AQUAMARINE, is a member of the beryl family.
The birthstone for March, legends say that it is the treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. Aquamarine protects against the wiles of the devil. A dream of aquamarine means that you will meet new friends. Aquamarine blue is a divine and eternal color, since it is, after all, the color of the skies. Aquamarine blue, however, is also the color of water with its life-giving properties. And in fact aquamarine seems to have managed to embody the light blue of the seas. This is not surprising, for according to legend it has its origin in the treasure chest of the legendary mermaids, and has for ages been reputed to be a lucky stone for sailors. Its name has been derived from the Latin terms "aqua” meaning water, and "mare” or sea. Allegedly its powers develop best if the stone is immersed in sun-drenched water. However, it seems a wiser course to carry it, because according to ancient traditions, carrying an aquamarine is supposed to guarantee a happy marriage and to make its owner happy and rich at that ­ the ideal gemstone, not only for lovers and married couples.
Aquamarine is tough enough to used as a center stone in any piece of jewelry. Aquamarine is a stone for daytime fun or an evening out.
It is related to Emerald, which just like Aquamarine belongs to the gemstone family of Beryls. Aquamarines more frequent in occurrence than its famous green brother, Aquamarine is usually almost free of inclusions. It possesses a good hardness, 7 - 7.5 _ on the Mohs’ scale. Its good hardness makes it quite robust and protects it generally from getting scratched. Iron is the substance responsible for the color in Aquamarine, and the shades of blue displayed range from almost colorless pale blue through to bright sea blue. The more intense the color of an Aquamarine, the higher its value. Some Aquamarines show a slightly greenish hue ­ that is also considered typical. But a really pure and clear blue is still cherished as typical Aquamarine color, as it best brings out the immaculate transparency and high brilliance of this gemstone.