of Aquamarine is that of calming, cleansing, and soothing; it inspires trust, truth and being able to let go - to not dwell on something. Aquamarine was also seen as a sign of eternal youth and happiness. Sailors used to take Aquamarine as a token of luck, bravery, and protection. Nowadays, it can be used to protect anyone who travels by sea, and enhances communication.