With its fascinating history and association with the sea, Aquamarine has immense clarity and a bright sparkle.

Here, we explore the history behind March's birthstone and how it obtained the fascinating legacy it has today.

AQUAMARINE: GENERAL INFORMATION

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and is thought to prolong relationships, so it is also the stone that represents the 19th wedding anniversary. The gem is an esteemed member of the Beryl family, which also includes Morganite and Emerald.

Aquamarine sits at 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it more durable than most stones. As the name suggests, it often appears in a soft pale blue or a greenish blue, with a dazzling clarity that rivals other gemstones. The stone gets its colour from the presence of iron, and its tone will generally range from 10% to 30%.

Some Aquamarines will appear almost colourless in daylight and display an exceptional blue tone under a bulb or candle; but, mostly, the darker Aquamarines are rarer and more desirable.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF AQUAMARINE

Crystal System Hexagonal

Specific Gravity 2.68 - 2.79

Refractive Index 1.567 - 1.590

Chemical Formula Be3Al2Si6O18

Composition Beryllium Aluminium Silicate

WHERE DOES THE NAME 'AQUAMARINE' COME FROM?

Due to its ocean-blue hue, Aquamarine has long been associated with the sea. Its name pays homage to our oceans, as it derives from the Latin word 'aqua' for 'water' and 'marina' for 'of the sea'.

WHERE IS AQUAMARINE SOURCED?

Brazil offers some of the world's most high-quality Aquamarine varieties, with the most desirable hailing from the Espirito Santo area. The largest source comes from Minas Gerais in Brazil, but Africa has recently produced an exceptional supply of Aquamarine.

The countries it can be found in include:

• Mozambique

• Madagascar

• Nigeria

• Tanzania

• India

• China

• Myanmar

LEGEND & FOLKLORE

As mentioned before, Aquamarine is widely associated with the sea, and was often worn by sailors as a talisman to protect them from both seasickness and shipwrecks. However, it was also considered a protection stone on land, and soldiers often carried Aquamarines into battle with them.

But, due to its aquatic associations, many believe that Aquamarine's qualities are more potent when in water, particularly on the night of a full moon.

Regarding the metaphysical properties of gemstones, we must point out that no scientific evidence suggests that they are authentic. However, it is an interesting concept that deserves further exploration.

CLEANING & CARING FOR YOUR AQUAMARINE

Aquamarine sits near the top of the Mohs scale of hardness, so warm and soapy water with a mild detergent will do wonders for ensuring it's kept clean and bright. However, keep your Aquamarine away from extreme heat as it may begin to permanently change its colour.

Also, always keep your Aquamarine separate from other stones to prevent scratching. If you choose to have it set into jewellery, remove it before engaging in heavy work or exercise.

Aquamarine has an eye-clean clarity and a glorious colour, making it a perfect stone for any collection whether it is used for jewellery or not.

Are you looking to add Aquamarine to your gemstone collection? You can shop it right here on GemCollector.