When you gaze at aquamarine, what comes to your mind? Do images of strolling along a clear beach, feeling the gentle breeze and the soothing touch of the waves, flood your thoughts? Does it evoke memories of breathtaking sunrise or sunset scenes over the sea? The tranquil blue hue of aquamarine is both healing and clear. If you were to choose a gemstone to wear, would you choose this one?
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a historically significant and widely recognized colored gemstone, belonging to the beryl family alongside emerald, specifically referring to blue or cyan-colored beryl. Its chemical composition mainly consists of aluminum, sodium, and silicate. The English name "Aquamarine" first appeared in 1598, derived from the combination of two Latin words, "Aqua" and "Marina," meaning "water" and "sea," respectively. The gemstone is named for its resemblance to the clear waters of the sea. Aquamarine typically displays hues ranging from blue-green to light blue, exhibiting high transparency, making it a beloved gemstone.
What colors does aquamarine have?
The blue color of aquamarine is caused by divalent iron ions. Generally, in beryl, the higher the Fe content involved in the coloration, the more intense the blue color of the gemstone, displaying a higher saturation and lower brightness.
Aquamarine possesses a clear transparency, presenting varying shades of blue to blue-green. Its main colors include light blue, medium blue, dark blue, deep blue, double blue, Santa Maria, greenish blue, and green-blue. Among them, the Santa Maria aquamarine is exceptionally rare.
Legend of Aquamarine
Aquamarine, derived from the Latin word "Aquamarina," meaning seawater, is so named because ancient people observed that the color of aquamarine resembles the deep blue of the sea. They attributed aquatic properties to it and believed it originated from the ocean floor, even thinking that aquamarine could capture the soul of the ocean. Due to its close association with water, sailors have considered aquamarine a talisman for centuries, using it to pray for the sea god's protection and safe voyages, earning it the name "Mascot stone" or "Fukuhai Stone." Both in the East and the West, water is seen as the source of life, and March, when all living beings on Earth begin to stir, is the time when the gem with the "water" attribute, aquamarine, is designated as the birthstone for March, symbolizing composure, bravery, happiness, and longevity.
Surrounding aquamarine are numerous enchanting legends. It is said that a group of mermaids resides in the deep sea, delighting in collecting aquamarine to adorn themselves. In critical moments, they need only to expose the aquamarine to sunlight to harness mysterious powers, leading to aquamarine earning the alias of the "Mermaid Stone."
Furthermore, aquamarine is also referred to as the "Stone of Love." This myth originates from ancient Greek mythology, where the wind god, Roland, fell in love with a mortal woman. This love was not accepted by the divine realm of that time. In devotion to his love, the wind god Roland willingly sacrificed his life. Before his demise, he beseeched Venus, the goddess of love, to encapsulate his soul within aquamarine. This act is believed to bless people in finding their own love, enabling them to experience sweet romance and maintaining marital bliss.
In summary, aquamarine is not only cherished for its captivating beauty but also carries profound meanings associated with the sea, mermaid legends, and the eternal theme of love.
The effects and functions of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is regarded as the "Stone of Love," symbolizing sincere and pure love. People believe that wearing Aquamarine can enhance relationships and communication, bringing about harmony and happiness in marriage. It is believed to promote emotional tranquility and purification, boost confidence and courage, and attract love and happiness. Aquamarine is known to activate the Throat Chakra, facilitating effective communication and understanding, encouraging attentive listening, and fostering mutual understanding and resonance. Wearing Aquamarine can help express oneself more smoothly in interpersonal relationships, reduce misunderstandings and conflicts, and establish more harmonious connections. Regarded as a stone for spiritual purification, Aquamarine aids in clearing thoughts, enhancing intuition, and insight. It contributes to improved emotional expression and communication, fostering harmonious relationships. Additionally, it serves as a gemstone to alleviate anxiety and stress, providing a sense of inner calm and relaxation. When faced with challenges that diminish confidence and courage, wearing Aquamarine can assist in overcoming obstacles. In moments of nervousness or difficulty expressing oneself clearly, wearing Aquamarine helps enhance speaking and expressive abilities, allowing for clearer conveyance of thoughts and emotions.
