MARCH BIRTHSTONES
AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine comes from the Latin word "aqua", meaning water, and "marina", meaning sea. It is also known as "water of the sea".
Aquamarine is a beryl that gets its color from traces of iron and has a color range from blue to blue-green. Prior to the 1900s the preferred color for aquamarine was a light bluish-green. Today, the preferred color for aquamarine is blue. This is often accomplished by heat-treating the aquamarine to remove the green, thus leaving a blue coloring that is permanent and stable. Aquamarine's hardness is 7.5 to 8.
Aquamarine is found in Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Ukraine, Nigeria, Zamia, and the United States of America.
In 1912 the National Association of Jeweler's made aquamarine the birthstone for March. It is the stone of the 16th and 19th Wedding Anniversaries. Aquamarine is associated with the zodiac signs of Pisces, Aries, and Gemini.
Emperor Nero used aquamarine as a looking glass while watching gladiator tournaments. In Germany, aquamarine was used in the creation of eyeglasses to correct shortsightedness. Eyeglasses were made from aquamarine because of its soothing influence.
Historically, aquamarines were believed to protect sailors and guarantee their safe voyage. It has also been considered a symbol of happiness and joyfulness. In medieval times it was considered the superior gemstone for fortunetelling and divination. It was also used to help search for lost or hidden things. Today, it is also associated with communication, clear thinking, healing, calmness, sympathy, harmony, trust, friendship, and protection.
Care:
All aquamarine can be cleaned with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are safe to use as long as it is not fracture filled or has liquid inclusions. Aquamarine's color is stable with light exposure. Exposure to heat and hydrofluoric acid is not recommended.
BLOODSTONE
Bloodstone is a variety of Jasper.