Mineral: Beryl
Colour: Blue to slightly green/blue
Moh's Hardness: 7.5-8
Birthstone: March
Anniversary: 19th
The name aquamarine comes from the Latin words for sea and water. It's colour and clarity gives a clear indication as to the origins of its name and it is known for its excellent transparency and clarity. Aquamarine is a part of the beryl family which also includes emerald and morganite.
History
According to legend, aquamarine originated in the treasure chests of mermaids and has long been identified as a lucky stone for sailors. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed it could provide safe passage over stormy seas.
The largest gemstone grade aquamarine ever mined weighed over 110kg and was found in Brazil in 1910. It was cut into many smaller gemstones with a total weight of over 100,000 carats. The largest cut aquamarine gem is the Dom Pedro aquamarine which is housed in the Smithsonian Institute Museum of Natural History.
Care
Aquamarine is one of the more durable gemstones but still requires care when worn, especially in rings. Be careful to avoid any hard knocks, remove when doing anything that might damage the stone and keep away from harsh chemicals. To clean, soak in warm soapy water and use a soft brush to remove any dirt and grime. Store the piece in its own box to avoid scratching.
