Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a member of the Beryl family of stones as Emerald. Meaning - "sea water" it's not hard to figure out that it derives this name due to it's color being similar to that of the ocean. The color ranges from very light to medium light blue, frequently with a light touch of green. The most desired color is the deeper shade of blue. Aquamarine is often heated to enhance the coloration; this treatment is stable and permanent.

Legends

Aquamarine has become symbolic of safety at sea, and according to legend is a treasure of the mermaids.The first documented use of aquamarine is by the Greeks between 480 and 300 B.C. Amulets of aquamarine were thought to render sailors fearless and protect them from adversaries as sea, especially if the stone was engraved with Poseidon on a chariot.

Occurrence

The majority of Aquamarine comes from Brazil and Africa. The most important ones are in Brazil (Minas Gerais, Bahia, Esperito Santo). Numerous finds have been made in the inner highlands of the Malagasy Republic. Australia (New South Wales), Burma, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania and the U.S. (Colorado, Connecticut, California, Maine, North Carolina.)

Astrology

• Planetary stone – Pisces
• Sun Sing (Star Sign) Scorpio
• Aquamarine is the modern March birthstone. It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Scorpio. 
• Aquamarine is suggested as a gem for the 16th and 19th wedding anniversary.