Aquamarine:

Origin

Aquamarine, whose name derives from the Latin ‘aqua marina’, meaning ‘sea water’, is a variety of beryl renowned for its blue to blue-green colour, reminiscent of clear seawater. This gemstone has been prized for millennia for its beauty and the properties attributed to it.

It forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, often in granites and pegmatites, and is usually found as hexagonal crystals. The most famous deposits are found in Brazil, particularly in Minas Gerais. It is also found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar and the United States.

The splendour of aquamarine: a journey through the blue of the oceans

With colours ranging from light blue to dark blue, as well as blue-green, it has been associated with water and the seas throughout history. For the Sumerians, it was associated with water deities, and they believed it possessed protective and healing powers linked to the element of water. Beads made from this gemstone have been discovered alongside Egyptian mummies. The ancient Greeks engraved it with designs and carved it into intaglios.

In Judaism, it is said that the high priest of the Second Temple wore a breastplate set with precious stones engraved with the six tribes of Israel. One of these is said to have been aquamarine.

Roman fishermen used it as a talisman to ensure safe voyages by boat and to bring good luck whilst fishing. In Christianity, it was associated with the apostle Saint Thomas, who travelled frequently by boat. From the Middle Ages onwards, it has been linked to marital happiness and fidelity and has been set in engagement rings.

The properties of aquamarine in crystal healing

Aquamarine is valued in crystal healing for its soothing and purifying properties. It is often associated with tranquillity and mental clarity.

Emotional Balance:

• Calming: Its gentle vibration, similar to that of water, helps to address emotional issues. It helps to purify and soothe turbulent emotions and promotes emotional clarity. It also helps to reduce stress and allay fears.

• Expression and communication: It is also used to improve communication. It facilitates the honest and harmonious expression of emotions and helps to release them.

Physical Well-being:

• It is beneficial for the health of the throat, respiratory tract and sinuses. It is also considered soothing for the eyes and can support the healing of allergies and skin irritations. Its affinity with water also makes it a good aid in supporting the function of the lymphatic system.

Spiritual Harmony:

• It promotes inner clarity and facilitates deep meditation and alignment with one’s spiritual truth. By soothing the emotions, it opens the connection to the Higher Self and fosters a state of inner peace.

Effect on the Chakras:

How can aquamarine be combined with other semi-precious minerals?

Combining aquamarine with other minerals can create synergistic combinations that enhance or complement each other’s properties.

• Aquamarine & Amazonite: Amazonite is known for its soothing properties and its balancing effect on communication. When combined, they promote self-expression and harmonious interactions.

• Aquamarine & Amethyst: Amethyst and aquamarine are often paired for their calming and soothing effects. Together, they bring mental clarity, emotional balance and spirituality.

• Aquamarine & Labradorite: Labradorite is renowned for its protective properties and its ability to open the mind. This combination balances emotions whilst strengthening intuition.

• Aquamarine & Rose Quartz: Rose quartz is known for its soothing properties and its ability to harmonise relationships. This combination strengthens feelings of love and tenderness.

• Aquamarine & Selenite: Selenite is known for its calming and purifying properties, which promote mental clarity and inner calm. Combining these two stones facilitates meditation and spiritual purification.

Care and Use of Aquamarine:

Purification and Recharging:

Aquamarine readily absorbs surrounding energies, so it is important to purify it regularly to maintain its effectiveness. Here are a few purification methods:

Purification: You can clear it by rinsing it under cold water and leaving it to air-dry. To purify it, place it overnight on a cluster of quartz or amethyst, or soak it in salt water.

Recharging: You can expose aquamarine to direct sunlight for a few hours (preferably in the morning) to revitalise it. The full moon is also a good time to recharge your stone. Simply leave it in the moonlight overnight. You can also harmonise it using a Flower of Life.

Care:

Cleaning: You can clean your jewellery regularly with lukewarm water and mild soap to remove residue and impurities. Avoid using chemicals.

Storage: Keep your jewellery separate from other pieces to prevent scratches. Use fabric-lined pouches or padded jewellery boxes to protect it.

Precautions: Avoid wearing aquamarine jewellery during activities where it might be exposed to heavy knocks or harsh chemicals.

Aquamarine jewellery: Aquamarine in jewellery

This gemstone is highly prized in jewellery for its delicate hues and durability. The crystals we use in our designs are selected for their colour and quality and are then hand-cut to create our collections. The most transparent specimens – that is, those with no visible inclusions – and the bluest ones are the most sought-after.

Other uses of aquamarine:

Meditation: It can be incorporated into your guided meditation sessions to enhance the effects of relaxation and clarity. Hold one in your hands or place it on your throat chakra to facilitate communication and emotional release.

Decoration: In interior design, it brings a touch of freshness and serenity to any space. Use rough or polished pieces as decorative elements to create a soothing atmosphere.

Feng Shui and Wellbeing: Place it in areas of your home associated with communication, such as the living room or study, to improve interactions and mutual understanding.

Mineralogy and Composition of Aquamarine:

Aquamarine is a precious variety of beryl. Beryls are one of the most prized and diverse families of minerals in the world of gemstones. This family includes famous gems such as the emerald, morganite and heliodor. Each variety of beryl is characterised by distinct colours.

Formation:

It forms mainly in granitic pegmatites, where elements such as beryllium, aluminium, silicon and oxygen combine under specific temperature and pressure conditions. Aquamarine crystals often develop in association with minerals such as quartz and feldspar.

Physical Properties of Aquamarine:

Transparency and appearance:

Transparency: It can range from transparent to translucent, often with a clear and limpid appearance. The finest qualities are generally free from visible inclusions, giving them great purity and crystalline beauty.

Colour: Blue to green colours ranging from opaque to transparent.

Buying aquamarine jewellery from Sudamerica Stones:

Expertise and Craftsmanship

At Sudamerica Stones, we pride ourselves on our expertise and craftsmanship in the field of gemstones. We offer a collection of natural aquamarine jewellery to suit all tastes and styles: pendants, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Our bracelets and necklaces are handcrafted in Geneva using pieces we have specially selected for their quality. Our other pieces are crafted from 925 sterling silver. We place great importance on customer satisfaction. Our customer service team is on hand to answer any questions you may have and help you choose the perfect piece of jewellery.

Aquamarine FAQ: