The name aquamarine was derived by the Romans, "aqua" meaning water and "mare" meaning sea, because it looked like sea water. This perfectly describes this refreshing stone.
Aquamarines are often heat treated to permanently bring out the blue hues and diminish the sea green color in the stones.
The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue.
Naturally occurring deep blue stones are very rare.
Legends & Lore
Since it is a gem with a name derived from the sea, it is also connected to legends about mermaids.
It is said to be a gem that had fell out of a mermaid's jewelry box.
Also, it's considered to protect people out at sea. The ancient Greeks said that this stone aptly captures the true spirit of the sea.
In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers so it has been as an excellent gift suggestion for sailors or one who takes frequent cruises.
It is propertied to instill the wearer with an abundance of courage, intellect, and to prevent sailors and travelers from becoming seasick.
It is said that Emperor Nero used it as an eyeglass 2,000 years ago, and much later, aquamarines were used as glasses in Germany to correct shortsightedness.
In fact, the German name for eyeglasses today is "brille", derived from the mineral beryl(Aquamarine and Emerald are the mineral beryl).
Dreams about Aquamarine signify the making of new friends.
It has been believed that if you had dreamed about aquamarine, it may probably meet a new friend.
Meanings & Symbol
Aquamarine is a universal symbol of youth, hope and health.
* Meaning - Tends to bring out the spiritual path, Intuition, Sensitivity, Psychic ties & Telepathic communications, Courage.
Aquamarine & Emerald
The aquamarine belongs to the beryl family of minerals that include emerald (the May birthstone), heliodor and morganite.
* Beryl, or beryllium aluminum silicate in chemical jargon, is a six-sided symmetrical crystal. Beryl contains beryllium, aluminum, silicon and oxygen.
The aquamarine (also called the "poor man's diamond") is a form of the mineral beryl that also includes other gemstones such as the emerald, morganite and heliodor.
And the yellow beryl stones can be heated to change them to blue aquamarines.
Aquamarines are often heat treated to permanently bring out the blue hues and diminish the sea green color in the stones.
