Birthstone: March, October
Astral Stone: Aquarius, Pisces, Libra, Gemini, Scorpio
Anniversary Stone: 19th
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
In Brazil, More than 80% of the country's supply of aquamarine comes from an area around Teofilo Otoni, in the western part of the State of Minas Gerais, but Brazil also has deposits in Espirito Santo. However, the African nations of Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar and Mozambique and the chilly climes of Siberia also must be considered players in the game. India, and the region of Tamilnadu produces some of the finest aquamarines of all.
In the 19th century, aquamarines were also mined, believe it or not, in Bohmeia. What made this even more unusual than the locality itself, was the fact that the deposit was actually found in a quarry believed to contain only common varieties of feldspar. The mine was called "The Picture" for reasons I don�t know now, and probably never will.
The only viable gem source for aquamarine in the United States is considered to be Mount Antero, a rugged inhospitable place in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. These elusive icy-blue crystals are said to be found only at altitudes of 14,000 feet or more. Mount Antero presents a formidable challenge to even the most seasoned rock hound thanks to its history of nasty, ever-changing weather conditions. What limited gems are retrieved are truly beautiful specimens, but are they worth the challenge? I guess that is another topic, for another book.
Not surprisingly, Colorado lists the aquamarine as its official state gemstone. One can also occasionally find aquamarine in Maine, Idaho and California.
Aquamarine spans the spectrum from sky blue through dark blue, although those stones of a deep, intense color are quite rare and valuable. Initially, the sea green variety of aquamarine was preferred. Today, the blue variety is in vogue, and those of sea green, pale yellow or even a brown variety are heated to blue at temperatures of 400-450* Celsius to improve their color & clarity. It is comforting to know that this color change is viewed by gem experts as "permanent." Like just about every other gem in captivity, aquamarine is heated to improve its clarity and color. Iron is the principal coloring agent for aquamarine.
The aquamarine is pleochroic in nature, showing three colors when viewed from different angles. At times, uninformed consumers have been sold on the mistaken belief that the stone itself will change colors like the costly alexandrite, but this is simply not the case. By turning the gem from side to side, you will see various colors within the gem, but it will always look like an aquamarine.
Blue topaz, glass (manmade or natural) and synthetic spinel have all been observed in the marketplace as substitutes for costly, high quality aquamarines. However, because of its pleochroic nature, none of these have ever been able to duplicate the aquamarine, thus making it possible for even the amateur gem buff to spot the imposter quite easily.
Some false names you may come across from time to time:
"Brazilian aquamarine" � blue topaz
"Mass aqua" � light blue glass produced in massive quantities
"Nirchinsinsk aquamarine" � blue topaz
"Siam aquamarine" � heat-treated blue zircon
"Synthetic aquamarine" � synthetic blue spinel*
*Note: As of this time, there is no such thing as "synthetic aquamarine" on the market.
The first documented use of aquamarine was by the Greeks between the years 480 - 300 B.C., but it was not until the 17th century, when the gem world finally began to realize some stability and purpose that the aquamarine finally took hold and found its niche in the gem world. As a member of the prestigious beryl mineral group, aquamarine has enjoyed its popularity ever since.
The largest aquamarine crystal ever found was unearthed in Marambaia, Brazil in 1910. This impressive specimen weighed 243 lbs., and was said to be so clear that one could see right through from one end to the other, even to the point of reading a newspaper or a magazine in the process! This gemstone weighed in at 520,000 carats prior to being cut, and yielded approximately 200,000 carats! This find, cut in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, kept the gem world supplied with aquamarine for years to come. No matter the size, aquamarine is generally thought of as being free of all inclusions.
From time-to-time, one will happen upon a cabochon cut aquamarine. This makes for a beautiful effect that is usually quite affordable. At other times, this cabochon could also display a six-pointed star. Since this is seldom seen, it is something you should add to your collection as the opportunity presents itself.
Emperor Nero has been said to have worn glasses made of emeralds to view the Christian games, but later years this reference by Pliny the Elder has come under dispute. It is unlikely that emeralds of that size could ever be found to be clear enough to see through; therefore, today these glasses are believed to have been made instead of aquamarine.
Speaking of eyes, aquamarines were once used as eyes in the creation of ornate statues, to signify great powers. It was a sign that the person who took title to the statue was a creator and possessed the ability to see into the future. At times, these statues were placed at strategic points near the coastline, where they could calm the angry god Poseidon and insure the safe return of those currently out at sea.
Earliest navigators spoke of it as "the stone of the sea." Mariners took along aquamarines while out at sea. If they came upon rough water, they would toss them overboard to satisfy the angry god of the seas, Poseidon. Sea creatures were also thought to be protected from his wrath by the aquamarine crystals. Certain Thai cultures even today believe that the aquamarine can keep anyone who wears it from drowning. Because of its association with the sea, aquamarine is thought to be a stone of cleansing, constantly replenishing the body and the mind with fresh, clear thoughts. This cleansing property also makes aquamarine as a popular gemstone with those who practice meditation. Its' calming effect is also believed to banish fears and phobias.
In its' lighter shades of blue, aquamarine was thought to cool and relax the body. It is said to bring serenity and peace to those who keep it near. Some cultures still hold hard to the truth that the aquamarine is the stone of the magic genie, who will give those who wear it anything he or she wishes or desires. Husbands and wives profit from aquamarine, because its calming effect is said to help married couples work out their differences rather than disband
During the Middle Ages, it was believed that if a person held an aquamarine in his mouth, he could summon the devil from hell and receive answers to any questions he asked. Anyone who wore aquamarine pendants during this time were thought to possess great knowledge and insight.
Aquamarine is said to bring out inner power, will power and a sense of self-reliance. Maybe that's why Roman physicians at one time prescribed it for compulsive over-eaters. They believed it could aid in the digestion of food and allow the body to rid itself of fluids. "An aqua a day �..?"
Aquamarine was also thought to endow those who own one with great creativity. This made it a favorite of those involved in the fields of the arts and the sciences. Talented people will flourish with an aquamarine!
Aquamarine is said to be good for heartburn, although personally, I'd recommend an antacid. It's also a gem useful for cleansing of the skin, but soap works better and is a lot softer. Not to mention cheaper too. And it won't go down the drain.