The Birthstone For March is Aquamarine

WHAT IS THE BIRTHSTONE FOR MARCH?

The third month of the year, and third in our blog series of birthstones. March features the Aquamarine as it's birthstone, read on as we explore the properties and history of the precious gemstone Aquamarine.

For those born in March, your Aquamarine has many lovely qualities, one of which is the clear sparkling blue, that's reminiscent of the sea in Summer. In fact the name aquamarine comes from the Latin word for "water" and "sea," It is often used in jewellery and is popular in a variety of cuts, including emerald and cushion cuts.

WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF AQUAMARINE?

Aquamarine is a mineral that belongs to the beryl family. It is a form of beryl that is coloured blue to blue-green by iron, and is typically found in granite and mica schist. It has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. Aquamarine is a transparent to translucent mineral, and it can be found in large and flawless crystals, which makes it suitable for cutting large gems.

In addition, Aquamarine is also known to be a heat-sensitive stone, and it should be handled with care when cleaning and repairing. The stone should be cleaned using warm water and mild detergent and should not be exposed to heat or harsh chemicals during cleaning.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF AQUAMARINE?

Aquamarine is also believed to have various metaphysical properties. It is said to have a soothing energy that can calm the mind, reduce stress and help with communication. It is also said to help with emotional balance and inner peace. It is also thought to be useful for those who work in water or have a connection to the sea.

Aquamarine has a long history of use as a gemstone, dating back to ancient times. The ancient Romans and Greeks believed that aquamarine had the power to protect sailors and soldiers, and it was also thought to have the power to improve communication and to bring good luck.

In the Middle Ages, aquamarine was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and to protect against the dangers of the sea. It was also thought to have healing properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments.

During the 19th century, large deposits of aquamarine were discovered in Brazil, which led to an increase in its popularity as a gemstone. Today, Brazil is still one of the largest producers of aquamarine, along with other countries like Russia, Pakistan, Zambia, and Madagascar.

Along with being the birthstone for March, Aquamarine is also the gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary. It remains a popular choice for jewellery, and is often used in engagement rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendant

SO WHERE IS AQUAMARINE FOUND?

Aquamarine is found in various locations around the world. The largest and most well-known deposits are found in Brazil. Other significant sources of aquamarine include Pakistan, Russia, Zambia, Madagascar, and the United States (Colorado, California, North Carolina, and Maine). Aquamarine can also be found in smaller deposits in other countries like China, India, and Nigeria. It typically forms in granite and mica schist, and it is often found in association with other minerals like tourmaline, and quartz. The mineral is also commonly found in pegmatites, which are large, coarse-grained igneous rocks that form from slowly cooled magma.

In addition to the traditional mining, Aquamarine can also be found in alluvial deposits, formed by weathering and erosion of the host rock, that can be extracted by artisanal and small scale mining.

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