Aquamarine: March Birthstone

I have always loved aquamarines but I remember becoming entirely fascinated with them one August day in the dark corners of New York’s Museum of Natural History. I was standing in the gem section (of course) and there was a large conical shaped uncut aquamarine stone with a blue so sublime and inviting it was difficult, almost impossible to break free.

The word ‘aquamarine’, I have since learned, comes from the Latin “aqua marina” meaning ‘water of the sea’. And having looked at this stone it is obvious why. There is a magic to the blue of the stone. It is so evocative you can almost smell the surf and feel the water.

Legend has it aquamarines were originally discovered in the sea chests of mermaids.

Besides March’s birthstone, Aquamarines are a part of the beryl family, which also includes Emeralds. Unlike Emeralds however, Aquamarines are often relatively inclusion free. They are a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale.

I recently discovered symbolically as well as aesthetically, Aquamarines are primo engagement rings. According to legend an Aquamarine promises a happy marriage and is said to bring the women who wears it joy and wealth.

So whether you wear it for a birthstone, engagement stone or just because Aquamarines are fantastic gems to be treasured all the year around.