While March brings with it spring, in some parts of the world, it is already summer in Southern India. Forget Chennai, Bengaluru, once considered to be an “ever cool” city is boiling. All we want now, are some calming and cooling blues and preferably, some aquamarine, the birthstone of March.
Chemical Composition of aquamarine
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family, which includes emerald and morganite. Chemically, it is composed of beryllium aluminum silicate with the formula Be3Al2(SiO3)6. What sets aquamarine apart is the presence of trace elements such as iron and manganese, which imbue it with its signature blue or blue-green coloration. The intensity of this hue can vary from pale sky blue to deep oceanic shades, adding to the gemstone’s allure.
Aquamarine facts
Aquamarine’s origins are as diverse as its colour palette. Notable deposits have been found in Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Mozambique among others. It has hardness rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale and hence suitable for daily wear. Blue aquamarines are prioritised over the greenish ones. Therefore, the gemstone is sometimes heat treated to remove the green undertones. Darker the colour, more expensive is the stone.
Legends and Symbolism
Pliny the Elder writes that aquamarine was praised by the gods Poseidon and Neptune and favoured by mermaids. It was believed to enhance communication and promote harmony in relationships. Interestingly, the gemstone was used as metaphor for friendship, in the movie about a mermaid of the same name.
The word Aquamarine translates to “Water of the sea” and hence it is believed that sailors often carried aquamarine amulets or talismans to ensure safe passage across treacherous waters. Thus Ancient Romans called it as the “Sailor’s stone.”
The gemstone is a reminder of the rejuvenating power of water and the promise of new beginnings. It is also believed to clarify the solution that it was dropped into and therefore ideal to identify poisons.
Birthstone of March and 19th Anniversary gift
Aquamarine has been linked to qualities of courage, clarity, and inner peace, making it a cherished token of love and fidelity. It is also the gift for a 19th wedding anniversary by traditional western standards. The gemstone plays well with emeralds, tourmalines and even sapphires and can be set in gold, white gold, platinum and silver.
Whether worn as a piece of jewellery or cherished for its metaphysical properties, aquamarine stands as a timeless symbol of serenity and strength ensuring its place as a treasured gem of March and beyond.
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
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