Aquamarine

The birthstone for March babies as well as being the gift you give for your 19th anniversary.

Aquamarine—the sea water stone—has a very soothing energy. The beautiful aquamarine is associated with March, and so becomes the birthstone of the astrological signs of Pisces (March 1 through 20) and some members of Aries (March 20 through April 20) as well as the Chinese zodiac's sign of the Ox.

Most of the aquamarine on the market today comes from Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Colombia, India, Russia, and several other countries.

Name and Composition

The name aquamarine means sea water and Aquamarine, like the emerald, is a variety of beryl. In its light blue-green shades, aquamarine can be quite affordable but the deeper blue color of aquamarine can command high fees. Most aquamarine used in high-end jewelry is heat-treated to deepen its blue color, but raw aquamarine has the benefit of a more potent energy.

Just like the emerald, aquamarine has a 7.5 to 8 Hardness on the Mohs scale, meaning it is relatively strong compared to other gems but can still be broken without much effort. Aquamarine can also lose some of its color if exposed to strong sunlight for extended periods of time.

Properties

Energy-wise, the aquamarine is ruled by the Moon and is infused with yin or feminine energy. In its healing and nourishing effects, the aquamarine can be compared to the moonstone.

Because of its flowing, peaceful energy, aquamarine has a strong ability to help move, protect, and purify your own energy and thus aid emotional healing as well as deepen meditative states. Aquamarine's tendency to bring a joyful sense of harmony is akin to that of the turquoise stone, but the energy effects are a bit different. While turquoise tends to bring an earthy sense of harmony, aquamarine shares its harmonious joy in a very different manner. Its energy can feel like splashes of fresh ocean water—playful and a bit mischievous, too! Aquamarine also:

• Heals emotional trauma
• Cools high temper and conflict
• Relieves stress
• Helps get in touch with suppressed emotions
• Brings peace
• Clears the mind
• Calms the heart
• Helps speak the truth
• Strengthens psychic abilities

If you are learning to meditate, aquamarine can also help you access deeper meditative states as well as help you to get in touch with your own inner wisdom and source of power. If you feel drawn to the wise and soothing energy of aquamarine, you can purchase either a small stone or a form of aquamarine jewelry to enhance your personal energy.