Ah, March – the month of spring, blooming flowers, and the birthstone of Aquamarine! With its crystal-clear blue-green hues, it’s no wonder why Aquamarine is such a popular and beloved gemstone making it the perfect birthstone for March, as it symbolizes youth, health, and hope – all things associated with the start of spring.
The Aquamarine gemstone has been used in jewelry for centuries and is still a popular choice today. It is the traditional birthstone for the month of March and is said to bring luck and protect those who wear it from harm. The name comes from the Latin phrase “aqua marina,” which means “sea water.” This makes sense, as the gemstone is often light blue in color and resembles the blue waters of the sea.
Legend has it that Poseidon, the god of the sea, gave aquamarine to his wife, Amphitrite, as a symbol of their eternal love. Sailors wore amulets of Aquamarine for protection. They believed that the calming blue gems were a "treasure" offered by mermaids to keep them safe from evil and its even been said that Aquamarine was formed from the tears of mermaids. Aquamarine represented not only the sea, but also the heavens in folklore because the sky was reflected in the water. The ancient Romans would carve a frog into the gem to help turn enemies into friends.
In many cultures, the Aquamarine was also thought to have healing powers. It was believed to have the ability to cure ailments such as heart disease, anxiety, and even infertility. In ancient times, it was also used to ward off evil spirits and to bring about peaceful dreams. Aquamarine powder was used in ancient medicines to treat a variety of infections, eye ailments, and allergic reactions. It was also believed to bring peace and harmony to marriages, strengthen one's intuition and bring clarity to the mind, making Aquamarine a popular gemstone among ancient philosophers.
Aquamarine can be found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, India, Russia, and Zambia. It is usually mined from granite rocks, and its color can range from light blue to deep blue-green. The largest Aquamarine gemstone ever found is the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, which was discovered in Bahia, Brazil in the late 19th century. This stunning gemstone weighed in at a whopping 10,363 carats and was cut into several pieces. It is now on display in the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
Before the discovery of the Dom Pedro, the Roosevelt held the record for the largest cut aquamarine specimen. When US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Brazil in 1936, Brazilian President Getlio Vargas presented her with a stunning 1,298-ct aquamarine gemstone. As a result, the gem became known as the Roosevelt aquamarine and is now the second largest.
There is no denying the beauty of the Aquamarine gemstone. Its light blue color is perfect for spring and is sure to make any piece of jewelry sparkle. So if you or someone you know has a birthday in March, consider an Aquamarine gemstone to celebrate!
The Aquamarine gemstone has been used in jewelry for centuries and is still a popular choice today. It is the traditional birthstone for the month of March and is said to bring luck and protect those who wear it from harm. The name comes from the Latin phrase “aqua marina,” which means “sea water.” This makes sense, as the gemstone is often light blue in color and resembles the blue waters of the sea.
Legend has it that Poseidon, the god of the sea, gave aquamarine to his wife, Amphitrite, as a symbol of their eternal love. Sailors wore amulets of Aquamarine for protection. They believed that the calming blue gems were a "treasure" offered by mermaids to keep them safe from evil and its even been said that Aquamarine was formed from the tears of mermaids. Aquamarine represented not only the sea, but also the heavens in folklore because the sky was reflected in the water. The ancient Romans would carve a frog into the gem to help turn enemies into friends.
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In many cultures, the Aquamarine was also thought to have healing powers. It was believed to have the ability to cure ailments such as heart disease, anxiety, and even infertility. In ancient times, it was also used to ward off evil spirits and to bring about peaceful dreams. Aquamarine powder was used in ancient medicines to treat a variety of infections, eye ailments, and allergic reactions. It was also believed to bring peace and harmony to marriages, strengthen one's intuition and bring clarity to the mind, making Aquamarine a popular gemstone among ancient philosophers.
Aquamarine can be found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, India, Russia, and Zambia. It is usually mined from granite rocks, and its color can range from light blue to deep blue-green. The largest Aquamarine gemstone ever found is the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, which was discovered in Bahia, Brazil in the late 19th century. This stunning gemstone weighed in at a whopping 10,363 carats and was cut into several pieces. It is now on display in the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
Before the discovery of the Dom Pedro, the Roosevelt held the record for the largest cut aquamarine specimen. When US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Brazil in 1936, Brazilian President Getlio Vargas presented her with a stunning 1,298-ct aquamarine gemstone. As a result, the gem became known as the Roosevelt aquamarine and is now the second largest.
The Roosevelt aquamarine, in its original custom-made, Art Deco gift box. Photo from the US National Archives. Public Domain.
There is no denying the beauty of the Aquamarine gemstone. Its light blue color is perfect for spring and is sure to make any piece of jewelry sparkle. So if you or someone you know has a birthday in March, consider an Aquamarine gemstone to celebrate!