Saturday, March 26, 2011

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

Heart Birthstone Pendant. Something About Silver.
For all of you March babies out there (and those of you purchasing jewelry gifts for March babies), the official birthstone for March is Aquamarine. This dreamy blue stone evokes thoughts of serene ocean waters and clear blue skies.

Derived from the Roman words Aqua (water) and mare (sea), this stone has a rich history of being prized by cultures across the globe. Ancient Romans believed that Aquamarine was sacred to their god of the sea, Neptune. The gems were said to have fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore. Several ancient civilizations believed in the healing power of the gemstone and used it to treat a myriad of illnesses.

Worn as a talisman by early sailors, Aquamarine is still considered a lucky stone for people seeking protection while at sea. Aquamarine is said to promote feelings of sympathy, trust, harmony, and friendship. Folklore also suggests its wearer will have a happy marriage.

Aquamarine. Image courtesy of gemstone.org.
Aquamarine Fast Facts

Gemstone family: Beryl
Color: blue-green to pale blue
Hardness: 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale: it is durable & suitable for daily wear
Location: Brazil, China, India, Australia, Africa, and the United States

Do you have any Aquamarine in your jewelry wardrobe?

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