Whether you’re attracted to the tranquil blue shades or the crystal clear facets, aquamarine has a way of capturing its audience. It’s no surprise that aquamarine is arguably the most popular colored gemstone on the market. Not only that, its ancient history makes it one of the oldest. Discover some of the most interesting aquamarine facts and understand the intricacies behind the mesmerizing March birthstone.
Looking to dig deeper? Make sure you head over to our aquamarine buying guide so you can learn more about the stone’s history and important quality and value guidelines.
1. Aquamarine Means Sea Water
Aquamarine has such an enchanting name. It reminds me of a mermaid with long turquoise hair and piercing blue eyes. Though, the name is based on the old Latin term aqua marīna which roughly translates as water of the sea. Seawater can depict a dirty, undesirable gulp of salt water or a crystal clear beach in paradise. I think the latter is a better fit.
2. Aquamarine is the Official Birthstone of March
Aquamarine has been the official birthstone of March since 1912. It is also linked to the 19th wedding anniversary and the zodiac sign Scorpio.
3. Sailors Love Aquamarine
Since the days of myths and chariots, aquamarine has been linked to the sea. Sailors would take fancy carved aquamarine pendants and tokens with them on long sea voyages in the hopes that the stone would protect them from seasickness and uncertain death. I know many treasures and jewels have been uncovered at the bottom of the ocean, but how many of them are aquamarine? If the legend is true, I would guess not too many.
4. Anxiety? Wearing Aquamarine Could Relax You
Aquamarine dispels seasickness and acts as a protector on the high seas. It is also a calming stone used in meditation. The stone is thought to relax the senses and aid in calming the nerves.
5. The Largest Gem-Quality Aquamarine Weighs 244 Pounds
There are a lot of unique, famous aquamarine gemstones, many of which are big and colorful. The largest stone on record weighs 244 pounds and was mined in Brazil in 1910.
Read more about famous aquamarine gemstones.
6. Aquamarine is Heat Treated
Unfortunately, a lot of aquamarine on the market today is heat-treated. Some stones, like blue topaz, are virtually colorless before undergoing treatment to transform into a deep and different color completely. Aquamarine isn’t like that. The stone comes out of the ground with a particular tone and hue. The stone’s hue doesn’t become deeper or change after heat treatment. All that happens is that, if successful, all green undertones are removed.
7. Sky Blue is the Most Desirable Shade of Aquamarine
Throughout aquamarine’s history, the desired shade has varied from turquoise green to sky blue. Right now it seems like the jewelry industry and consumers favor a pure sky blue aquamarine color. Because of this, heat treatment to remove green undertones is so common that it happens right on-site at the mine before the rough is cut.
8. Some Aquamarine Loses Its Color in Sunlight
A variety of beryl on the market goes by the name of maxixe aquamarine. This stone comes in a very deep, beautiful blue tone. There’s a catch, though. When this stone is exposed to sunlight, the color slowly fades to light yellowish green. Buyer beware!
9. There are A LOT of Fakes
Even though no synthetic aquamarine gemstones are on the market, there are many simulated ones. Many of these are marketed by the fancied name aquamarine.
Learn more about simulated aquamarines in our aquamarine buying guide.
10. Aquamarine is Durable Enough for Engagement Rings
Ranking between 7.5-8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness puts aquamarine in the “everyday wear” range. Careful, though. Aquamarine can still scratch on its surface, especially other harder gemstones like sapphire and diamond.
Make sure you’re always gentle with your jewelry and never make these 7 major fine jewelry mistakes.
