You may already know some of these blue-green elements, but some will probably be new to you. If you are a fan of this gemstone, it's all very exciting. There really is nothing to love about the beautiful gemstone.
Its name represents the ocean

The name aquamarine reflects the natural properties of the stone. The term aquamarine comes from the Latin words aqua and marina, which means water and sea respectively. The color of the precious rock can be described as somewhat similar to seawater. Over the years, the stone has been widely associated with legends and folklore about ocean waters, giving it more connection to the vast bodies of water.

Aquamarine has many shades

Aquamarine is known for its characteristic blue-green color as well as for its clarity with the naked eye. The shades range from deep blue-green to light, crystal blue. The depth of color is actually affected by the amount of iron found in the structure of each gemstone. Fluctuating iron levels are the reason why the color varies so much from stone to stone. The darker blue and green-blue tend to be the most remarkable of the blue-green rocks.
Heat treatment intensifies the color

Many aquamarine gemstones are heat treated to bring their color closer to a true, vibrant blue. This color change is permanent, but it does not damage or change the structure of the stone. Heat-treated stones should be clearly labeled as such and often have a lower price than natural stones of the same shade.
It used to have a different name

Today we know this translucent, blue stone as aquamarine, but that was not always the name of the gemstone. Hundreds of years ago, it was referred to as marine green beryllium. The first evidence that it was called aquamarine was in the early 1600s.
The legends about Aquamarine

Aquamarine has long been considered to protect people. Sailors at sea believed in the abilities of the guard and many believed for generations that this stone has the power to bring them safely back home. Decorative jewelry and protective amulets dating back to 500 BC have also been unearthed, proving that many groups of people over time had similar thoughts about the gem.

According to other folklore-based traditions, aquamarine has the power to:

To increase fertility
To increase intelligence
To increase foresight
To increase courage
To increase happiness

Many people believe that aquamarine cures

There seems to be nothing that aquamarine stones can do if you believe in folklore and ancient myths and rituals. Some people believe in the natural healing powers of crystals and use aquamarine to relieve the symptoms of stress or, as many believe that aquamarine creates peace, calm and serenity.

The Romans believed that the beautiful stone could cure medical ailments such as liver, stomach and throat problems and reduce fluid retention. Therapists in the Middle Ages used it to get rid of toxins from the body.
It was a sacred stone for Poseidon

The ancient Romans believed that Poseidon, the god of the sea, had a special relationship with aquamarine. According to legend, Poseidon acquired the aquamarine when the sirens fell and washed away on the shore. These beliefs helped to promote the idea that aquamarine provided protection for sailors because, of course, Poseidon would not want these gems to disappear back into the sea.
It matters to many

Aquamarine makes a lot of sense to many people around the world. For those born in March, aquamarine is their birthstone. It officially became so in 1912. For couples who have been together for many years, aquamarine is the traditional gift for their wedding anniversary.
There are world famous Aquamarines

The largest known aquamarine to date is called Hirsch Aquamarine. It weighs 109.92 carats and is completely free of heat treatment or color enhancements. The stone is in 18 carat gold and is highlighted with 118 diamonds.
Related to Emeralds

Both the emeralds and and aquamarine are members of the beryl gemstone variety and many people are unaware that these stones are so closely related. Emeralds are the rarest and most precious of the beryllium gemstones because they are more fragile, however, the extremely aquamarine stones are also highly valued. Another beryllium that is closely related to aquamarine is golden beryllium. The two stones are often together in the same place. What makes golden beryllium different from aquamarine is the inclusion of uranium in the stone, along with iron.
The aquamarine can be damaged

Unlike a diamond, aquamarines can be damaged and scratched. You should be careful and never store your aquamarine jewelry next to a diamond that has a harder surface. These stones should also be washed only with hot water, not hot water, and any harsh chemical treatment should be avoided. Also, be sure to keep this stone away from extreme heat.
Used for corrective glasses

People associate aquamarine with jewelry, but not with corrective eye lenses !. In Germany, aquamarine stone had a use that extended beyond beauty and decoration. The stone was used in spectacle lenses to help correct myopia. It is a pity that this practice has fallen by the wayside. Who would not want a fancy pair of glasses from this stunning stone?
It is moderately hard

Aquamarine scores between 7 and 8 on the Mohs scale. This is the unit of measurement used to check the hardness of different types of gemstones. By comparison, a diamond is size 10 on the hardness scale, so aquamarine is relatively hard and can withstand everyday wear.

The clear nature of this gemstone is beautifully offered for "faceted cutting". This means that the surface of the stone is cut with many tiny individual cuts or "faces" that reflect light and make the stone sparkle. Aquamarines are sometimes cut as cabochon, and this cut looks especially beautiful with darker stones.

In some cases, berylliums, including aquamarine, are formed by cavities or in layers where the foreign mineral is aligned within the deposit. In these cases, when the stone is cut, it forms a hat, which is also known as a cat's eye.
It is the mind of the whole world

Aquamarine is mined in many countries around the world, such as Brazil, Zambia, Nigeria and Madagascar, as well as Pakistan and Mozambique. Many of the aquamarine specimens are mined in Brazil and these are the stones commonly used in jewelry. Stones of different shapes have also recently been found in China. These pieces of aquamarine are flat and hexagonal and are much less expensive than those found in other countries.

Colorado is also famous for its aquamarine quarries. This state produces some of the best aquamarine in the world. Colorado formally recognized aquamarine as a state gemstone in 1971.
Aquamarine is popular in jewelry

The uses of aquamarine in jewelry are extensive. It makes wonderful rings, pendants and earrings and looks amazing when it is in 925 silver. The aquamarine also looks great when it is in white gold because the cool white of the metal highlights the blue color of the stone.

Increase your knowledge of aquamarine

Whether you are lucky enough to have aquamarine as your birthstone or just enjoy the stone for its natural beauty, consider some of these facts the next time you come across this stone. They will give you a new image of this enchanting stone and, hopefully, a greater appreciation for it. At the VisionGold.org® jewelry workshop you will find a wide variety of premium quality rings with Aquamarine and other jewelry such as necklace earrings at the best value for money