Aquamarine is a stunning gemstone that has appealed to people for centuries. The striking sea-like colour of the stone makes aquamarine eye-catching and appealing to many. There is evidence of aquamarine being worn by the Ancient Romans and Ancient Egyptians, proving that this striking blue stone never goes out of style. Aquamarine has an interesting history with many beliefs and superstitions tied to it. If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating gemstone, keep reading for our 10 interesting facts about aquamarine.
1. The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin “aqua marina” which means “sea water”.
The name for this gemstone was inspired by its sea-like tones. However, aquamarine was not always known by this nautical name. The gemstone used to be known by the name “sea green beryl”. Evidence of the name “aquamarine” being used only begins in the early 1600s.
2. The colour of aquamarine can vary from deep teal to pale blue.
The tone of aquamarine can vary drastically from stone to stone, moving from the deepest teals to the palest crystal blues. The colour in aquamarine is caused by iron in the stone and it is varying iron levels that cause the differences in colour intensity. The darker hues and more green toned blue stones are the most valuable.
3. Aquamarine can be heat treated to intensify the colour.
When aquamarine is professionally heat treated, the colour can be artificially intensified. This process changes the colour of the stone without affecting it in any other way. A heat-treated stone should be clearly advertised as such. These stones will be less valuable than a natural stone of the same hue.
4. The gemstone has long been thought to have protective properties.
The belief that aquamarine can protect its wearer dates back for centuries. The gemstone was often worn by sailors as it was believed that it would help to bring them safely home.
5. The Ancient Romans and other civilisations believed the stone to have healing properties and used it to treat a range of maladies.
Some civilisations believed that aquamarine could increase youth, intelligence, foresight, courage and happiness. Wearing this gemstone was thought to bring the wearer many good things. However, the Romans took a slightly different approach, instead using the stone to treat ailments. It was thought that aquamarine could cure issues with the liver, stomach and throat.
6. The world’s largest cut aquamarine is the Dom Pedro.
This gemstone was faceted as an elongated obelisk and measures approximately 14 inches long by 4 inches wide. This incredible example of aquamarine weighs 10,363 carats. It was mined in Brazil in the 1980s and named Dom Pedro after the first two emperors of Brazil.
7. According to myth, the Roman god Neptune was the first to acquire the gemstone.
It was believed by the Ancient Romans that the god Neptune found the first aquamarine gemstone washed up on the shore. It had fallen out of the siren’s jewellery box. It is thought that as Neptune would not want to lose aquamarine stones to the sea, he would protect the sailors that wore the gemstone.
8. Aquamarine registers between 7 and 8 on the Mohs scale.
This rating means that aquamarine is a relatively hard gemstone, making it suitable for daily wear. However, this gemstone can be scratched and damaged, so some care ought to be taken.
9. This gemstone is mined all over the world.
Aquamarine has been found in countries all over the world, including Brazil, Zambia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan, Mozambique and the USA. The state of Colorado in the USA produces some of the finest specimens of aquamarine. Aquamarine was officially recognised as the official state gemstone in 1971.
10. Aquamarine is believed to have been enjoyed and appreciated for centuries.
There is evidence of aquamarine having been worn by the Ancient Egyptians, and the gemstone even features in Roman mythology. This allows historians to confirm that the gemstone was a favourite amongst these ancient civilisations. Decorative aquamarine jewellery dating back to 500BC has been found. This discovery proves that this striking gemstone was just as popular then as it is in jewellery today.
If you are interested in adding aquamarine to your jewellery collection, click here to browse aquamarine jewellery on our website.
What did you think of our 10 interesting facts about aquamarine? Do you know any others? Let us know in the comments below!
