Its name literally means "water of the sea", and sailors carried it to keep them safe on stormy voyages.
Aquamarine is the cool, glassy blue of a tropical bay on a perfect summer's day. And it has a very famous relative you'd never guess.
Its dreamy blue comes from traces of iron locked deep inside the crystal. Brazil is famous for it, and Madagascar and Mozambique produce gorgeous stones too, each with its own signature shade of sea.
Read to the very end for the iconic green gem that is aquamarine's close cousin.
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A gem named for the ocean
Aquamarine comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning seawater. Its colour ranges from the palest sky blue to a deeper, dreamy blue-green.
⚓ Legend has it that sailors wore aquamarine as a talisman, trusting it to calm the waves and bring them safely home. One look at that sea-coloured sparkle and you can see why they believed in it.
Hold one up to the light and it really does look like a drop of the ocean, captured forever.
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March's birthstone, and a showstopper
Aquamarine is March's birthstone, and it's also traditionally given for a 19th wedding anniversary.
💧 It's famous for its incredible clarity, so it's cut into bright, glassy gems that catch the light from every angle. Put one on and it lights up any outfit.
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The stone of calm and courage
In crystal traditions and folklore, aquamarine is associated with:
The healing power of aquamarine
Crystal lovers treasure aquamarine as one of the most soothing stones there is. Here's what it's said to bring into your life:
🌊 Calm in the chaos. Said to wash away stress and anxious thoughts, like waves rolling gently onto the shore.
💬 Speak your truth. Linked to the throat chakra, it's believed to help you say what you really mean, clearly and confidently.
🛡️ Courage and protection. The sailors' stone is said to keep you safe and brave, whether you're travelling far or facing something new.
💙 Emotional balance. Believed to help you let go of what's weighing you down and find your way back to peace.
That's why so many people love wearing it close to the throat, as a pendant or necklace, or keeping it on all day where they can see that calming blue.
Here are two more ways to wear a little piece of the ocean every day.
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Tough enough for every day
Aquamarine is a hard, durable gem at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, harder than quartz. It's made to be worn and loved, which makes it a brilliant choice for rings, earrings and pendants you'll want on all the time. Keeping it gorgeous couldn't be easier:
✨ Warm soapy water and a soft cloth bring back that ocean sparkle in seconds
🧽 Rinse, pat dry and it's ready to go
👛 Give it its own pouch between wears to keep it looking brand new
💍 Pop into our Kirkcaldy boutique any time for a professional clean
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Aquamarine FAQs
What month is aquamarine the birthstone for?
March, alongside bloodstone in traditional lists. Aquamarine is the one most people fall for.
Is aquamarine a good gem for everyday wear?
Absolutely. At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale it's a durable, wearable gem, and it's a favourite for pendants, earrings and rings.
What is the difference between aquamarine and blue topaz?
They're different minerals that can look similar. Aquamarine is a calmer, softer sea blue, while blue topaz is often a brighter, more electric blue.
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What our customers say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Dougie van der Beak
"I took my wife's engagement ring in to get repaired. it needed a new Aquamarine and the claws holding it repaired. The staff were friendly and helpful and were able to source a new Aquamarine and carry out the work on the ring. it now looka even better than the day I bought it. I cannot recommend this shop enough."
The famous cousin: emerald
Aquamarine and emerald are both beryl. The mineral is the same; the difference is the trace elements that colour it. Iron gives aquamarine its blue, while chromium and vanadium give emerald its green.
🌊 So the sea-blue gem and the royal-green gem are, quite literally, family. Aquamarine has very good genes.
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Bring the ocean home
The calm of the sea, the courage of the sailors who trusted it, and a seriously glamorous family tree. Aquamarine is a little piece of magic you can wear every single day. Browse our aquamarine online or come and see it shimmer in person at our Kirkcaldy boutique.
Love birthstone stories? Read our guide to the December birthstones.
Visit or contact Eloise Jewellery
📍 Eloise Jewellery, 156 High Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, KY1 1NQ📞 01592 646340 · ✉️ eloisejewellery@hotmail.co.uk
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 9:30am–5:30pm
Please note: the spiritual properties described in this article come from crystal traditions and folklore. They are not scientifically proven and are not a substitute for medical advice.