Aquamarine: Espirito Santo
Named for the Latin "aqua" meaning water and "mare" meaning sea, aquamarine shimmers in oceanic blues and greens. While most aquamarine comes in a lighter tone, deeper shades are preferred. This March birthstone is a popular gem among high-end jewelry designers.
Aquamarine is one of the most admired gemstones from the colorful beryl family, along with emerald and morganite, made up of beryllium aluminum silicates. Natural beryl is colorless; however, its structure allows it to incorporate unrelated elements such as iron, manganese, chrome or vanadium. When iron is mixed with beryl, it turns into the soothing sea-blue treasure of aquamarine. Aquamarine was first discovered in India more than 2,000 years ago. Since ancient times, people have credited both paranormal and divine properties to it. The Greeks were the first to use aquamarine gemstone around 480 to 300 BCE. However, it only became popular after larger samples from Brazil surfaced in the market in 1910.
- In 1953, Brazil gifted a necklace with matching pendant and earrings made of aquamarines and diamonds to Queen Elizabeth II as a coronation gift. It took an entire year to gather and perfectly match the stones. The queen loved the gift so much that she commissioned a matching tiara in 1957.
- Aquamarine is associated with foresight, valor and happiness.
- Crystal healers believe it fosters intellect and maintains youth.
- As a healing stone, it is eases anxiety and lessens the power of poisons.
- According to legend, aquamarine was treasure owned by mythical mermaids. Sailors wore amulets made from this gem to boost their courage, safeguard their journey and avoid seasickness. Aquamarine was thought to be exceptionally potent if it was stamped with the image of the sea god Poseidon's trident.
LOCATION: Brazil
Today's best gems are sourced from the Espirito Santo mine in Brazil, which is also quickly running out of supply. We are proud to bring our customers aquamarine from the Espirito Santo mine for as long as this rare gem is available.
- Ranks 8 on Mohs hardness scale.
- Color mimics the ocean, ranging from light blue to deep sea green.
- Sourced from the Espirito Santo mine in Brazil.
- Member of the beryl family.
- Birthstone for March and zodiac sign of Scorpio.
- Traditional gift for 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries.
- The majority of aquamarines are heat treated.
