Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. The name aquamarine originates from Latin's aqua marinus which translates to water of the sea. This attractive gemstone is traditionally used to celebrate the 19th wedding anniversary and is a semi-precious member of the beryl gem group. Beryl is a mineral made up of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate. Another well known variety of beryl is the emerald.
Just like the calming pastel colored waters of the ocean, aquamarine is associated with tranquility, serenity, clarity and harmony. This semi-precious beauty is also linked to happiness, good fortune in marriage, courage, release of stress and protection against enemies. Back in the day, Roman physicians used aquamarine in their treatments for overeating and aiding digestion. Aquamarine is linked to the throat chakra and can boost and improve communication. It is also a wonderful stone for meditation as it is said to connect us to our higher levels of consciousness and higher self.

Similar to the diamond, the 4 C's - color, clarity, carat, cut - affect the value and price of the aquamarine. However, in the case of the aquamarine, color is very important. Aquamarine usually comes in pastel blue-green colors. The colors can range from blue, slightly greenish blue, greenish blue, very strongly greenish blue and green-blue. Lower-priced gems are usually quite pale. In general, the more intense and darker the color, the more valuable the stone.
Where it comes from: Brazil, Columbia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, Mozambique, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Russia, Afghanistan
Hardness: 7.5 - 8
NOTE:
Care: Wash in warm soapy water. Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia or alcohol. Do not use abrasive cleaning materials such as brushes or scrubbing clothes.
All prices quoted are in USD.