10 Fun Facts About Aquamarine

When many people think jewellery, two things comes to mind. The metal they first think of is gold, and the gemstone they think of is a diamond.

However, while there aren’t many top quality replacements for gold, there are many stunning alternatives to diamonds.

The range of gemstones is vast, with any possible colour available. Undoubtedly one of the most popular is the unmistakable blue Aquamarine.

Aquamarine is one of our favourite gemstones here at Laurelle Antique Jewellery, so we have put together this list of 10 fun facts about aquamarine.

1.It Means Sea Water

It’s interesting name stems from the Latin term aqua marina, which roughly translates into English as “water of the sea”.

Of course, you can interpret this term one of two ways depending on your experiences of the sea, but we are taking it as the stone appears, clear crystal blue.

2.Sailors superstition

It’s not just Aquamarines name which links it to the sea. Historically, it was a particularly popular gemstone amongst sailors.

When leaving on long voyages, sailors would take with them an aquamarine stone to protect them from seasickness and any unexpected accidents.

3.Official Birthstone

Every Month of the year is assigned a birthstone, for example, January is the Garnet. Aquamarine is the birthstone of March and has been since 1912.

Amongst its other ties, Aquamarine is also the stone of 19th wedding anniversaries and the zodiac sign Scorpio.

4. It’s Durable for Special Jewellery

Some types of gemstone are not often used in special jewellery like engagement rings because of their durability.

Thankfully, Aquamarine ranks comfortably between 7.5-8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it suitable for “everyday wear”.

However, this is not to say that the surface of stones cannot be marked over time, especially if they come into contact with harder stones like sapphire or diamond.

5.Many Fakes Available

While there are no synthetic replacements of aquamarine gemstones on the market, there are many which simulate the appearance of.

Always consider the price of an aquamarine piece and weigh it against another, if it doesn’t quite add up, there could well be something fishy going on.

6.Sky Blue is King

Like all gemstones, there is a variation in their colour. For example, a diamond must be crystal clear to be considered of the highest quality.

The same goes for aquamarine, with sky blue considered the most valuable shade. There are many different hues of aquamarine, so the lighter or darker the blue tone, the smaller the price it’ll bring.

7.Some Lose Colour

There is a type of beryl on the market named maxixe aquamarine. This is a very deep blue stone like aquamarine. However, when the stone is exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time, it can slowly lose its colour, eventually fading to a yellowy-green tone. Be careful what you are buying.

8.Aquamarine is Heat Treated

While it is to a point dishonest, a lot of stones on the market today are heat-treated, aquamarine included.

However, while some stones like Blue Topaz can be seriously altered by it, becoming a much deeper blue, aquamarine stays the same. The only thing altered is that if there are any green undertones, they are removed by the heat.

9.Largest Quality Aquamarine Weighs 244lbs.

There are a number of famous examples of large aquamarine, but none as big or colourful than the record holder.

Weighing in at 244 pounds, the huge blue stone was discovered in Brazil back in 1910.

10.Relaxing Qualities

As well as its ties to the Zodiac and its use as a good luck charm by sailors, aquamarine is also thought to help anxiety.

The stone is believed to relax the senses and for this reason is often used in meditation.

Aquamarine is one of the most beautiful and versatile gemstones on the market. Take a look at our range here.