March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the blue variety of beryl with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a good gemstone for everyday wear. Because of its colour range, which ranges from light blue to dark blue, sometimes with a hint of green or grey, Aquamarine has been closely associated with the seas and mermaids throughout history; its name was derived from the Latin words for “water” and “of the sea”. In ancient times, Aquamarine served as a protective talisman for Roman sailors and fishermen. Physicians at that time also used gemstones in crushed form to treat sea-related illnesses.
Modern symbolism
Aquamarine is the birthstone of March and is associated with the 19th anniversary. Bloodstone is another birthstone for March.
Locality of Aquamarine
Aquamarine stones are most commonly found in Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar and northern Pakistan. Africa is known for producing aquamarine of rich colour up to 5 carats.
Colour & Clarity
Due to its narrow colour range and scarcity of aquamarine with intense colour, most aquamarines in the market have gone through some treatments to enhance their colour.
When it comes to clarity, eye-clean aquamarines with a clear, transparent appeal are the most sought-after for obvious reasons. Imperfections like liquid inclusions that are common in the beryl family are commonly found in aquamarines.
Famous Aquamarine
- Queen Elizabeth’s Aquamarine Tiara
- Meghan Markle’s Aquamarine Ring
- The Hirsch Aquamarine
- The Roosevelt Aquamarine
- The Dom Pedro
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Aquamarine is the blue variety of beryl with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear.
The name derives from Latin words meaning “water” and “of the sea”, associating it with the seas and mermaids historically.