Are you captivated by the stunning aquamarine gemstones in jewelry stores? Want to buy an aquamarine ring or necklace but know little about it? Not sure why people are so enamored with it? ……
If you have doubts, you’ve come to the right place! This article is here to clear things up for you. Ready? Let’s dive into everything about aquamarine—from its origins and history to why it’s so beloved, as well as tips for selecting and caring for it and more, to help you understand it better!
Table Of Contents
- What is Aquamarine?
- The History of Aquamarine
- Aquamarine Origin & Formation
- Why is Aquamarine So Popular?
- How to Choose High-Quality Aquamarine?
- Aquamarine Cleaning & Care Tips
- Related FAQs
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a light blue to pale green beryl mineral. The beryl mineral (Be3Al2Si6O18)? You should be no stranger to the Beryl family, the famous king of green gemstones, emerald, and the most popular pink semi-precious stone, morganite, are members of the Beryl family. Compared to these, aquamarine is more common and relatively affordable.
Its soft blue color and exceptional clarity make it stand out, and it’s often associated with tranquility, peace, and healing.
The History of Aquamarine
Aquamarine has a history spanning hundreds of years. Its name comes from the Latin words “aqua” and “Marinus“, meaning “sea water”.
Aquamarine not only possesses a crystal-clear blue reminiscent of the sea, but it also has a deep connection to it. Curious?
Legend has it that aquamarine is the gemstone of Poseidon, the sea god. In ancient Greece and Rome, sailors wore aquamarine while sailing to pray for a safe voyage, earning it the nickname “sailor’s stone”.
The breastplate of the High Priest reportedly contained twelve gemstones (the predecessors of birthstones), one of which was aquamarine. Thus, in 1912, the Jewelers Association of America was the birthstone of March.
The world’s largest known aquamarine, the Dom Pedro aquamarine, was found in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the late 1980s. It weighs approximately 4.6 pounds (10,363 carats) and was cut from an aquamarine crystal originally weighing over 100 pounds, now housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Aquamarine Origin & Formation
Where is Aquamarine Found? Aquamarine is found in numerous places: Afghanistan, China, Brazil, Pakistan, the United States, Russia, and other countries. Brazil’s Minas Gerais is the primary source of aquamarine.
Aquamarine forms in environments rich in beryllium, aluminum, and silicon, such as granite pegmatites. It typically forms under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions deep within the Earth’s crust, while some forms in metamorphic veins mineralized by hydrothermal activity from crustal movements such as volcanic eruptions.
Why is Aquamarine So Popular?
Why choose aquamarine over other gemstones? Here are some reasons:
- Durability
Aquamarine has a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, which is tough enough for everyday wear as jewelry. - It Has a Unique and Dreamy Appearance
Aquamarine has a clear, glass-like look. Its light blue color and high clarity give it a dreamy quality, and it’s the most popular blue semi-precious stone. - Belief in Healing and Protection
Some believe aquamarine brings calmness and courage. Historically, sailors wore it as an amulet while sailing.
Magical? Who knows! But it’s certainly part of its cool story. - It’s the March Birthstone
Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March, so people often choose it to celebrate special March occasions with good wishes for blessings and peace.
How to Choose High-Quality Aquamarine?
If you want to buy a high-quality aquamarine, pay attention to the 4Cs of aquamarine.
1. Color
Color is the primary factor in aquamarine’s quality.
The deeper and more saturated the blue, the higher its value and price. Light blue is popular and more common, but from an investment perspective, a deeply blue aquamarine is more valuable. If you’re not concerned about value, choose based on your preference—lighter blue aquamarine is still beautiful and more affordable.
2. Clarity
The higher the clarity of the aquamarine, the more valuable it is!
High-quality aquamarine is typically flawless (eye-clean), meaning they have no visible inclusions (small internal marks or clouds within the gemstone).
3. Cut Quality
A well-crafted cut enhances a gemstone’s value.
The cut affects how light reflects and refracts within the stone, impacting its final appearance. Good cuts make aquamarine sparkle and highlight its unique color and clarity.
As for shape, choose the one you like best—any cut will look stunning on aquamarine! Check out our article 14 Most Popular Engagement Ring Cuts to see what different cut shapes of gemstones look like.
4. Carat Weight
If the above 3Cs (color, clarity, cut) are the same, the larger the carat weight, the higher the value.
Note that of the 4C’s, color and clarity hold more weight when assessing gemstone quality. Therefore, a smaller aquamarine with better color and clarity can sometimes be more valuable than a larger one.
5. Check for Enhancement & Treatment
Beyond the basic 4Cs, a very important consideration is to check whether the gemstone has been enhanced or treated.
Some aquamarines are irradiated or heat-treated to enhance color. This is common and doesn’t typically reduce its value. However, it cannot be ruled out that some jewelers may present enhanced aquamarines as naturally colored to raise prices and make a larger profit.
The easiest and most effective way to find out if a stone has been treated is to ask the jeweler for a professional certificate. (The certificate usually includes all the information about the gem.)
To assess aquamarine quality, consider the 4 Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat) and check for enhancement treatment. Get your first piece of aquamarine jewelry at MollyJewelryUS! Each of our Aquamarines is carefully selected and can be certified with an IGI (International Gemological Institute) Certificate of Authenticity!
Aquamarine Cleaning & Care Tips
- Regular Cleaning: Use water, mild detergent (like soap), and a soft brush. (Pro tip: Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but avoid steam cleaners.)
- Store Separately: Place it in a small pouch or a separate compartment in a jewelry box to avoid scratches from harder items.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid extreme cold and heat, which can damage the gemstone (e.g., causing color fading).
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep it away from harsh chemicals to maintain its luster.
Related FAQs
Aquamarine is associated with serenity, calmness, courage and healing. it is believed that wearing aquamarine reduces anxiety, provides protection and increases courage.
Absolutely! Aquamarine is considered a gemstone of long-lasting happiness and signifies the harmony and resilience of a marriage. It’s also the 19th-anniversary stone.
It depends on the color, clarity and size, but typically 1 carat aquamarines cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Yes, aquamarine is durable enough for everyday wear and is a great choice for engagement rings or everyday jewelry.
With excessive sun exposure or high temperatures, aquamarine may fade slightly over time.
Yes, aquamarine is the birthstone for March, making it a popular gift for those born in that month.
Aquamarine is especially suited for Pisces and Aquarius, but it’s not limited to these signs.