Aquamarine – The Stone of the Sea and Clarity
Its name says it all: Aquamarine — water of the sea. This delicate, blue-green gemstone carries the color of the tropical ocean within it and radiates a tranquility that immediately soothes. 💎
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl — the same family includes emerald and morganite. Its characteristic blue-green color is caused by iron in the crystal lattice.
The most beautiful aquamarines come from Brazil, especially from the Minas Gerais region. Other important deposits are Pakistan, Nigeria, Mozambique and Madagascar.
Aquamarine in History
Sailors wore aquamarines as protective amulets on their voyages — the stone was supposed to protect them from storms and guarantee a safe return. Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, is said to have stolen aquamarines from the mermaids' treasure.
During the Renaissance, aquamarines were considered oracle stones — soothsayers used them for visions and prophecies.
Quality and Color
The most valuable aquamarines show a clear, intense blue — without a greenish tint. The most famous aquamarine in the world is the "Dom Pedro" with 10,363 carats, currently on display at the Smithsonian Museum.
Caring for Aquamarine
Aquamarine is very robust with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8:
- Ideal for everyday jewelry
- Clean with warm water and mild soap
- Ultrasonic cleaners possible for untreated stones
- Protect from strong heat — can change the color
Aquamarine Jewelry at Gallardos-Design
Our handcrafted aquamarine jewelry perfectly showcases the crystal-clear beauty of this stone.