Were you born in March? You’re in luck! Your birthstone is aquamarine , a calm and peaceful shade of blue. Want to learn more about aquamarine? From mythology to chemistry, there’s a lot to learn about the fascinating gemstone aquamarine . Here are some unique facts about this beautiful gemstone.

What is special about Aquamarine?
Its name symbolizes the ocean.
The name aquamarine reflects the physical properties of the stone. The term aquamarine comes from the Latin words aqua and marina, meaning water and sea. The color of this gemstone is somewhat similar to seawater. Over the years, the blue gemstone has been widely associated with legends and folklore related to ocean waters, making it more closely associated with the vast expanse of water.
Aquamarine has many shades
Aquamarine is known for its distinctive blue-green color as well as its transparency. Shades range from deep turquoise to pale crystal blue. The depth of color is actually affected by the amount of iron present in each gemstone’s structure. The fluctuating iron levels are why aquamarine color varies so much from one stone to another. The darker blues and greens tend to be the most prized of all aquamarines.

Heat treatment enhances color
Many aquamarine gemstones are heat treated to bring their color closer to a true, vibrant blue. This color change is permanent, but it does not harm or alter the structure of the stone. Heat-treated stones must be clearly marked and are often priced lower than natural stones of the same color.
It used to have another name.
Today, we know this translucent, blue stone as aquamarine, but it used to be called something else. Hundreds of years ago, the gemstone was called aquamarine beryl. The first evidence of it being called aquamarine dates back to the early 1600s.
Folklore Surrounding Aquamarine
Aquamarine has long been believed to protect people. Sailors at sea believed in its protective properties, and many believed that the stone had the power to bring them home safely for generations. Ornamental jewelry and amulets dating back to 500 BC have also been discovered, proving that many groups of people over time have had similar thoughts about this gemstone.
According to other folk traditions, aquamarine has the power to:
- Increase youth
- Increase intelligence
- Increase long-range vision
- Increase courage
- Increase happiness
Many people believe that Aquamarine has healing properties.
It seems like there is nothing that aquamarine can’t do if you believe in the folklore and ancient rituals. Some people believe in the natural healing powers of crystals, and they use aquamarine to help relieve symptoms of stress because many believe that aquamarine creates peace, tranquility, and serenity.
The Romans believed that this beautiful stone could cure health problems such as liver, stomach, throat problems, and reduce water retention. Medieval healers used it to remove toxins from the body.

It is sacred to the god Neptune.
The ancient Romans believed that the sea god Neptune had a special connection with aquamarine. According to legend, Neptune acquired the stone when it fell out of a mermaid’s jewelry box and washed ashore. These beliefs contributed to the belief that aquamarine was a protective stone for sailors, as Neptune would not want the gems to disappear and return to the sea.
It means a lot to many people.
Aquamarine holds great significance for many people around the world. For those born in March, aquamarine is their birthstone. It officially became so in 1912. For couples who have been married for many years, aquamarine is a traditional gift for their 19th wedding anniversary. This gift may have something to do with the color of aquamarine, but it was originally used in jewelry.