Gemstones have always been a part of human life since time immemorial. Diamonds, topaz, emerald, ruby, and so on are some of the famous gemstones folks use.But, do you know about the amazing aquamarine? Aquamarine is basically the birthstone for the month of March. The name of this gemstone has arrived from the Latin word that means seawater.
This gemstone is a highly valued stone of ancient ancestry. During the 19th century, this stone had been valued on the basis of its sea green shade. But, at the present time the value of the stone is more if the stone has bluer shade.In the early 20th century, 1910 to be very specific, an aquamarine stone was discovered in Brazil which is the largest one till date. It had a weight of 243 pounds. It was later broken into pieces to make smaller well shaped stones. It produced more than 20000 carats of aquamarine.
This might be the one of the very few stones that carries a lot of legends and myths. It was also thought to be the most perfect morning gift to the bride by her groom right before the marriage.Aquamarine was the sailors’ gem for the Greeks and the Romans as they believed that it would help them have a safe and happy journey.
A Little Glimpse at the Past
To the Egyptians this stone was the symbol of happiness, prosperity, and youth. “The Vision Concerning Piers and the Plowman” by William Langland from 1377 has mentioned that aquamarine was used as a remedy for poison.It was even popular throughout the whole European landmass. Writers who belonged to the Middle Ages believed that the aquamarine stone was the most effective oracle crystal.
It was made into balls in order to be used as a fortune telling ball by many wizards and witches. On the basis of folklore, this is the only stone that could bring victory in wars.Aquamarine was used in the ancient times in order to heal patients suffering from stomach, liver, jaws, throat, and tooth problems.
During the second century BC Demigeron announced “This stone is good besides for damage to the eyes, and for all sickness, if it is put in water and given as a drink.”Even now people believe that aquamarine holds a jaw dropping set of strengths in healing people mentally as well as physically.
It’s Uses Today
People basically use this stone at the present time in order to gain mental peace. It easily calms down one’s nervous tension.This is the most suitable stone for meditation. This is because it calms our mind along with facilitating communication from higher degrees. Sometimes people say that their minds are not working with their hearts in an alignment.
Aquamarine helps them to realign their minds and hearts on the same line and thus helping them to think and decide more sensibly. This is basically a shield that protects us from all the negative energies that surround us.
Physical Properties of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is actually beryl, that is, a mineral that is made up of beryllium aluminumcyclosilicate. The chemical formula is Be3Al2Si6O18. This mineral has an unique color of greenish blue, sometimes bright blue, and sometimes even light green.
- Previously, aquamarine had more value if the color was more towards the green shade but now blue color of the stone is more valued.
- An interesting fact about this gemstone is the color of the stone depends on the angle from which you are looking through the stone.
- It is a complete experience of looking at all kinds of water bodies from the world at the same time. It is known as the pleochroic effect.
- The stones that you get in the market go through a heating process that helps the stones to enhance their colors. Heating it up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit makes the stone look bluer and it loses its greenish shade.
- The light blue shade of the stone goes with every skin tone and blends with any precious metal helping to make beautiful jewelry.
Places Yielding Aquamarine
Apart from Brazil (the best exporter of aquamarine), this stone is easily discoverable in Madagascar, Soviet Union, the US, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, and India. Therefore, in these countries people can buy this stone at quite a low price.
Aquamarine Jewelry – A Beauty Raiser
The most common shape of aquamarine that it is cut into is that of an emerald. It is also cut in an oval or pear shape. Rich blue stones are highly valuable and are adored by jewelry lovers.One of the biggest plus points of aquamarine stones in the business world is it has a wide price range and this is the only reason a huge number of people are able to buy it.
The most common type of jewelry made of aquamarines is rings, pendants, and earrings. Rings are the most common among these three.Couples give them as an engagement ring to each other and on any other occasion. The reason is it brings peace and happiness and henc raises the love.
Maintenance is Necessary
Taking care of such a beautiful and precious stone is important. So, here is how you should keep it clean.Using warm soapy water to clean the stone with an old toothbrush is the best cleaning process at home.
The water should be warm and not hot because thermal shock is bad.You should keep in mind that the stone should not go through a sudden temperature change, contact with hairspray, perfume, or other household chemicals.
Concluding Note
So, that was all you needed to know about aquamarine. I hope this has helped you a lot if you wanted to know enough about it.Aquamarine stones are something that somebody cannot easily ignore. Having an aquamarine jewelry can make you look good from outside and make you feel at peace from the inside.Now that you are aware of the positives, go and own one or give it to your loved ones.