Aquamarine - All you need to know
Aquamarine: The Stone of the Sea and Legends
How was it formed?
Aquamarine forms deep underground inside pegmatite rocks, where hot mineral-rich fluids slowly cool over millions of years. These fluids contain beryllium, aluminum, and traces of iron, which help create the gemstone. Some aquamarines even have tiny fluid inclusions—microscopic remnants of the liquid from which they formed, trapped inside for millions of years! This slow and unique formation process gives aquamarine its remarkable clarity and stunning blue-green color.
History of Aquamarine
Aquamarine has been treasured for thousands of years, with various civilizations attributing mystical and protective powers to this mesmerizing blue gemstone.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that aquamarine was a gift from the sea god Poseidon (Neptune in Roman mythology). Sailors often carried aquamarine amulets or carved it into talismans shaped like Poseidon's trident, believing it would ensure safe voyages and protect them from shipwrecks. Some legends even suggest that Roman fishermen called it the "Sailor's Stone" and used it to attract a bountiful catch. When storms threatened their journey, they would toss aquamarine into the ocean as an offering to calm the waves.
The Egyptians held aquamarine in high regard, associating it with protection in the afterlife. Some historians believe Egyptian royalty and nobles were buried with aquamarine amulets to guide and safeguard their spirits in the next world. The stone was also used in jewelry and burial ornaments, often placed among treasures in tombs as a symbol of eternal youth and rebirth.
The Greeks and early Romans valued aquamarine for its association with clarity and eloquence. Orators and scholars often wore aquamarine jewelry, believing it enhanced their ability to speak persuasively and make wise decisions. Greek mythology also linked aquamarine to mermaids, claiming the stone had washed ashore from their treasure chests, further reinforcing its connection to the sea and mystical powers.
During the Middle Ages, aquamarine became a symbol of purity, healing, and protection. Medieval healers crushed aquamarine into powder and mixed it with water, believing it had medicinal properties that could cure ailments related to the throat, eyes, and even poisoning. Nobles, priests, and kings wore aquamarine jewelry to ward off negative energies, enhance wisdom, and bring inner peace.
Why People Still Love Aquamarine
Today, aquamarine remains the birthstone for March and continues to be associated with calmness and clarity. Its cool blue shades remind us of the ocean’s tranquility, bringing a sense of relaxation and balance. Whether worn as a ring, necklace, or pendant, aquamarine still captivates people with its beauty and rich history.
More than just a gemstone, aquamarine carries centuries of myths and beliefs. Whether protecting sailors, guiding spirits, or bringing inner peace, this stunning gem has remained a symbol of strength and serenity across cultures and time.