Aquamarine Gemstone: The Timeless Beauty of the Sea in Crystal Form
Info Landmark
The precision gemstone Aquamarine is the greenish-blue variety of the mineral Beryl. Nearly always pastel in tone, this crystal has been desired throughout history for its gentle yet elegant presence. The mineral family Beryl includes several other notable gems: the blush-hued and delicate Morganite, the royal-favorite green Emerald, and the mysterious yellow Heliodor. Aquamarine owes its unusual tranquil color to small traces of iron in its crystalline structure; this impurity distinguishes the gemstone from its other Beryl counterparts. All Beryls traditionally form in large-scale crystals, allowing for faceted gemstones with a larger presence than their counterparts, such as Sapphire or Diamond.
Derived from the Latin word for seawater, it's easy to imagine the inspiration behind the name of this gemstone. Aquamarine’s greenish-blue color and exceptional clarity evoke the calm steadfastness of the sea. This gemstone is often associated with March as its birthstone. At Landmark Jewelers, we have several vintage estate treasures featuring Aquamarines. Custom-created masterpieces are also an option, allowing you to hand-select the gemstone of your choice. We can assist you with every step of the process, starting with Aquamarine sourcing.
All Beryl gemstones, including Aquamarine, are susceptible to scratching. They have a lower Mohs hardness grade compared to harder gemstones like Corundum (Sapphire and Ruby) or Diamond. If you choose to set an Aquamarine in a custom-created setting, it must be worn and stored with care. If set into a ring or bracelet, that piece may not be suitable for everyday wear. However, an heirloom pendant showcasing a beautiful seawater-hued Aquamarine would be a perfect way to wear this gemstone with longevity in mind. Alternatively, a pair of stud earrings featuring this dazzling March birthstone would be the perfect gift for any Pisces or Aries in your orbit.
Aquamarines have historically been mined in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, which remains a major source of this gemstone and other Beryl varieties. They are often found in the eastern regions of the state. Pakistan’s elevated mines are another notable source of the blue gemstone. Reaching these crystal deposits first requires a 13,000-foot climb up a steep cliff. These difficult mining conditions are rewarded with some of the most beautiful Aquamarines ever unearthed—described as ‘clear as water’.
If you desire an Aquamarine, let us at Landmark Jewelers assist you in sourcing the perfect estate piece featuring this gemstone or starting a custom project where you can select from a range of loose stones.