March Birthstone: Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Originating from "aqua" meaning water and "mare" meaning sea, aquamarine crystals are best known for their beautiful blue-green color reminiscent of the world's oceans.

Aquamarine stones range in color from clear to blue-green to sky blue. Deeper blues are considered more valuable. A member of the beryl family of minerals, it is often heated to reduce yellow or pale colors. The deepest green beryl is actually an emerald.

March Birthstone: Origin of Birthstones

How certain stones came to be connected to specific months is cloudy. Some speculate the birthstone originates from Biblical times when a priest's breastplate was adorned with twelve different colored gems. Over time, the number twelve became connected to months of the year and to the zodiac.

People began wearing a different gem each month as a sort of talisman, believing each stone held certain powers. Gradually, specific gems became attached to specific months and zodiac signs. People then wore the gem associated with their birth month all year long.

Fast-forward hundreds of years to 1912 in Kansas City, Missouri. The American National Association of Jewelers created a birthstone list, assigning different stones to each month. The birthstone list was controversial because people thought it was developed purely for commercial purposes. Even so, it is accepted worldwide today as the definitive list of birthstones.

March Birthstone: History and Beliefs about Aquamarine

Long associated with the ocean, ancient Romans believed aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, King of the Sea (www.about-birthstones.com). Roman and Greek sailors carried aquamarine for protection against the dangers of the ocean. Romans carved aquamarine into frog figures believing this would cause enemies to reconcile and become friends. Ancient Romans also believed that it enhanced young love and often gave aquamarine gems to young brides the morning after marriage consummation.

People of other cultures valued aquamarine. Ancient Egyptians placed aquamarine beads in tombs to help souls as they journeyed to the afterlife. In the 19th century, the Chinese began using aquamarine for carving small figurines. European royalty were often victims of poisoning and believed aquamarine prevented or reversed poisoning. Hindus used aquamarine as a way to gain mental clarity.

During the middle ages, aquamarine was used as a tool for divination. Fortunetellers gazed into aquamarine crystal balls to tell the future. Dropping an aquamarine crystal into pure water and then "reading" the patterns of disturbance was another way to reveal important messages.

March Birthstone: Healing Powers of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is said to be particularly powerful when immersed in water. In ancient times, this water was used to treat a variety of physical illnesses relating to the mouth, throat, stomach and liver. Aquamarine was thought to aid digestion, prevent water retention, reduce swollen glands, and keep jaws and teeth healthy. Aquamarine water was also used to treat breathing problems and hiccups.

In addition to being a powerful aid in meditation, aquamarine cures insomnia, reduces anxiety, enhances communication, and preserves mutual love in relationships. Those who wear aquamarine experience mental clarity and emotional balance.

March Birthstone: Characteristics and Geography of Aquamarine

Most aquamarine is flawless, unlike other types of gemstones. It is so clear that when Germans first began making eyeglasses, slivers of aquamarine were used to correct nearsightedness. In fact, the German word for eyeglasses is "brille", derived from the word beryl.

The largest and most valuable aquamarines come from Brazil. In the early 1900s, an aquamarine crystal weighing 243 pounds and measuring 19 inches long was discovered. It was so transparent that objects could be seen through its entire length.

Other aquamarine mining locations include Australia, Africa, China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Columbia, and the United States. In the U.S., aquamarine is found in North Carolina, Maine, and Colorado. In fact, aquamarine is Colorado's official state gem.

March Birthstone: Care and Cleaning of Aquamarine

Like other gems, aquamarine can fade with prolonged exposure to light. Store in a dark area when not wearing aquamarine jewelry.

Use warm soapy water, not hot, and a soft brush to clean aquamarine. For added sparkle, add a small amount of ammonia to soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth.
Although aquamarine is one of the harder stones, do not wear while doing housework or other activities where it will come in contact with chemicals or may be subjected to banging on other objects.

Known as the March birthstone, aquamarine is the most flawless of all crystals. With a wide range of beautiful ocean colors, aquamarine remains a popular jewelry choice today.

Sources: http://www.about-birthstones.com/, http://www.a1-birthstone-jewelry.com/, http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/gemstone/aquamari/birthmar.htm, http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/aquamarine.htm, www.bellaonline.com, http://starryskies.com/articles/dln/3-01/mar.birthstones.html, www.wikipedia.com