Aquamarine: March’s Birthstone

Have you ever gazed into a pool of water and found yourself hypnotised by its cool, peaceful tranquillity? Well, gazing into the depths of this month’s birthstone, Aquamarine, can have the same effect. The ancients realised this when they gave it its name, which in early Latin literally meant ‘water from the sea.’

Aquamarine is the greenish-blue to blue variety of the gem species called beryl. Some of you may know that Aquamarine has more famous cousins, Emerald and Morganite. All three of these gems are, for the most part, identical in composition, with the exception of minute traces of ‘foreign’ elements that are responsible for their colours. You see, if beryl were to be pure beryl, then it would be colourless. But nature seldom makes gemstones ‘pure’, it usually puts a few other ingredients in its recipe, and it’s these ‘extra’ ingredients that cause the colours. Iron in Aquamarine, Chromium or Vanadium in Emerald, and Manganese in Morganite.

Known in Solomonic times (970 – 931BC) as simply beryl, it is mentioned in the Song of Solomon, where it is said, “O daughters of Jerusalem, this is my beloved and this is my friend, his hands are as gold rings set with beryl.”

Aquamarine has long been considered the symbol of happiness and everlasting youth (Did you get that?? ‘everlasting youth’!!), In the Middle Ages, it was supposed to give the wearer insight and foresight; it was also thought to induce sleep. “Water in which one had soaked an Aquamarine was even thought to have the power to cure eye troubles and hiccups.” (Now, I bet that’s a remedy for hiccups you haven’t tried.)

Many crystals of amazing size have been recorded over the centuries. In 1910, for example, a crystal weighing 243 pounds was found in Brazil! It is said that the crystal was so transparent that things could be seen clearly through its long axis. It was sold for USD $25,000 and cut into many notable stones. A small fragment of the original crystal, weighing 13 pounds, was on display at the American Museum of Natural History.

Notably large faceted Aquamarines include a flawless sea-green step-cut gem weighing 897.5 carats and presently in the British Museum of Natural History. At our Provincial museum here in Edmonton, I know of at least 2 large stones (120 cts.+) that we helped donate in the mid 1980’s. And, of course, there is always the “Dom Pedro” (pictured), which was found in Brazil in the late 1980’s. It was cut by the famous gem cutter Bernd Musteiner in the 1990’s and weighs 10,363 carats!! Today, it is on display at the Smithsonian.

Aquamarines are found in clear, near-flawless crystals, so cut stones should be flawless or, at the very least, near-flawless. Colours can range from a pale, almost imperceptible blue, through to a medium-dark, rich blue like the crystal pictured above. Found in many countries around the world, Brazil remains one of the most important sources, although there are also some amazing gems coming out of Africa. Typically, available stones range in size from tiny to 3cts. Over 3ct stones of good colour are getting rarer. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, it is hard and durable, not easily scratched, and tough enough to be worn in most situations.

It is important to keep your Aquamarine clean to keep it looking  brilliant, as is the case with most lighter-coloured gemstones. As oils such as hand lotions or creams and even natural oils adhere to the back of the stone, they can make the gems appear quite dull. They are not affected by mild acids or cleaning ammonia, so you can use the commercial cleaners on them. Take special care to get under the stone with your brush.

Always remember that, as with all non-diamond gemstones, Aquamarine is a rare and delicate mineral and, as such, should be handled with care. No tapping on the counter or mixing with diamond jewellery in your jewellery box.

A soothing gem and a pleasure to own, Aquamarine is also affordable. Simple rings without diamonds can be found for under $1,000. At present, we have a great selection of loose and set stones for you to browse. Drop by for a peek…