Aquamarine
General Information
History
This splendid blue stone draws its name from the Italian word for water for seawater acqua di mare and is a member of the Beryl family. Birthstone for March there is much lore around Aquamarine, Ancient Greeks and Romans knew aquamarine as a sailor’s stone and believed that if worn it would help to ensure a safe and prosperous passage across open waters. The Romans believed that if you were to carve a frog onto an aquamarine stone it would work to reconcile enemies to friends. During the middle ages it was also commonly carved into gazing balls to be used in fortune telling.Â
Geography
Aquamarine is a number of localities including Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Pakistan and Brazil.
Geology
Aquamarine is a beryl which is a relatively rare silicate mineral found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and is a sister stone to emerald. These gems are typically less included or fractured than emerald making larger stones easier and more common to find. Beryls form as massive bodies of granitic magma slowly cools and aquamarine and other forms of beryl grow in the vugs or pegmatite veins nurtured by hot water saturated with other metals and minerals. Pure beryl is in fact clear and crystallised in the hexagonal system, aquamarine is given it’s blue and green shading by inclusions of ferrous iron and metallic ions.
Physical Properties
Appearance
Aquamarine is typically blue in colour though they can also be found in shades closer to turquoise or green as a virtuous lustre in shades from the very pale to vibrant. It is clear to opaque and can have inclusions of other minerals.
Moh's Scale
Aquamarine is a relatively hard stone measuring 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Cleaning & Care
Although this striking stone is hard, natural inclusions can make it vulnerable to breaking if exposed to extreme temperature changes or sharp blows. As with many crystals aquamarine can fade with prolonged exposure to the sun so be sure to store this stone out of direct sunlight and don’t charge in the sun. It can also react to extreme temperatures. Should your aquamarine become dirty you can simply clean it by rubbing it lightly with a clean, soft, untreated cloth. If needed you can clean it with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water to remove any dirt clinging to the stone before drying carefully.
Spiritual Care
Essential Uses
This popular blue gemstone is brimming with healing vibes and is associated with the element of water. Known as a stone of courage, the gently nurturing vibrations of this crystal is believed to help with reducing anxieties, calming anger and soothing frayed nerves. Aquamarine is particularly helpful for anyone needing a little help with communication as it encourages self-expression and calm communication. This beautiful stone helps to quiet a busy mind and is excellent for balancing emotions and protecting from judgement both from the self and others. Just as it was believed in ancient times, aquamarine is still believed to offer protection to those at sea and is a popular gift among ocean travellers.
Our Family Uses
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