Aquamarine Gems Sparkling Under the Christmas Tree - March's Birthstone

The human eye can detect more shades of the color blue than of any other color. This ability, we are told is a survival mechanism, as it means we can spot water at great distances and under a wide range of light conditions. This happy mechanism also means we can spot an aquamarine gemstone at great distances across a shopping mall, even with our sunglasses still on. How felicitous!

Aquamarine, one of nature's miracles of beauty, is one of the most beloved of all the birthstone gems. Its sparkling rich blues range from a deep, almost indigo or navy blue, to a rich blue-purple, and the cool blue-green of a tropical lagoon. How fortunate that nature has provided us with the ability to truly appreciate the aquamarine gem in all its wondrous shades of blue.

The word Aquamarine is derived from the Latine "aqua marinus " meaning, literally "water of the sea ." Once called "Mermaids Stones " or "Mermaids Treasure " the gemstone was named for its beautiful sparkling color resembling the ocean waters.

Aquamarine is the blue, blue-green or aqua variety of the mineral Beryl, and receives its color form the traces of iron that became a part of the Beryl crystal during its formation.

Naturally occurring aquamarines are often a very pale blue, almost colorless, and some are even yellowish. The color of these stones is radically improved by careful application of heat, which produces a brilliant blue to blue-green shade.

Other Beryl gemstones include Emerald (green), Morganite (pink), Heliodor (a greenish-yellow), and Goshenite, or clear Beryl. Other types of Beryl are usually referred to only by their color, for example, Red Beryl.

One of the finest of the gemstones, aquamarine possesses an unrivaled brilliance and crystal clarity. As well, it is almost always free of inclusions, or flaws, unlike its cousin the emerald, though a gemstone quality emerald is far more rare, and a flawless emerald gemstone even more so.

Most aquamarine crystals are born in pegmatite veins deep inside metamorphic rocks where the Beryl mineral crystallizes to form a prism, sometimes crystallizing as many interlinked prisms. The crystals are sometimes vertically striated, or formed in vertical stripe-like layers, and occasionally, the crystals will end in small pyramids.

Aquamarine has also been known as Blue Beryl, but also was once believed to be the treasure of the mermaids, and closely guarded for its mystical properties. Thought by the ancients to possess the ocean's energy, sailors believed that wearing an amulet of aquamarine would give them the courage and strength to overcome any storm at sea.

Tradition and legend link the aquamarine to the breast plate of the high priest Aaron. Each stone represented of one of the tribes of Israel, with beryl as the eighth stone. As well, each of the twelve gemstones was linked with one of the Apostles. At that time, beryl was associated with the virtue of mercy and the Apostle Thomas.

There are many variations in the color of beryl, so sorting through the lore to find that which applies only to the aquamarine can be challenging. To the ancients, though, each color of beryl had its own distinct properties and virtues, so discerning the qualities of the beryl might lead us to the properties of the aquamarine more readily than seeking the gem by its color.

One consistent theme is the beryl’s association with ‘clarity of vision’. In Latin, the word for a magnifying glass is beryllus . Glasses, in German, is brille . In England during the 16th century, windows were known as berills, while a mirror was commonly referred to as a berral-glas . It is not a far leap to associate these ideas and word usages with the clear blue of aquamarine, whose name means water of the sea .

In the middle ages, beryl was a popular crystal used as an aid to oracle. Often, the gem would be placed in a bowl of clear water, or suspended above the bowl of water on a thread. Then, as the seeker asked their questions, the seer would see letters or shapes in the ripples or movement of the water above or below the gem.

Beryl is the gemstone of Scorpio, a water sign known for deep emotional passion, and the welding of power. This connection to water and Scorpion suggests a connection to great emotional depth. Scorpio, is a fixed water sign, as opposed to a mutable water sign, and represents the still depths of the emotional life - perhaps the best example of the old adage, "still waters run deep .".

The color blue, though not a royal color per se, like red and purple, has long been associated with people in power. Even today, many cities dress their police and firefighters in blue uniforms. The typical "power suit " uniform of the businessman is dark blue. The color blue is associated with an alignment to truth and justice.

Even the structure of the aquamarine lends itself to this understanding of its mystic powers. The beryl crystal is hexagonal - six-sided, like a double triangle. According to tradition, the number six represents Solomon’s seal. Solomon was the great law-giver from ancient times, so this again connects the beryl aquamarine to the concepts of right judgment and universal law.

Aquamarine is also said to have a soothing influence on dry land, as well as power over the sea - especially on married couples.

It is still believed by some to possess the power to help husbands and wives work out their differences and ensure a long and happy marriage, which makes it a popular anniversary gift.

It is said of women who wear aquamarines, that they will have joy in marriage - especially if the aquamarines are a gift from their husband.

Well, I'm not sure if that could ever be proven or disproven, but I know the gift of aquamarines would make me rather joyful.

Dreaming of aquamarines purportedly means that you will meet new friends.

As well, aquamarine are also supposed to endow the wearer with emotional and mental balance by releasing anger and negativity, and replace those with a state of peace and clarity.

Many believe, as well, that aquamarines will aid in meditation, give the wearer courage, and assist them on their path to self-expression.

Whether you are searching for an aquamarine birthstone gem for that special someone, or simply a quality gemstone that will give pleasure for years to come, you can't go wrong with a gift of aquamarines.

This lovely gem which share the color of calming, serene, blue waters, sparkling with the sun's kiss, will bring joy to the wearer. Perhaps some of the soothing, healing qualities would make the giving of aquamarine jewelry even more welcome, or perhaps the recipient simply likes the color blue.

As well aquamarines make a lovely addition to family rings and necklaces - and don't discount the aquamarine as a different and beautiful engagement ring. The many mystical and legendary qualities of this fine gemstone make it certainly as desirable as the traditional diamond.

© 2010 Text by Elle Fredine. All rights reserved