Aquamarine Stone: Meaning, Properties and Value of the Blue Gemstone
Aquamarine, the dazzlingly blue birthstone for the month of March, has one of the most unique hues amongst precious stones. Its rich colour has long been a symbol of youthfulness, good health and hope.
Aquamarine is generally paired with metals like silver or white gold when set in fine jewellery. The colour combination works well together and can add a special, summery feel to any outfit. The mesmerising colours of this sublime blue gemstone range from pale to deep blues and are often associated with the ocean.
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What Is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is the name used for the mineral beryl within the colour range of greenish blue to blue.
Beryl was once one of the world’s only important ores of beryllium metal. However, the extraction of beryllium is very expensive. These days, small amounts of beryl are a by-product of gemstone mining.
Aquamarine gemstones can range from a very light hue to much deeper, vibrant shades of blue. The term aquamarine is derived from a combination of two Latin words. The first one, aqua, means water and the second, marina means sea. Together, the word translates to the colour of the sea.
Is Aquamarine A Precious Stone?
Aquamarine is not classified as a precious stone. In fact, there are only four categories of precious stones:
- Diamonds
- Rubies
- Emeralds
- Sapphires
Occasionally, stones like pearls, opals and jade are classified as precious, but this is not entirely accurate.
Every gemstone other than a diamond, ruby, emerald or sapphire is classified as semi-precious. Aquamarine is therefore a semi-precious stone and not a precious one.
What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of Aquamarine?
Due to the fact that aquamarine is so frequently associated with the sea, the stone’s spiritual meaning is one of cleansing.
Aquamarine evokes the purity of crystal blue waters, and the relaxation and feeling of calm that the sea brings. Spiritually, aquamarine is associated with trusting and letting go.
In ancient times, aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids. Sailors used the stone as a talisman to bring good luck on the open waters. The gem was used as a symbol of protection and fearlessness too.
These days, the stone is viewed as one that can bring about happiness and protection to all who travel near water, over water or by water. It is also representative of clear communication straight from the heart.
What Is Aquamarine Used For?
Aquamarine has a number of uses, many of which connect to the idea of openness and communication.
The gem is seen as a stone of courage and helps people overcome any anxieties associated with communication, such as a fear of public speaking. Crystal healers believe teachers should wear aquamarine to help them remain calm and not feel stressed while completing tasks they’ve been dreading.
Additionally, aquamarine gemstones are used to help soothe sore throats, swollen glands and thyroid problems. Because of its calming properties, healers believe that aquamarine can regulate hormones and growth in a way that is most conducive to any kind of transition between phases.
Where Does Aquamarine Come From?
For several years, it was believed that the most valuable aquamarine stones were only found in Brazil and other parts of South America. However, these days the stone is mined all over the world, on almost every continent. Just some of the countries where you’ll find it naturally occurring are Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Russia.
Aquamarine stones in today’s market are most commonly faceted but can be cut as a cabochon. This gives the stone an effect similar to a cat’s eye, which is also known as asterism.
How Much Is An Aquamarine Stone Worth?
Aquamarine has grown in popularity over the years, which has made its pricing a bit more competitive than it once was. Just like every other gemstone, aquamarine gemstones range in size. While some are quite small, others can be much bigger and weigh a good few kilograms.
Often, the value of an aquamarine stone depends on its colour. In order for an aquamarine crystal to have a deep, intense colour, it usually needs to weigh in at over five carats. A one-carat aquamarine’s stone value could come in at approximately $675, while a two or three carat stone could range anywhere between $1 000 to $1 500.
However, aquamarine crystals can also be grown in labs. These stones are likely to be much cheaper and are manufactured as demand dictates.
What Is The Best Aquamarine Stone?
The best quality aquamarine stone is one that scores best when evaluated on the four Cs:
- Colour: the deeper the blue of aquamarine, the better the quality of the stone and the higher the value will be.
- Clarity: this is determined by how transparent and clear the aquamarine crystal is. The fewer inclusions it has, the better.
- Cut: the dazzling blue hues of aquamarine means that stones that are properly cut best display shine and brilliance.
- Carat size: as with every other gemstone, the bigger the size of the carat makes the aquamarine stone more valuable and desirable.
What Are The Benefits Of Wearing an Aquamarine Stone?
Aquamarine stones have numerous benefits other than simply helping to boost one’s confidence. The stone’s colour lends itself to a sense of harmony and joy. It can bring its wearer energy and a sense of playfulness.
The aquamarine crystal is thought to help wearers better and more holistically heal from emotional trauma through cooling tempers and conflict.
Other benefits of wearing aquamarine include stress relief, helping suppressed emotions resurface and instilling a sense of peace. It has long been thought that when wearing aquamarine jewellery, one can reap the benefits of a clear-thinking mind, as well as a calm heart through challenging times.
There are many benefits to wearing aquamarine crystals. Of course, the biggest and more superficial benefit is the ability to wear it and complement any spring or summer outfit!
Find out about other dazzling blues stones in our full List of Blue Gemstones.
