Aquamarine - March's Birthstone

Aquamarine, the birthstone of March

“Beryl is clear like the bright sun in water…”

-         De Lapidibus, Marbode of Rennes’ (1035-1123)

March has arrived, and with it, the birthstone for the month, Aquamarine.

Aquamarine is the blue member of the beryl family of minerals, which also includes emerald and morganite, to name just a few.

~ Aquamarine gemstones, photo curtesy of Stuller

The blues of this jewel range from green-blue to crystal clear blue, always light and soft in tone. The name aquamarine was unsurprisingly inspired by the color, often described in ancient texts as ‘seawater’ hued. Unlike many other blue gemstones which can have violet undertones, aquamarine always leans into the green side of the spectrum, truly evoking the ocean.

Beryl was another name used exclusively for aquamarine prior to 1798, when emerald was identified as another member of the family and not a separate mineral.

Latin words “aqua” meaning water, and “marina” meaning “of the sea”, capture the true nature of this light blue game, while “Beryllus” is another Latin name for the stone along with Bḗryllos (βήρυλλος) in Greek.

~ Aquamarine stud earrings

Aquamarine is said to be a gemstone associated with the Zodiac sign Pisces, the two fish, which is also one of the Zodiac signs for March.

The Romans considered this gentle blue gemstone as a great wedding gift for young couples, as it was believed to be a soothing influence on love.

Some myths from the Middle Ages claim that dipping an aquamarine or other light blue gemstone into water would allow you to read the ripples in the water for divination. They often called Beryl an ‘oracle stone’.

~ Aquamarine ring by Stanton Color

Many stories attribute beryl stones to creativity, especially for artistic endeavors like painting, while also praising the calming energies of blue aquamarine.

Likewise, and naturally, aquamarine has a storied past of calming the high seas for sailors, preventing seasickness, and providing fair weather and safety for those traveling by boat.

~ Aquamarine and diamond earrings by Lisa Nik and pendant by Stanton Color

The largest known aquamarine weighs approximately 4.6lbs, which is about 10,363cts. It was found in Brazil, and is named the Dom Pedro Aquamarine.

Aquamarine is found in many locations around the world, with some notable sources including Brazil, one of the largest producers of the gem, as well as Pakistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Madagascar and many others.

Aquamarine’s connection with the sea, from its color to its eye-clean clarity, make it a fine addition to any jewelry collection.

Mild and comforting, the pastel hues of this gemstone are perfect for the delicate, early spring days of March!

~ Blog by Isabelle Corvin, Staff Gemologist and Merchandising Manager