Gem of the sea
AQUAMARINE
Origin & Physical Properties
Aquamarine, “water of the sea”, is a transparent blue to bluish-green variety of Beryl, and the sibling of Emerald and Morganite. Colors vary from an almost colorless pale blue to blue-green or teal. The most valuable gems have a deep-blue aqua color and eye-clean clarity. It is known as the “Stone of Courage" and has been used historically by seafarers as a stone to guide their way through rough seas and return safely back to port.
Aquamarine crystalizes prismatically, sometimes striated and vertically. It is occasionally terminated with small pyramidal faces. The light blue to blue-green color of Aquamarine is attributed to ferrous iron. It's hardness of 7.5 to 8.0 varies according to formation and impurities.
Aquamarine is most commonly found in Madagascar and Brazil. Madagascar produces these gemstones in blue to light blue hues. Brazil yields large, high stones, most particularly the "Santa Maria" class of Aquamarine which have a rare and intense blue shade which is highly prized around the world. There are also "Santa Maria Africana" stones produced in Mozambique, Africa. Aquamarine is also sourced in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Russia, and USA.
Category |
Properties |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Be3Al2Si6O18 |
| Mohs Hardness | 6 - 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Specific Gravity | 2.66-2.80 |
| Refractive Index | 1.567-1.590 |
| Fluorescence | None |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
| Color | Green, blue, yellow, pink, white |
| Origin | Brazil, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia |
| Chakra | Throat (5th) |
| Zodiac | Gemini, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries |
| Element | Water |
| Metaphysical Effects | Communication, empowerment, heals Trauma, overcome fear |
Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Aquamarine is considered to be an all purpose healing stone by ancient healers and scribes. It was used as an treatment for anxiety in the Middle Ages and was thought to give the wearer increased insight, courage, happiness and sharpness of mind. Aquamarine is a stone of courage. Aquamarine encourages one to keep calm, decisive, and strong under pressure. When the spiritual and physical bodies have become incongruent, Aquamarine works to gently realign and balance. This balance brings with it an influx of second sight and higher states of consciousness. This healing alignment brings clarity of thought and access to higher awareness.
Because of it's close affiliation with water and the ocean, Aquamarine has been used as a soothing stone. Aquamarine offers the tranquility and the peace of mind needed for deep meditation. Access to this deep meditation enhances intuition, sharpened intellect, and clairvoyant foresight. Sensitive people can benefit from work with Aquamarine as it's calming energies sooth social fears and overcome judgmental attitudes. This is a stone of courage, working on every level to empower inner tranquility, boost self-expression, and keep one in contact with the wise one within.
Aquamarine History & Mythology
The most well known Mythology associated with Aquamarine is the Seafarer's Legend which tells of sailors who wore Aquamarine gemstones to protect themselves from the perils of life on the oceans. Apart from a protection stone, it was also said that Aquamarine would make trade more successful. Many of the Myths and Legends given to Aquamarine have to do with water. The Ancient Greeks believed that Aquamarine would protect the sailor at sea. Some ancient Greek and Roman Myths spoke of the origins of Aquamarine coming from the treasure chests of mermaids. Archeologists have regularly found the stone carved into statues of the sea god Poseidon.
In the second century BC, Mage Damigeron the Author of De Virtutibus Lapidum (The Virtues of Stones) wrote on Aquamarine: "This stone is good besides for damage to the eyes, and for all sickness, if it is put in water and given as a drink." Pliny the Elder (23 AD – August 25, 79 AD) Author of Naturalis Historia also lists the stone as an excellent cure for eye diseases. The medicine was a simple solution of washing the eyes with water in which Aquamarine had been soaking for some time. Ancient Romans believed Aquamarine could cure ailments concerning the stomach, liver, jaws and throat.