Aquamarine: Significance, origins and properties

Aquamarine is a well-known and much-loved natural stone with a soft, gentle blue color. These pale shades of blue are perfect for creating DIY costume jewelry.

What does "Aquamarine" mean?

Aquamarine takes its name from the Latin aqua marina, meaning sea water.

The origins of aquamarine

Aquamarines have been shrouded in mystery since antiquity. Our ancestors associated it with the jewels of mermaids washed ashore or 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. Numerous works of art featuring the heroes and gods of Olympus were made using aquamarine.
In the Middle Ages, aquamarine was attributed therapeutic virtues and powers of divination. It was also thought to have magical powers of luck and protection. That's why crystal balls were made from this transparent blue stone.
Since time immemorial, it has been considered the stone of protection for sailors and travelers on seas, oceans, rivers and 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 from 2.68 to 2.74.
It is transparent.

What color is aquamarine?

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

Where is aquamarine found?

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

What are the benefits of aquamarine?

In lithotherapy, aquamarine promotes sensitivity, self-confidence and self-expression. It is the perfect stone for artists and creators.
Aquamarine 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.

Linked to the fifth chakra (the throat chakra), this blue stone is said to facilitate verbal and non-verbal communication.
Its gentle energy is also said to benefit the heart chakra, promoting love, tenderness and compassion. In the Middle Ages, lovers believed it would bring happiness and peace in love.

How to recharge aquamarine?

Like all stones, aquamarine loses its effectiveness over time. To restore its full energy, it's important to purify and recharge it regularly.
To purify, use water, salt, earth or incense. For example, place your fine stone in a container filled with salted distilled water. Once purified, don't forget to dry it with a soft cloth to avoid scratching.
To recharge, place it on a quartz cluster or amethyst geode and expose it to sunlight or moonlight.

How to wear aquamarine

Aquamarine's light-blue color blends perfectly with silvery metals such as 925 silver or stainless steel. If you're on the gold team, you can also combine it with gold finishes like Gold Plated or Gold Filled for a more sophisticated effect.

In lithotherapy, aquamarine is considered a soothing stone. It can be combined with a stone of similar energy or one that acts on the throat and heart chakras. Mix it with amazonite, moonstone, apatite, lapis lazuli, larimar, chalcedony, blue aventurine, azurite, rose quartz, sodalite or pink tourmaline.
On the other hand, they advise against combining it with a protective stone such as tiger's eye, onyx or obsidian.