Aquamarine, from Latin: aqua marina, "sea water," is a blue or cyan variety of beryl. It occurs at most localities which yield ordinary beryl. The gem-gravel placer deposits of Sri Lanka contain aquamarine. The deep blue version of aquamarine is called Maxixe, and is commonly found in the country of Madagascar. Its color fades to white when exposed to sunlight or is subjected to heat treatment, though the color returns with irradiation.

HISTORY

The ancient Romans believed that aquamarine provided energy and cured laziness. With its deep connection with water, it’s not surprising that aquamarine wearers become immune to sea sickness. A popular gemstone among the sailor community, this good luck charm was believed to offer them protection from the violent seas. While European nobility had great faith in aquamarine’s power to combat toxins, and wore it frequently.

COMPOSITION

The pale blue color of aquamarine is attributed to Fe2+. Fe3+ ions produce golden-yellow color, and when both Fe2+ and Fe3+ are present, the color is a darker blue as in maxixe. Decoloration of maxixe by light or heat thus may be due to the charge transfer between Fe3+ and Fe2+. Dark-blue maxixe color can be produced in green, pink or yellow beryl by irradiating it with high-energy particles (gamma rays, neutrons or even X-rays).

HARDNESS

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7.5 - 8

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Aquamarine boosts the immune system and supports the healing of inflammatory diseases of all kinds. It relieves sore throats, sinus conditions, swollen glands and thyroid problems, and alleviates overreactions, such as hayfever or allergies. Aquamarine relieves tired eyes and counteracts shortsightedness and farsightedness. It regulates hormones and growth.

Aquamarine is a stone of breath, the respiratory tract, and the lungs. It can heal sinus conditions and frequent coughing, and is effective for hay fever and other chronic allergies. [Megemont, 32][Gienger, 16] It relieves colds and bronchitis. [Eason, 218]

Aquamarine is a cooling stone, countering infections and useful for laryngitis, strep throat or a sore throat. [Ahsian, 50] It harmonizes the pituitary and thyroid glands, regulating hormones and growth. [Hall, 68][Gienger, 16] It is beneficial for teeth and gum problems. [Eason, 218]

It supports the healing of inflammatory diseases of all kinds, and is soothing to eczema, hives, rosacea and psoriasis. It may also help prevent outbreaks of herpes. [Ahsian, 50] Some skin diseases caused by allergies may be cured by Aquamarine, and can complement the treatment for shingles. [Megemont, 32]

Tired eyes and some vision problems can be relieved if Aquamarine is placed on the eyelids for 20 minutes every night. Placed on the solar plexus, it will calm nervous spasms. [Megemont, 32]