Welcome to the first of our meet the gemstone series. First up, we have the highly popular semi-precious stone, aquamarine. Join us as we journey through the story of this stone, from its name to its colour; from it’s meaning to its origins. Find out everything you need to know with Robert Gatward Jewellers.
Why is the stone called aquamarine?
The word ‘aquamarine’ comes from the Latin, meaning ‘water of the sea’, and one glance at this beautiful stone is enough to understand why it was given that name.
What colour is aquamarine?
Much like the emerald, aquamarine is a variety of beryl but is icy blue or blueish-green in colour — reminiscent of the ocean.
Lighter coloured aquamarine stones are most common, with darker stones fetching a much higher price due to their comparative rarity. However, raw and lightly-coloured aquamarine stones are commonly heat-treated, resulting in more sought-after deeper blue colours.
The aquamarine stone is often transparent (or at most, translucent) and flawless, which adds to its magical feel.
Considering all of the above, it’s easy to see why this stone has been mythically linked to mermaids.
How strong is aquamarine?
It is 7.5 to 8 hardness on the Mohs scale, with diamond being a solid 10. Emerald, morganite, spinel and topaz are all of similar hardness.
This means aquamarine is durable, but it does still need protection from potential scratches and cracks. Take good care of your aquamarine jewellery.
Who does aquamarine bring luck for?
The birthstone of March, aquamarine is said to bring luck to anyone born in that month. It is also the lucky stone of those born under the zodiac signs of Pisces and Aries.
However, as you’ll read below, it can be a positive influence on anyone’s life.
Where is aquamarine found?
Primarily sourced in Brazil, the aquamarine gemstone is also found in countries such as Nigeria, Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique, China, Russia, the USA, and Myanmar.
How big was the largest aquamarine ever found?
The largest aquamarine stone ever found was located in Brazil. In 1910, an aquamarine stone was located that weighed 243 pounds. When it was cut into small stones, it yielded more than 200,000 carats!
The largest cut aquamarine is the Dom Pedro, which is still on display today.
The Dom Pedro was found in Brazil too (hence the name) but in the 1980s. This gem was cut from a crystal that weighed around 100 pounds and was over three feet in length.
It was cut into a singular obelisk shape, weighing in at 10,363 carats.
You can admire the aquamarine obelisk’s natural beauty in this video clip:
What is aquamarine used for?
This gemstone is popular in all jewellery types — from rings to necklaces; from bracelets to earrings. The colours of aquamarine make it especially ideal for wear in spring and summer, but it looks equally beautiful all year round.
What are the properties of aquamarine?
For those who are spiritual, the aquamarine is very healing. It is deeply connected to the element of water and also the moon, promoting feelings of peace and calm in the wearer.
Aquamarine is said to be ideal for those in emotional or physical pain or discomfort — particularly grief. It inspires trust, truth and the ability to let go of worries.
Said to bring good luck to newlyweds and married couples, a piece of aquamarine jewellery is perfect for the ‘something blue’ on a wedding day.
Overall, this stunning gemstone is seen as a symbol of hope and health.
Explore our jewellery collection to find your new aquamarine piece today.