AQUAMARINE
The Facts
Aquamarine mainly forms in granite pegmatites (coarse-grained igneous rock) and hydrothermal vents, where residual magma, rich in elements such as beryllium, aluminium and iron, cools and solidifies to form aquamarine crystals. These crystals grow over long periods of time, resulting in their distinct hexagonal prismatic shape. Aquamarine is found in many countries, including Brazil, Kenya, Russia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Namibia, China, the United States and Australia.
The Brazilian state of Minas Gerais is a particularly key producer of the gemstone and was home to the largest known example of the jewel, the Dom Pedro aquamarine. The original crystal initially weighed over 100 pounds but shattered into three pieces during its excavation in the late 1980s. The largest piece then travelled to the studio of Bernd Munsteiner, an Idar-Oberstein-based gem cutter, who decided to leave the imperfections that formed when the crystal was growing as they represent part of the story for this crystal’s formation. Munsteiner sculpted the gem into the 4.6 pound and over 10,000 carat obelisk form we see today which now resides at the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
Dom Pedro aquamarine in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
The Legend
However, the etymology of the aquamarine barely scratches the surface of the connections between this precious gemstone and water. According to Roman folklore, the aquamarine was believed to have fallen from the treasure chest of mermaids, as discussed by the ancient philosopher Pliny who stated ‘The lovely aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid's treasure house, in the depths of a summer sea, has charms not to be denied.’ The bright blue-green colour of the stones was said to have been the work of Neptune, the god of the sea, and these two beliefs coupled together led to sailors using the aquamarine as a talisman offering protection against sea monsters and perilous voyages.
Similarly, the Greeks often wore aquamarine amulets engraved with images of their god of the sea, Poseidon, which were thought to protect sailors on their journeys while granting them an esoteric knowledge of the sea and its secrets. Greek mythology, meanwhile, attributes aquamarines to Aphrodite herself, painting a picture of the goddess adorning her mermaid daughters’ hair with the gemstones in an expression of divine love and beauty.
In the Christian era, the aquamarine has been associated with St. Thomas, who travelled far outside of the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, with many congregations in the Middle East and southern Asia crediting St. Thomas as the first evangelist to establish those churches. The apostle made these long journeys by sea and, accordingly, is associated with aquamarines due to the way in which they imitate the sea and the air.
This reminiscence of crystal-clear waters and cool blue skies also makes the aquamarine the perfect gemstone for March babies, with its calming, gentle hues reflecting the early days of Spring.
Ancient Roman aquamarine intaglio of a maenad, dated to the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE. Christie’s.
Writers of the Middle Ages claimed the gemstone played an important role in many rituals and ceremonies. Aquamarine was widely believed to act as an antidote for poisoning, stemming from its association with water and the calming and cleansing properties of the stone, as well as being thought to hold the ability to bring rain when needed or cause drought to enemies. The aquamarine was accepted as the most popular and influential of the ‘oracle’ crystals and, when cut as a crystal ball, was considered to be a superior stone for fortune telling.
Aquamarine found in granite pegmatite. Wikipedia.
A delicate gemstone, formed in the most natural twists and turns of our planet, which has captured cultures and civilisations for generations and will surely continue to do so, the aquamarine is prized as a symbol of joy, everlasting youth, and is said to bring balance and peace to those who wear them; an ever-enduring representation of hope.
The Specifics
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Lustre: Vitreous
Colour: Blue to Green (often pale)
Hardness: 7.5
Refractive Index (RI): 1.56 to 1.60
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
1960s Aquamarine Pendant in 18ct gold, Lost Owl archive.