The March birthstone is Aquamarine. Aquamarine is the blue version of Beryl and often grows in large, clear crystals that make it especially valuable to jewelers and collectors. Aquamarine is mostly mined in Brazil, but can also be found in Colorado and Wyoming in the US, some parts of Africa and the Middle East. Aquamarine’s name comes from its associations with the sea and lore that it was often given to sailors to keep them safe at sea and to ensure successful voyages. Its soft blue color was also said to cool hot tempers and to give people a clear and steady mind in times of stress and conflict. It was also thought to induce sleep and It has long been considered the symbol of happiness and everlasting youth. The biggest aquamarine ever mined was found at the city of Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1910. It weighed over 110 kg, and its dimensions were 48.5 cm long and 42 cm in diameter.
Aquamarine is a wonderful stone to wear, especially during the spring and summer seasons. Though untreated Aquamarine can be quite expensive, it can be a great investment for more serious collectors and a beautiful feature stone in luxury jewelry. Confer with a gemstone consultant before a serious purchase to acquire the best investment possible.
Color
Aquamarine’s color range is very narrow: It can be blue, very slightly greenish blue, greenish blue, very strongly greenish blue, or green-blue. The gem’s most valuable color is a dark blue to slightly greenish blue with moderately strong intensity. In general, the purer and more intense the blue color, the more valuable the stone. Most aquamarine is a light greenish blue.
Clarity
Most faceted aquamarines are eye-clean. Some crystals might contain liquid inclusions, but clarity characteristics are few or absent in most finished gems. Stones with eye-visible inclusions are usually fashioned into cabochons, beads, or carvings.
Cut
Aquamarines can be cut into almost any shape, but cutters often fashion them as emerald cuts or as round or oval brilliants. The rough is fairly plentiful, so well-cut stones are fairly common. The gemstone’s hardness and transparency make it popular with designers, artists, and carvers. Gem sculptors use aquamarine for fantasy cuts and ornamental objects.