More than you ever wanted to know about Aquamarine

This edition of my onbgoing series of blog posts about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore, features aquamarine.

Aquamarine, a member of the beryl family, gets its name from two Latin words which mean "sea" and "water"; thusly, water of the sea. A reference to it's seawater color. Its first documented use was as an amulet by the Greeks between 480-300 BC.

Lore

Ancient Greeks believed aquamarine held the spirit of the sea. Wearing this stone was said to protect one from adversities at sea, prevent sea sickness, and provide courage and a strong will. Aquamarines were believed to have originated from the jewel caskets of sirens, washed ashore from the sea.

"There is a flowing quality to the energy of aquamarine; at the same time the energy is also structured so that balance and order are maintained. It provides for alignment of the chakras and balancing of the network of structures connecting the physical and ethereal bodies." 1

Medicinally, aquamarine has been used for relief of stomach disorders and to strengthen the kidneys, liver and spleen. Cups and goblets were sometimes carved from aquamarine because of the belief that it aids digestion and reduces body fluids. It has also been recommended for toothaches and illness of the throat and jaw.

It was once believed that aquamarine can rekindle love in couples that have drifted apart and that it aids in the making of new friendships.

"Aquamarine helps balance excessive anger or fear and assists one in clearing patterns caused by past emotional, physical or verbal abuse. It is an excellent stone for children who have been through traumatic situations and have disassociated form their emotional bodies, or who are acting out their emotions in an aggressive way." 2

"In magic, this beautiful stone is worn or carried to enhance the use of psychic powers. Holding a crystal of the stone, or wearing a faceted aquamarine around the neck, reduces our conscious mind's hold on the psychic mind and allows the ever-present psychic impulses to be heard and to enter our consciousness." 3

Aquamarine is one of the birthstones for march.


1) A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 61

2) Naisha Ahsian "The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach " pg. 50

3) Scott Cunningham "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic" By pg. 86