March Birthstone - The Aquamarine
- Posted on
- 0
Happy birthday to all the lucky people born in March. I say you are lucky because – in my opinion – you have one of the most beautiful birthstones; the aquamarine. In this blog, we will discuss the physical and metaphysical characteristics of the stone, the lore and legend, and caring for the gemstone.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Happy birthday to all the lucky people born in March. I say you are lucky because – in my opinion – you have one of the most beautiful birthstones; the aquamarine. In this blog, we will discuss the physical and metaphysical characteristics of the stone, the lore and legend, and caring for the gemstone.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Aquamarine is made of beryllium aluminum silicate and belongs to a group of stones known as the ‘beryl’ group of stones due to this mineral make-up. Emerald, heliodor, bixbite, and morganite are also beryl stones and are named based on their color; emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), heliodor (yellow), bixbite (red), and morganite (pink). Aquamarine is found in cavities in the earth in Africa, Brazil, Columbia, Madagascar, California, Massachusetts, and Virginia. The stone is naturally found in hexagonal (six-sided) crystal form that can be up to a foot long; one of the largest pieces of aquamarine was found in Brazil and weighed over 240 pounds. While it is beautiful in it natural crystal form, many pieces of jewelry facet and shape the stone for jewelry. We carry a beautiful aquamarine necklace with a faceted stone, set in 14K gold filled chain with pearl detail. We also carry two necklaces with raw drilled aquamarine stone. CLICK HERE to view our aquamarine jewelry.
Another unique feature of the aquamarine is its coloring. The stone is found in colors of pale blue, light blue-green, and even light green depending on the iron content. What we love about the aquamarine is the stone’s ability to change color depending on the light and angle you view the stone in; this effect is called a pleochroic effect.
LORE & HISTORY
The gemstone aquamarine gets its name from the Latin word seawater, and with the name comes some of its lore. The Greeks and Romans knew the aquamarine as the sailor’s gem; they believed the stone would ensure safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. According to folklore, the aquamarine would bring its wearer victory in battles or legal disputes and could summon rain when used in ceremonies.
METAPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
If you are looking for a stone that has positive and calming effects for its wearer, the aquamarine may be the stone for you. Along with the stone’s calming blue-green colors, it is believed when worn, the stone aids its wearer through times of change, providing its wearer peace of mind and comfort. The aquamarine is said to aid one’s ability to make quick decisions and aid the ability to think clearly. It is also believed that when worn, the stone can assist in avoiding procrastination.
CARE FOR YOUR AQUAMARINE
To clean your aquamarine stone, wash in warm soapy water using mild liquid soap; a soft bristled brush (like a toothbrush) can be used to brush the surface of the stone. Once you have washed the stone, rinse it off well with plain water. Avoid cleaning the stone in an ultrasonic cleaner or exposing the stone to sudden temperature changes, steaming, and contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume, or household chemicals.
Polk, Patti. “Collecting Rocks, Gems, and Minerals. Identification. Values. Lapidary Uses.” 2010
Krause Publications, Iola, WI
https://www.americangemsociety.org/page/aquamarineoverview
https://www.almanac.com/content/march-birthstone-color-and-meaning#
https://www.jewelsforme.com/aquamarine-meaning
Comments
Be the first to comment...