Aquamarine: The Treasure of Mermaids

Aquamarine: The Treasure of Mermaids

The precious stone encapsulates the atmosphere of the ocean; it is believed to be both soothing and cleansing, its mystical properties reflecting a ritualistic dive into the deep. 

The aqueous blue stone Aquamarine is the birthstone of the close of the Piscean season; paired with the symbolic fish, the stone too recalls the depths of the ocean. In its natural state, viewing an aquamarine crystal is akin to watching the light play upon the water. The name itself comes from the Latin phrase aqua marina, or “water of the sea” and the gem was used as a talisman of good luck and safety for the sea expeditions of Greek and Roman sailors (GIA).

One can view the stone as encapsulating the atmosphere of the ocean; it is believed to be both soothing and cleansing, its mystical properties reflecting a ritualistic dive into the deep. As March was traditionally the close of the calendar year, the stone has likewise been seen as a symbol of letting go, of release. The stone’s mystical and cultural histories reveal aquamarine to be a force in conquering deep emotional currents, while also freeing the mind of one’s thoughts and patterns, inducing the meditative ebb and flow of the sea.

For any March Birthdays, holiday gifts, or treats for yourself, you can shop our Aquamarine page. Officially recognized as the gemstone of 19th anniversaries, aquamarine makes a great gift any time of year. The Birthstone Compass Charm is a symbol of guidance that can be customized with all the birthstones of those who guide you in life. If you are looking for some subtle yet classic sparkles, our Aquamarine Birthstone Earrings are perfect for everyday sparkles and wear. Our Pave Ring can be seen as a symbol of friendship as was thought of the stone in Roman times, or the perfect stacking ring for yourself. Learn More about Aquamarine below. 

 

 
 

 

HISTORY

The first known study on Aquamarine was written in Latin in 1609 by a personal physician of the Emperor Rudolf the II; while philosopher Pliny the Elder described to the stone in writing: "The lovely Aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid's treasure house, in the depths of the summer sea, has charms not to be denied." Not only a talisman for seafaring ships, the Romans would likewise carve talismans for friendships, believing that it would instill harmony in partnerships (Origin Stones). The stone continued to mystify those that came across it, and by the 20th century, the blue notes were the most treasured and sought after. 
Today Aquamarine can be found at intensely high elevation -- in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan -- amongst other mines across the world (GIA). The largest cut of aquamarine belongs to Brazil and was discovered in the 1980s. This crystal was shattered upon discovery and split into several parts, the largest of which was named Don Pedro. Don Pedro weighed 60 pounds and spanned two feet, and was eventually shaped into an obelisk (Kloiber Jewelers). Don Pedro weighs in at a massive 10,363 carats and can be viewed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D. C. As the majority of aquamarine can be found in Brazil, the stone has become a cultural staple, and the president of Brazil gifted Eleanor Roosevelt a 1,298-carat aquamarine during the thirties (GIA).

 

 

The Dom Pedro Aquamarine on display at the Smithsonian.


COMPOSITION 

Like emeralds, aquamarine derives its color from the mineral beryl, depending on the amount of iron present in the crystal. Aquamarine's bluish hue is a product of its iron oxides (Crystal Vaults), and its color varies from pale blue or turquoise to deep blue. Aquamarine rates 7.5 – 8 on the Moh's scale of hardness.


LORE

 
As Aquamarine is said to stimulate the throat chakra, the stone can be seen as a vehicle for smooth expression and communication. It is believed that if the throat chakra is blocked, additional chakras will suffer, as it is a passage for vocalizing one’s inner life to one’s outer expression. Aquamarine aids one to articulate with ease and strength, and meditating with the stone can be viewed as unblocking a dam. This communication is said to also work on a cellular level, allowing proper flow between one’s bodily systems (Origin Stones).

 
Our current aquamarine dreams: this Fabergé aquamarine and diamond diadem once owned by Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Cumberland.


The stone can thus be seen as a catalyst for emotional fluidity, in lieu of its watery qualities, and can aid in mutability in navigating one’s emotional currents. That said, the stone has likewise been linked to resolving issues between partners; and in medieval times the stone was even thought to reignite romance, while the Egyptians saw the stone as a key to a spirit of elation, and therefore, a fountain of youth (Origin Stones).

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