What does aquamarine symbolize?
02 Jan 2025
Aquamarine, with its serene blue-green hues reminiscent of the sea, has long captivated the human imagination. Revered for its aesthetic beauty and symbolic meaning, this gemstone has been cherished from ancient times to the present day. In this blog, we will explore aquamarine's symbolism, significance, sources, hardness, how to distinguish genuine stones, and essential care tips. Whether you're looking for an aquamarine necklace or a stunning aquamarine bracelet, this guide will help you better understand this magical gem.
What Does Aquamarine Represent?
According to ancient legends, mermaids adorned themselves with aquamarine gemstones to harness their mystical powers. It is believed that bathing the stone in sunlight could activate its hidden energies to help them through challenging situations.
Water is the essence of life, and March—the time when nature awakens—shares a deep connection with this vital element. The stone is especially meaningful for those born in March, as it is the March birthstone. Wearing an aquamarine birthstone bracelet can help individuals harness the strength and clarity associated with this gemstone. It is believed that those who wear aquamarine can gain foresight, helping them navigate life's challenges.
Aquamarine is a symbol of protection, particularly for those who travel across seas. Sailors revered it as a talisman to invoke the favor of the sea gods for a long time, ensuring safe voyages. This belief is famously echoed in the film Pirates of the Caribbean, where sailors wear aquamarine gemstones as a sign of good luck.
Beyond protection, aquamarine has also been called the "Stone of Love." According to Greek mythology, the wind god, Roland, who was unable to marry his beloved due to his low status. He asked the goddess Venus to preserve his soul in an aquamarine gem. It is said that aquamarine, as the March birthstone, helps people find true love and maintain a harmonious relationship. In fact, in ancient Rome, lovers would exchange aquamarine as a token of their pure and selfless love.
During the Middle Ages, artisans would cut aquamarine into thin layers and attach it to instruments to aid the nobility in seeing distant places clearly. Additionally, some believed that mirrors made from aquamarine had mystical powers, capable of divination and revealing hidden truths.
While the metaphysical beliefs surrounding aquamarine have been replaced by scientific understanding, the tradition of wearing birthstones continues. For many, aquamarine represents good fortune, love, and protection.
Aquamarine Colors
Aquamarine has a relatively narrow range of colors, typically varying from blue to light greenish-blue, greenish-blue, and dark greenish-blue. The most valuable aquamarine stones are those with a rich medium to deep blue color, tinged with a hint of green. Generally, the purer and more intense the color, the higher the gemstone’s value. Most aquamarines have a slightly greenish tint to their blue hue.
Most aquamarines on the market feature a subtle greenish-blue hue, although some buyers prefer the naturally green tint. To enhance the blue color, many aquamarines are heat-treated. To display a deeper color, aquamarines are typically cut into larger stones, often exceeding 5 carats. While smaller stones may lack the desired saturation of color, some smaller aquamarines, such as those from Nigeria, Madagascar, and Mozambique, are renowned for their vibrant colors. Consequently, smaller stones with intense color often command a higher price per carat than larger stones of the same quality.
It is a popular choice for both modern and vintage jewelry designs, especially when crafted into aquamarine beaded bracelets.
Where Is Aquamarine Found?
Aquamarine was first discovered in the Siberian Mountains in 1723, and by 1796, miners had unearthed over 70 kilograms of high-quality aquamarine. Several decades later, aquamarine was found in abundance in the Marambaia Valley of Brazil. This region, known for its rich deposits of gold, topaz, diamonds, and emeralds, became one of the primary sources of aquamarine. In 1910, a remarkable 110-kilogram aquamarine crystal was discovered here, from which 100,000 carats of high-quality gems were cut. The transparency of the original crystal was so remarkable that observers claimed they could see distant objects through it!
Brazil’s aquamarine mines have been active for nearly three centuries. In 2019, the Minas Gerais region celebrated the 300th anniversary of aquamarine mining, and it remains one of the world’s leading sources of this gemstone.
Other notable sources of aquamarine include high-altitude regions in Pakistan, where the stone is prized for its "crystal-clear" appearance. Due to the challenging terrain, miners must scale mountains at elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 meters to extract the gems. Other significant aquamarine deposits can be found in Africa (Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mozambique), Asia (China, Myanmar), Europe (Russia, Ukraine), and the United States (Colorado).
How Hard Is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine ranks between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which measures a gemstone's resistance to scratching. While this scale is widely used, it can be misleading, as the differences between hardness levels are not uniform. For example, while diamond’s hardness is only one point higher than sapphire on the Mohs scale, it is many times harder.
This hardness ensures that aquamarine bracelets are sturdy enough to resist scratches and retain their brilliance for years to come.
How to Tell if Aquamarine Is Real?
When purchasing real aquamarine bracelets, there are several key factors to help you identify whether the stone is genuine.
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Color: Authentic aquamarines range from light sky blue to deep ocean blue with a slight greenish tint. If the color deviates significantly from this range, the stone may not be real.
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Hardness: Aquamarine has a unique ability to feel cool when touched, even in warm environments. If the stone feels warm and does not cool down upon contact, it could be glass, which conducts heat better than aquamarine.
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Clarity: High-quality aquamarine is usually clean, with no visible inclusions or bubbles. If the stone has noticeable flaws, it might not be a top-quality gem.
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Temperature Test: Aquamarine has a unique ability to feel cool to the touch, even in warm environments. If the stone feels warm and does not cool down upon contact, it could be glass, which conducts heat better than aquamarine.
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Price: Aquamarine is a rare gemstone, and its price should reflect its rarity and quality. If you find a particularly cheap aquamarine, it may not be real. Be cautious when purchasing “bargain” stones.
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Pleochroism: Aquamarine exhibits pleochroism, meaning its color changes when viewed from different angles. A real aquamarine should shift in color, becoming more transparent as the viewing angle changes. If this does not happen, the stone may not be genuine.
Aquamarine Care
Aquamarine is relatively easy to care for, but it still requires some attention to ensure it retains its beauty over time.
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Avoid Scratching: To prevent damage, avoid contact with other gemstones or hard surfaces. If you plan to do strenuous activities, remove your aquamarine jewelry and store it safely.
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Avoid Heat and Sunlight: Aquamarine can become brittle in high temperatures, which may cause it to crack. Extended exposure to sunlight can also cause the color to fade. Always store aquamarine jewelry away from direct sunlight, especially during summer.
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Avoid Chemical Exposure: Acids and alkalis can damage the surface of aquamarine. Remove your jewelry before handling cleaning products, perfumes, or other chemicals.
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Regular Cleaning: To keep your aquamarine sparkling, clean it regularly using a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaners or tools that may scratch the surface of the stone. With proper care, your aquamarine will remain brilliant for many years.
Conclusion
Aquamarine is a gemstone rich in history and symbolism, representing peace, protection, and love. With its stunning range of colors and metaphysical properties, it remains a popular choice for both jewelry enthusiasts and those seeking a meaningful birthstone. From aquamarine beaded bracelets to vintage aquamarine bracelet designs, there’s a style for everyone. By understanding its history, benefits, and care requirements, you can make an informed decision when selecting an aquamarine stone bracelet or other aquamarine jewelry.
Gemological Properties
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Chemical Formula
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Al₂Be₃Si₆O₁₈, Beryllium Aluminum Silicate
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Crystal Structure
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Hexagonal, Hexagonal Prism
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Color
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Light Blue to Deep Blue, Blue-Green
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Hardness
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Mohs Hardness 7.5 - 8
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Refractive Index
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1.564 - 1.596
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Density
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2.68 - 2.74
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Transparency
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Transparent to Opaque
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Double Refraction
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-0.004 to -0.005
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Luster
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Vitreous (Glass-like)
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Fluorescence
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None
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