If you are lucky enough to celebrate a March birthday, your birthstone is aquamarine, a gem whose name literally means water of the sea. At Lilliane’s Jewelry, we often hear clients in our Leawood showroom compare its color to the clearest tropical waters, and it is easy to see why.
Named for the Sea
The word aquamarine comes from the Latin words for water and of the sea. Ancient sailors believed the stone would calm the waves and protect them on long voyages, making it a symbol of safe travel, courage, and good fortune.
A Cool-Toned Cousin of Emerald
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family, the same mineral family as emerald. While emerald gets its green color from chromium and vanadium, aquamarine’s soft blue comes from traces of iron. Most aquamarine on the market is a pale sky blue, though deeper blue stones are especially prized.
Clarity You Can See Through
Unlike many colored gemstones, aquamarine typically forms with very few visible inclusions. It is prized for its exceptional clarity, and jewelers often cut it into large, clean emerald or oval cuts to show off its transparency.
Durability and Care
Aquamarine ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a wonderfully durable option for rings, earrings, and everyday jewelry. It can typically be cleaned with warm soapy water, though we always recommend having colored gemstone jewelry checked periodically for loose settings.
Lilliane’s Tip: Aquamarine looks stunning in white gold or platinum, which enhances its icy blue tones. For a warmer look, try pairing it with rose gold for a soft, romantic contrast.
Quick Facts About Aquamarine
- Mohs Hardness: 7.5 to 8
- Color Range: Pale sky blue to deep blue-green
- Symbolism: Courage, protection, and safe travel
- Zodiac Connection: Pisces and Aries
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is aquamarine a durable everyday stone?
Yes. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, aquamarine holds up very well to daily wear, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and stacking bands.
Q: Is aquamarine color treated?
Many aquamarines are heat-treated to remove greenish tones and enhance the pure blue color. This is a stable, widely accepted treatment in the industry.
Visit Us in Leawood
Whether you were born in March or simply love the serene color of the ocean, we invite you to visit our Leawood showroom to see our aquamarine pieces glimmer in person.
