This month’s blog is going to focus on the beautifully blue gemstone aquamarine. The birthstone of March, this gemstone has an intriguing and interesting history with some fabulous folklore stories linked to it.
An aquamarine gemstone is a beryl gemstone which is pale blue in colour. They are commonly found in Brazil however, have also been sourced from places such as India, Nigeria and the United States of America. Although most commonly a pale blue, they can range into more light green colours, dependant on the quality. Rating as 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale, this gemstone is strong and durable, hence why it can be worn as a large stone within a cocktail ring.
The name ‘Aquamarine’ comes from the Latin word for ‘Seawater’. There are many folklores which surround the gem and these are our favourite stories.
The healing powers
Throughout history, aquamarine has been considered a gemstone with healing prowess. Originally for physical ailments, aquamarine would cure problems with the throat, jaw and even burping and yawning. It was often crushed and put into drinking water during the roman empire in order to cure diseases within the liver and stomach as well. Prior to this, it was also seen to have healing powers for sight, particularly around the second century BC. More modern physicians use aquamarine to deal with glandular problems as well.
The stone has also been thought to have powers capable of fixing mental illness. It is supposed to help with inner tranquillity and is known for it’s use within mediation and calming exercises. Aquamarine is said to help align thinking and allow the holder or wearer to reach into their quiet confidence and spiritual awareness. Whether you believe this or not, the beautiful colour of aquamarines certainly does soothe the soul!
Aquamarine crystal balls
In conjunction with the belief of the healing power of aquamarine gemstones, there were also tales and legends around its ability to help psychics fortune tell. This folklore dates back to the middle ages and it is believed that once the aquamarine is cut into the shape of a crystal ball, is was a divining tool. The other methods in order to gain an accurate reading were to suspend the ball above water with the letters of the alphabet surrounding the rim. The idea was that of a Ouija board or alternatively, the ball would just be dropped into water and the ripples would reveal the answers to life’s questions. Alongside this, it was believed that aquamarine had the power to help locate lost or hidden items.
Protection from enemies
Many groups of people, including the Hebrews, Egyptians and Sumerians, believe that aquamarine had protective powers, especially on sea voyages. The gemstone was a strong symbol of youth which was everlasting and on long trips across the ocean, the stone would protect them from storms. This continued into the Christian era, and St. Thomas travelled far and wide to preach of its abilities. It was not necessary to pulverise the stones, simply wearing a ring or amulet was enough for it to be effective. The Romans would often carve aquamarine into a variety of shapes, such as frogs, to reconcile enemies. They also believed it was the stone of love and would traditionally be a wedding gift for the night after from the groom to the bride. This belief has remained, and the royal family up keep the tradition even now.
The aquamarine has a rich and interesting background with many myths and legends surrounding its heredity. If you have a piece, or are thinking of buying a piece, of aquamarine jewellery you can care for it at home by using a soft toothbrush and some washing up liquid to clean it. Avoid using any chemicals which could damage the colour such as hairspray, perfume or household chemicals as well. We always suggest popping into your jewellers once a year though to have it polished and serviced.
