Aquamarine is a precious talisman for everyone born in March. The blue shades of the stone resemble the spring sky and the first rays of the sun piercing the cold waves of the deep sea. Its beauty is discreet, unobtrusive, but so intriguing and alluring. Aquamarine is proud and self-sufficient. And although it is not a precious mineral of the first order, behind its Nordic beauty, there are amazing properties that the noblest minerals can envy.

Why is aquamarine called a magic barometer? How not to confuse it with a blue topaz? You will find out about this and not only in our list of facts.

 

Stone History

The name, which was given in the 1st century AD by the Roman writer Pliny the Elder, quite accurately reveals the essence of the stone (from the Latin “aqua marina” is seawater). The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Poseidon was the patron saint of aquamarine. The stone was treated with special favor and was taken on long journeys as a talisman. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that aquamarine amulets pacified the elements of the sea and protected sailors on their travels. Besides, the stone supposedly preserves and strengthens cooled feelings over time.

 

Did you know that …

In the 13th century, aquamarine plates were used as the first lenses for spectacles! At the beginning of the 18th century, after a series of British naval victories over Spain, Holland, and France, the title of “mistress of the seas” was fixed for a long time. That is why aquamarine (weighing 920 carats!) was chosen from all possible stones to decorate the royal crown.

 

Aquamarine Mines

Aquamarines vary in color depending on the deposit. For example, in Brazil, where the largest deposits are located, the most beautiful dark blue crystals are mined. Elsewhere (India, Madagascar, USA, Russia, Australia, South Africa) aquamarine can be pale blue, grayish, or green. Jewelers especially appreciate large stones over 10 carats. The largest specimen was found in Brazil — the weight of the stone was 110.5 kg!

 

Physicochemical Properties

Aquamarine is a mineral of blue and greenish shades with a glossy sheen. The hue of aquamarine depends on iron impurities in the compound and can vary from pale turquoise, pale green to dark blue. To some, aquamarine may look very similar to blue topaz. But don’t confuse them. The main difference of aquamarine is its two-color effect, which manifests itself when the angle of view is changed!

Aquamarines are not produced artificially. At high temperatures (up to 400 °C), you can only change the color of the stone. The most valuable are dressed stones of dark blue shades.

 

The Healing Properties of Aquamarine

The Romans used aquamarine to treat throat, stomach, and liver diseases. The mineral was believed to relieve coughs and respiratory cramps, and also has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland. Lithotherapists say aquamarine helps improve vision. To do this, you need to look at the stone every day for 20 minutes.

According to one of the versions, rings with aquamarine also cure skin diseases, and wearing a pendant/necklace with a blue stone has a positive effect on hormones. The gentle play of the stone’s colors calms, relieves headaches, insomnia, and panic attacks.

 

Magic Barometer

 

It is believed that the stone changes color depending on the weather and the change in the mood of its owner. In ancient times, they said, “If a stone turns cloudy and green, this is a sure sign of a storm.” If the color has changed in clear weather, then the owner has become depressed or deceived. Esotericists claim that aquamarine as a shield protects its owner from gossip and envy. But it doesn’t patronize liars, so it can easily split. Previously, aquamarine was often given for weddings because people believed in its ability to tame sea and family storms. Also, the stone helps not to lose love in a long separation.

 

For Whom Is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine has relaxing properties that help balance the emotionality of Cancers and the volatile nature of Aquarius. Astrologers also recommend wearing aquamarine for Pisces and Taurus. For them, it is both an inspiration and a helper. The stone helps to build relationships with like-minded people, eliminates doubts and ambivalence.