Aquamarine: Significance, origins and properties

Well-known and much-loved, aquamarine is a natural stone with a soft, delicate blue color. These pale blue shades are perfect for creating DIY costume jewelry.
Browse our selection of aquamarine beads and jewelry findings to create beautiful gemstone jewelry.

What does “Aquamarine” mean?

Aquamarine gets its name from the Latin term “aqua marina,” which means “sea water.”

The Origin of Aquamarine

Since ancient times, aquamarine has been shrouded in mystery. Our ancestors associated it with the jewelry of mermaids washed ashore or with the treasure of the nymphs of Greek mythology. This gemstone is relatively hard, which is why it was used for intaglio engraving in Egypt, Greece, and Italy. Many works of art depicting the heroes and gods of Olympus were created using aquamarine.
In the Middle Ages, it was believed to possess therapeutic properties and powers of divination. Furthermore, it was thought to have magical powers that brought good luck and protection. This is why crystal balls were crafted from this transparent blue stone.
It has always been considered the protective stone for sailors and travelers on seas, oceans, rivers, or small streams.

What are the properties of aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a natural stone belonging to the beryl family. Its hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, and its density varies between 2.6 and 2.9.
It is transparent to translucent.

What color is aquamarine?

Its color ranges from light blue to blue-green, or even lagoon blue, and is reminiscent of the color of the sea. Hence its Latin name, “aqua marina”!

Where is aquamarine found?

The main deposits are found in Brazil, Afghanistan, India, Madagascar, Australia, France, Asia, the United States, Pakistan, and Siberia.

What are the benefits of aquamarine?

In crystal healing, aquamarine promotes sensitivity, self-confidence, and self-expression. It is the perfect stone for artists and creators.
It is also said to bring calm, peace, and serenity.
This blue stone is sometimes considered a stone of spiritual protection, capable of purifying the surrounding energy, balancing the chakras, and strengthening intuition.

Associated with the fifth chakra (the throat chakra), this blue stone is said to facilitate verbal and nonverbal communication.
Its gentle energy is also said to be beneficial to the heart chakra, thereby promoting love, tenderness, and compassion. In the Middle Ages, lovers believed it would bring happiness and peace in love.

Please note: Our gemstones are not sold for the purpose of crystal healing. Natural stones are in no way a substitute for medical expertise or medical treatment.

How do you recharge an aquamarine?

Like all stones, aquamarine loses its effectiveness over time. To restore its full energy, it is important to purify and recharge it regularly.
To purify it, use water, salt, earth, or incense. For example, place your gemstone in a container filled with distilled salt water. Once purified, be sure to dry it with a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
To recharge it, place it on a cluster of quartz or an amethyst geode and expose it to sunlight or moonlight.

How should you wear aquamarine?

Its light blue color pairs perfectly with silver-toned metals like 925 Sterling Silver or stainless steel. If you’re part of the gold team, you can also pair it with gold-toned findings like gold-plated or Gold Filled for a more sophisticated look.

In crystal healing, aquamarine is considered a soothing stone. It can be paired with a stone that has similar energy or one that works on the throat and heart chakras. Pair it with amazonite, moonstone, apatite, lapis lazuli, larimar, chalcedony, blue aventurine, azurite, rose quartz, sodalite, or pink tourmaline.
However, they advise against pairing it with protective stones such as tiger’s eye, onyx, or obsidian.