Aquamarine: Is the March Birthstone the Gemstone of Choice for You?
Aquamarines are an interesting addition to the range of blue gemstones and they are, along with the less-known bloodstone. Aquamarines are an interesting mid-ranger in the market for top gemstones. Whilst not competing directly with the major gemstone players: led by the famous diamond, aquamarines have come to hold their own owing to a number of favourable factors.
In this Education page, we will provide an informative take on Aquamarine: the lovely sea-blue gemstone, which is the birthstone of the month for March, and why it is a great choice for you. Before going any further, in case the reader was wondering why there is more than one gemstone per month, this is decided by the National Association of jewellers. Hence the two options, the traditional and modern. Here we will look at the modern variant.
History of Aquamarine Use?
When it comes to top gemstones relatively little known that is known about aquamarine gemstones in relation to the top major gemstones. Aquamarines are the modern gemstones for the month of March and have a long history of use. Long recognised for its distinct sea blue colour, its name is derived from its particular hue, which is among the most distinct in the world of gemstones.
The name aquamarine is derived from Latin: where the name is a combination of the terms water and sea. The origins of aquamarine in terms of recognition and popular use go back to the Classical era: where it gained recognition among the ancient Greeks and Romans. And it was long associated with good fortune. A gemstone that was believed to bring good luck to those undertaking a new or perilous journey.
Among the less-known histories of aquamarines goes back to ancient India: in this region of tradition and mysticism. Showcasing the global character of aquamarines, which we shall see later, aquamarines were found in greater abundance in this region, and in larger carats, it was associated with the mysterious treasures that originate from the seas. Possibly implying a connection to European sailors and pirates.
However, what was unmissable was the recognition of the gemstone’s beauty and mystical value. Staying with India, the aquamarine was even connected with the missionary activities of St. Thomas the Apostle, whose mission to the subcontinent was captured by the sea blue gemstone. So when it comes to its rich history of recognition and use, aquamarines are good as any.
The Mineralogical Character of Aquamarine
When it comes to aquamarine gemstones, some explanation is needed on the mineralogy of the stone. Whilst it is tempting to call one gem a precious stone, another gemstone more or less valuable, might be tempting. However, there is more to this picture. And especially in the case of aquamarines.
Aquamarines are part of the beryl family of stones. Beryl is a silicate mineral that tends to concentrate at great levels in certain parts of the world. This is why berllium-based gemstones are not found all across the world. Aquamarines are understood by the rather complex description, which you are free to look up if you are a chemistry major! Getting back to our discussion, aquamarines as a variant in the beryl family of stones, are closely related to emeralds and are the second major gemstone type in this group. An interesting feature of aquamarines is their pleochroic character. Pleochroism is an optical phenomenon where the gemstone will showcase different shades or hues depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
Owing to their similar mineralogical character, aquamarines share a number of core features with emeralds, such as being sourced from similar parts of the world. However, aquamarines differ in a key area with respect to their distinct hue: sea blue is rather distinct in the world of coloured gemstones. Aquamarines however also feature trace minerals, which like in Emeralds, get their colour from trace minerals.
Aquamarine Durability
Another key feature and strength of the aquamarines are that they feature fewer inclusions on average, but similar to their more premium green cousins, aquamarines feature the same level of durability: 7.5 – 8.0 on the Mohs scale. Which is a solid number for gemstone jewellery. Whilst sea blue is the top hue, aquamarines also come in other shades, such as with greater levels of green.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Aquamarine Gemstones
When it comes to picking a gemstone arguably the most significant factor is the meaning and symbolism that is attached to the specific gemstone. Given that aquamarines are not among the top gemstones in the world: the reasons for going them come down to a number of factors: the most important for this debate is their position as the birthstone of the month for March.
When it comes to aquamarines the mystical meanings that are attached to them go back thousands of years and importantly their mystical meaning was recognised by a variety of ancient civilizations from the Egyptians, the Greeks, Romans and Indian as mentioned. Their main association with good fortune has remained pretty much universal. And hence it is a good indicator for those who would consider this option.
A more interesting take on aquamarine comes from its association with its nice blue hue, which some have identified as it being mystical seeing stones or oracles. The idea being the sea blue mineral now in a global form will reveal aspects of the future. When it comes to those who are considering getting hold of an aquamarine stone for personal use, a large carat stone in the shape of a cabochon cut might be a good choice for you. However, their use as a fine jewellery item might be something else. Which we shall see below.
Aquamarine Countries of Origin
When it comes to the country of origin, if you are to name one region that would be South America, and one nation that would come to mind, that would be Brazil. Led by the legendary gemstone mine Minas Gerais, which is not only known for its rich store aquamarines but other top beryllium-based minerals, most notably emeralds. Despite their apparent geological isolation, aquamarine deposits are actually found in a number of other parts of the world, at varying degrees.
Aquamarines are found in countries as far apart as Zambia and Mozambique in South and South East Africa, as China and Russia. Among the more vibrant gemstones of this variant in the beryl family can be found in the more traditional gemstone nations: such as Ceylon (Sri Lanka), with newer deposits being found in parts of Colorado US.
When it comes to the best quality aquamarines, some argue that gems from the Russia and Columbia are the best choice. This view is presumably down to the vast deposits of gemstones that come out of this world, providing greater choice of gems to chose from.
Buying Aquamarine Jewellery
Aquamarines are a top gemstone in the world of gift-giving. Noted as the gemstone of choice for the 19th wedding anniversary, and for our discussion, it is the gemstone of choice for the month of March. When it comes to buying aquamarine gemstones for jewellery there are a number of factors to consider. First, there are the fundamental gemstone quality factors: such as carat, cut, clarity and colour. Whilst the process of determining aquamarine quality is not applied as rigorously as it is in other gemstones. However, the core principles remain gemstones that are low in inclusions, have vibrant hues and are cut and polished per industry standards making a solid option.
Now when it comes to fine jewellery, like aquamarine engagement rings, the process of selection is a bit more interesting. The value of the ring would greatly come down to the overall design of the ring: that factors in gemstone cut and carat, along with the band style, and special additions like side and accent stones.
Given the relative affordability of aquamarines compare to other top gemstones, the value proposition of an engagement ring for example tends to shift to other elements. And if you are looking at other factors like sourcing, then one could also go with lab-grown aquamarines, which could be a cheaper option.