Aquamarine - the magical properties of the gemstone

Natural Aquamarine: Depositphotos It is called the sea frozen in stone, and ancient legend says that the first aquamarine was obtained from a treasure box owned by a real mermaid. This stone crowns the crown of Elizabeth II. How much did the largest aquamarine weigh and where is it now? Let's discover how the magic of this stone manifests itself.

History and origin

Despite its terrestrial origin, aquamarine is considered a stone of the sea. This is because the mineral is endowed with an unusual greenish-blue color, reminiscent of sea water. Sometimes the shade of the stone is identified with the color of a clear tropical sky. The name of the gem, given to it by the ancient Roman sage Pliny the Elder, perfectly reflects the appearance of the nugget and the legends associated with it. The name “aquamarine” is literally translated from Latin as “sea water”.

The ancient peoples considered aquamarine to be a gift from the god of the seas, Poseidon. According to one legend, the first stone was discovered by sailors. It was found in a mermaid's treasure chest, which travelers lifted from the bottom of the sea. The beautiful nymph did not become angry, becoming the patroness of discoverers. Since that time, the gem served as a talisman for Greek and Roman sailors - they took it with them on voyages so that the sailors would avoid storms.

This is interesting! People of antiquity knew about aquamarine, but jewelry of that time inlaid with the stone cannot be found. The fact is that, despite all the development of the Greeks and Romans in the field of metalworking, they did not yet know how to cut precious stones. Therefore, all the beauty of minerals remained in the shadows until the era of scientific progress. Some rare pieces included cabochon inserts. Gems were popular - carved figures made of solid stone, depicting heroes, gods, and scenes from myths.

In the Middle Ages, bright, rich minerals were popular - sapphire, garnet and ruby. The stones were still processed in cabochon form. But the 18th century brought with it the Rococo style, the essence of which was reflected by the preference for calm, pastel colors. It was then that aquamarine became a famous and sought-after stone along with topazes of various shades. The art of cutting minerals improved, and the fashion for diamonds came to Europe.

But the peak demand for the nugget came at the beginning of the last century with the advent of the Art Deco style. Jewelers fell in love with the gem for its cold transparency of ice. Laconic jewelry was complemented with white diamonds or black onyx, emphasizing the icy nature of aquamarine. They cut the mineral into a rectangle - this form of processing was fashionable in those years.

Aquamarines adorn many pieces of jewelry. Among them are the tiara of Julius II - the Pope, one of Faberge's Easter eggs, the scepter of Stanislaus - the ruler of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Smithsonian Institution of America, the British Museum, and museums in Russia, Turkey, and Iran keep amazing collections of aquamarines.

Did you know that the largest cut aquamarine in history weighs 519 grams (2594 carats), and a stone weighing 920 carats, originally from India, adorns the crown of the Queen of England. In addition, the British ruler owns a set of aquamarine jewelry.

It is also known that aquamarine was once used in a unique way, making lenses for glasses from the mineral. The first such products date back to 1300 AD.

Aquamarine jewelry

The precious gift of the sea is considered a second-level stone. It is widely used in the manufacture of jewelry and in decorative and applied arts. Craftsmen usually cut aquamarines like emeralds and combine them with precious metals. Each accessory becomes a strong amulet.

A silver ring with an azure gem will be a wonderful addition to a business suit of any color.

A bracelet will not only decorate a lady’s hand, but will also give her the opportunity to move up the career ladder. The owner of such a jewel will be bursting with ideas that will definitely be noticed by her superiors.

An elegant pendant made of crystal, similar to the color of sea waters, will suit a young fashionista and will look great on a slender neck. The talisman will help a girl find her soulmate and build strong, trusting relationships.

Earrings with azure gems can be worn to any special event, anniversary, or presentation. They will look great with a cocktail dress. Jewelry will give a woman confidence in her beauty and increase self-esteem.

Any aquamarine product attracts good luck to its owner.

Place of Birth

Aquamarine occurs in pegmatites, most often found among coarse-grained granites. The gem is found everywhere. Significant deposits are:

• Island of Madagascar.
• Brazil.
• Russia.

Russian deposits of the mineral are Transbaikalia, the Ural Mountains.

Interesting fact! In 1910, Brazilians discovered the largest single aquamarine crystal in history, weighing 110.5 kg. Subsequently, 220 thousand carats of cut jewelry stones came out of the nugget. Earlier, an 18-kilogram crystal was found at the same deposit, which was given the name “Jaketo”. The nugget gave the jewelry industry 30 thousand carats of processed gems. The Transbaikal stone, mined in the 17th century, weighed 82 kg.

Aquamarines are also mined in the following areas:

• Kenya.
• Myanmar.
• Australia.
• USA.
• Mozambique.
• India.
• Islands of Sri Lanka.
• Namibia.
• Ukraine.
• SOUTH AFRICA.
• Tanzania.

Here crystals are mined on a smaller scale than in the top three countries.

Aquamarine in jewelry

After processing, the mineral is in great demand in jewelry. They are used to encrust (and also use as a single stone) rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants.

In addition, aquamarine has become famous as a material for massive jewelry:

1. Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte weighing 6 kg.
2. The scepter of the Polish king Stanislaus, which is 30 cm in length.
3. A 200 gram stone from India that adorns the crown of the Queen of Britain.
4. An aquamarine crystal 125 cm long, which is a museum exhibit at the Mining Institute of St. Petersburg.
5. A mineral weighing 82 kg, mined in the Eastern Transbaikalia.
6. Stones 19 and 20 cm long, which were discovered in the rocks of the Ilmen Mountains.
7. Aquamarine crystals with a width of 15 cm and a length of 61 cm, which were mined in the Altai region.

Physical properties

Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral Beryl. The structure of the hexagonal rings is such that hollow channels are formed inside the crystal. The characteristic color of aquamarine is blue. Iron impurities make the stone green.

The uniqueness of the mineral is that nature creates very large gem-quality crystals. The stone is quite hard, but at the same time light and fragile. From different angles, the mineral can change shades. Rare samples are endowed with asterism or an “eye” effect. Sunlight has a detrimental effect on crystals - they turn pale and lose color.

Also read: Diamond – a stone of hidden luxury and material wealth

How to cleanse and recharge aquamarine?

1. Wash the stone in running water. The best way to swim is to be in a natural source of running water, for example, a stream, river, or sea. If this is not possible, simply wash it under the tap.
2. In the evening, place it in the setting sun outdoors. If this is not possible, then just go to the window.
3. In the morning, give the stone a chance to bask in the rays of the rising sun.
4. Then hold the crystal in your hands. Tell him about your intentions, about your plans, in the implementation of which you want to receive his help.

Attention! Never place aquamarine in bright sunlight. Only at sunset and sunrise. Strong ultraviolet radiation is dangerous for this type of minerals.

Healing Possibilities

Aquamarine was popular among ancient healers, considered a cure for many ailments. Modern lithotherapists have adopted the knowledge of the ancients, widely using the gem to treat many diseases, including:

• Colds accompanied by sore throat and fever.
• Joint diseases (arthrosis, arthritis).
• Respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis.
• Dermatitis of various natures, including allergic rashes.
• Problems with blood vessels, such as varicose veins.
• Thyroid dysfunction.
• Vision pathologies.
• Malfunctions of the immune system.

The water-colored stone also acts as an excellent antispasmodic. If spasms occur, it is recommended to wear or keep the stone in the solar plexus area. Decoration in the form of a pendant helps with colds, and beads help with thyroid diseases. Earrings will help improve vision, and the ring will cope with dermatitis.

This is interesting! To improve the health of your entire body and ensure healthy sleep, you can take an aquamarine bath. Just put the gem in hot water for 30 minutes, then take it out and add more hot water. Relaxation for 15 minutes will normalize all vital processes and give you a sound, restful sleep.

To get rid of insomnia, it is also recommended to contemplate the stone in the evenings - 20 minutes will be enough.

Aquamarine is useful in cleansing the body of waste or toxins. The mineral copes with migraines, liver and stomach problems. Another useful property of the gem is the ability to rid the owner of harmful addictions (drugs, tobacco, alcohol). And, of course, the Gift of the God of the Seas suppresses a person’s fear of water and protects against seasickness.

Interesting facts about the stone

Many interesting facts are known about the sea mineral, because the stone has been known to human society for many centuries.

1. Fraudsters, both in ancient times and today, pass off aquamarine as an emerald. These gemstones are similar in appearance. But the first is much cheaper than the second.
2. Heating over 400 °C makes the azure gem almost transparent. Some jewelers actively use this property. Masters bleach specimens of not very beautiful yellow or brown shades. Then designer jewelry is made from these crystals.
3. A gemstone weighing more than 200 carats was found in one Madagascar deposit.
4. The most expensive aquamarines are considered to be bright examples of a blue hue (without internal defects or inclusions) over 3 carats.
5. Rich people can afford to order glasses whose lenses are made from colorless crystals. Moreover, ophthalmologists claim that wearing such glasses is much healthier than ordinary ones. There have been cases of complete restoration of vision after using aquamarine lenses.
6. Studies have confirmed the fact that the mineral, similar to the color of sea waters, has a beneficial effect on human health. When taking a bath, the crystal should be placed in water and soaked in it for at least 10-15 minutes. Such procedures should be carried out 2-3 times a week. After a couple of months, the general condition of the body will noticeably improve.
7. Before going to bed at night, you need to look at the gem and remember the best moments of the day, then you will have a sound sleep. Nightmares and insomnia will disappear without any medication. Moreover, in the morning real plans for getting out of difficult life situations will appear in your head.

Craftsmen use the sea mineral to decorate a variety of interior items, wallets, and handbags.

When the words “aquamarine color” are uttered, one immediately imagines the blue surface of the sea or a cloudless summer sky. The same color is found in a stone called aquamarine. It gives its owner not only aesthetic pleasure, but also healing and magical properties. Basic information about the gem can be found in the video presented.

Jewelry made from azure mineral is a must-have for all lovers of precious stones.

The magic of mineral

The gem has no less magical properties than healing ones. The most mysterious of them is the color change. We are not talking about the physical property of the stone, but about the magical one. When a person has happiness and harmony in his soul, and the weather outside is sunny, the stone is light blue, the color of a clear spring sky. If the owner is overcome by sadness and the weather is inclement, the mineral will be green. In addition, aquamarine noticeably becomes cloudy when a person is in danger or lies accumulate around the owner.

Thus, the Poseidon stone has protective properties, protecting a person not only from lies, but also from energy bloodsuckers, damage, the evil eye and other negativity. A green gem copes best with this task. However, wearing such a stone all the time is dangerous.

But light, pale shades are safer. Such patterns also help to get rid of obsessive, unpleasant connections. Any of the aquamarines will protect not only from negativity from the outside, but also from oneself - a person will not go to extremes, especially when making important decisions.

The mineral makes a person more resilient and physically stronger. The self-esteem of the one who possesses the stone increases noticeably, the person becomes a speaker capable of defeating an opponent during a discussion. Thanks to such a talisman, a person improves all the time, both spiritually and physically. Aquamarine is able to resolve any disputes and neutralize conflicts. When there is a trial coming up or the authorities call you on the carpet, take aquamarine with you. The stone will help you reach a compromise in any situation.

The sea nugget acts as a family amulet, supporting feelings, sexual attraction, even reconciling the diverse interests of spouses.

Do you know that in the old days, aquamarine jewelry was given to newlyweds. It was believed that thanks to the talisman, the newlyweds would be able to get used to each other, accept the interests of each, and protect themselves from divorce.

Today people also believe in the special love power of the stone. Rings decorated with gems are exchanged between lovers when they are about to be separated. Each of them knows that the amulet will preserve love, help them return to each other, and protect them from betrayal.

Also read: Uvarovite - the emerald beauty of the Urals

In the Middle Ages, it was believed that aquamarine was able to neutralize poisons. High-ranking personalities wore the mineral to protect against poisoning. Today the stone is used for meditation. Modern magicians believe that a nugget awakens supernatural abilities in a person.

This is interesting! There is a belief that if you point an aquamarine crystal towards the north, upon careful contemplation you will see a guardian angel through the stone.

It should be remembered that aquamarine does not serve lies. A wicked person should not make friends with a gem. But it wouldn’t hurt lazy people to get an aquamarine item in the shape of a lizard or frog.
Such an item will make a person hardworking.

Emotional support

• Aquamarine is a mineral of responsibility. Therefore, it is believed that he can save the family in cases where partners have forgotten about their obligations.
• Since the mineral is associated with the throat chakra, Vishuddha, it helps in speaking well.

If aquamarine is suitable for anyone, it is for those who must speak in public, but are afraid to do so. With its help, you can overcome the fear of public speaking and strengthen your voice when broadcasting to a large audience. At the same time, the crystal teaches not only to speak fearlessly and clearly, but also gives a person good intellectual speech. The speaker quickly finds the correct answer to the question asked, speaks convincingly and beautifully.

• Helps all those who often worry about trifles and are afraid of the world around them. And also for people who easily lose their temper and lose control over their words and actions.
• It gives a person determination and teaches him to control himself under any circumstances.
• The stone helps people who voluntarily take on the role of an eternal martyr to part with this scourge. Start enjoying life again.

Compatibility with other stones

Aquamarine is a stone of Water. Belonging to the elements makes it compatible with other aquatic minerals:

• Pearl;
• Topaz;
• Coral;
• Opal;
• Selenite;
• Euclase;
• Heliotrope;
• Moon rock;
• Alexandrite.

With Fire stones (Grossular, Pyrope, Diamond, Ruby) a process of mutual destruction occurs. The combination with Air minerals (sapphire, amethyst, citrine and rose quartz) is also unsuccessful due to the creation of uncomfortable vibrations.

Medicinal properties: do they exist?

The healing properties of the mineral have been used since ancient times. Traditional healers, shamans, and healers used the mineral to get rid of a number of ailments:

• Arthritis.
• Varicose veins
• Conjunctivitis.
• Angina.
• Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
• Allergies, itching and redness.

The place of skin diseases can be combined with wearing amulets, rings, earrings, beads. If your throat hurts, then a pendant with a stone will help you, it will also cope with the thyroid gland. Removing earrings will help with eye inflammation.

In addition to all of the above, aquamarine relieves severe toothache, removes waste and toxins from the human body. Increases immunity, improves metabolism and simply balances the nervous state of its owner.

It is known that it helps to get rid of drug and alcohol addiction, helps with headaches, stomach and liver problems.

Jewelry with mineral

Aquamarine belongs to the second level precious stones. The natural feature of occurrence in the form of large crystals makes large stones over 10 carats popular. The nugget is often processed with an emerald cut. The color palette of the stone makes it possible to create jewelry from multi-colored metals.

The cost of aquamarine varies and depends on the clarity, color and size of the stone. Typically, this ranges from $10 to $100 per carat. Clean, richly colored, large specimens are valued at around $250/carat. Inclusions and microcracks reduce the cost of stone by up to 70%. But unusual, rare inclusions, reminiscent of patterns of snowflakes or flowers, are welcome.

The domestic jewelry market offers both luxury products and publicly available jewelry with aquamarine in different price categories:

• Rings. From 5 thousand rubles for silver, from 20 thousand for gold.
• Earrings. Gold is estimated at 16-17 thousand, silver – about 4-5 thousand.
• Bracelet without frame – from 500 rubles.
• Beads - from 1000 rubles. A scattering of stones (a combination of aquamarine with rock crystal, pearls) - from 3,500 thousand.

They also make inexpensive jewelry from the alloy. Such products are purchased for 300-500 rubles. Author's works are valued more expensive than standard serial jewelry.

Types and colors of stone

Masters distinguish several varieties of minerals depending on the color of aquamarine:

1. Blue ones, which give the bowels of the Russian soil.

2. Green, mined in the Southern Urals.

3. Blue ones, which are supplied to the world market by America.

4. In the Federative Republic of Brazil, sapphire blue crystals are found.

In nature there are specimens of the following shades:

• light heavenly;
• blue-green;
• yellowish;
• greenish-sky.

It is very rare to see colorless natural specimens. If gemstones are exposed to sunlight for a long time, they lose their natural color and turn yellowish-brown.

Sometimes nature gives exclusive specimens of rich sapphire shades, called maxis aquamarines.

How to spot a fake

Although aquamarine is a semi-precious stone, fakes still exist. Often these are artificial corundums or glass, as well as cheap minerals that look similar. Synthetic aquamarine exists, but is not produced due to unprofitability.

It is difficult to distinguish natural aquamarine from artificial spinel, topaz or quartz, but it is possible by the following characteristics:

• Quartz stones are not aqua-colored.
• Spinel has bubble inclusions inside.
• Glass is always perfect. Natural minerals always have inclusions.
• Topaz shimmers brighter, but does not have the silvery sheen of aquamarine.
• Natural aquamarine is endowed with dichroism - a color change depending on lighting and environmental conditions.
• Glass or plastic will quickly heat up in the palms, but the natural mineral will remain cool.

Intense blue stones are the most expensive. This is not always the natural color of aquamarine. More often, it is passed off as a cheaper pale aquamarine, calcined by temperature, due to which the density and tone of the color are enhanced. An uneven color will give off such an imitation.

Stone care

In order for the azure gem to delight you with its magnificent appearance for a long time, you must follow simple rules:

1. Arriving home, a woman should remove the jewelry so that the crystal does not interact with aggressive household chemicals.
2. You should not take this product on a trip to the sea. After all, prolonged exposure to sunlight leads to a change in natural color.
3. Clean the surface of the jewelry with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water. Then it is washed under running cool water and dried.
4. Store the jewelry in a plush or suede bag in a dark place.
5. The mineral should not be allowed to fall.

Once every 2-3 months, precious stones are cleansed of negative energy. To do this, the jewelry is placed in holy water collected in the church for a day.

How to wear

Products with aquamarine are universal, suitable for everyone without exception, regardless of age, gender and type of appearance. It is preferable for green-eyed or blue-eyed blondes to wear light stones in a silver or any other white frame. Products with frames made of colored gold, complemented by more saturated specimens, are intended for brown-eyed brunettes.

• Young girls choose jewelry made of silver or gold, which combines several varieties of aquamarine. Necklaces where small aquamarines are intertwined with pearls, topazes and cubic zirconia are also popular.
• For older women, bracelets or beads made of large stones are suitable. Platinum and gold jewelry with large solo stones look good.
• For little and young princesses, light, neat jewelry made of alloys or silver, complemented by small light aquamarines, is recommended.
• Men's accessories are frames of strict shapes with dark stones.

Also read: Scapolite – a stone of variability that promises permanence

Regarding the wardrobe, the best solution for aquamarine jewelry is clothing in light, pastel colors, against which the gem will not be lost.

You should buy aquamarine according to the lunar calendar. For a blue stone, the ideal day of acquisition is the 3rd lunar day, and for a green stone - the 14th. It is recommended to use any type of aquamarine no earlier than after 14 days. At the same time, the stone should not just lie there for 2 weeks and wait in the wings - you need to talk to it so that the mineral gets used to its owner.

Application

Excellent jewelry stone

Although in the past Aquamarine was used in optics - they made lenses for glasses, today it is used purely in jewelry production.

Inserts made from it decorate earrings, rings, pendants, brooches, bracelets and necklaces. Most often it is given an oval or emerald cut, but sometimes you can see stones cut into a circle, baguette, trillion, heart or fancy shapes.

The mineral looks equally organic in red, yellow, white and rose gold, as well as in silver.

Aquamarine is often used in lithotherapy and alternative medicine. Energy specialists recommend wearing it to people who want to get rid of addiction (to alcohol, smoking, gambling, etc.).

Since ancient times, the pebble has served as a magical talisman and amulet, protecting against rash actions and external negativity. The bright blue-green color of the mineral is well suited for positive meditation.

Contemplating aquamarine, a person not only clears his mind, but is also filled with the energy of joy.

Care instructions

Aquamarine is one of the hard stones. However, it is fragile, so care for it must be appropriate, consisting of a few simple tips:

1. Sunlight is harmful to the mineral, causing the stone to turn pale and lose its hue. Therefore, jewelry with aquamarine is not worn in hot sunny weather, but is stored in a tightly closed box.
2. Clean the stone with soapy water and a soft cloth. Ultrasound is excluded, otherwise the gem will crumble or crack.
3. Do not wear the gem while doing housework or applying makeup - chemicals and cosmetics are no less harmful to the stone than the sun.

Do not allow heavy accumulation of dirt in the areas where the frame and stone come into contact, especially for rings, rings or any jewelry with a complex openwork design.

Talismans according to horoscope

If we turn to astrology, a representative of the zodiac sign Scorpio will prefer a talisman as an owner, because it is he who lacks sanity and calmness when communicating with people. Aquamarine has two more favorites: Aquarius and Pisces. It helps them in love and attracts friends.

Don’t worry if you decide to purchase aquamarine as a talisman or decoration: its price is affordable, although the stone is semi-precious.

Compatibility with names and zodiac signs

The stone, which came to people from the bottom of the deep sea, has “wards”, like other minerals. People with certain names can draw something of their own from the talisman, personal, in addition to the general magical abilities of the gem. Such names are:

• Mark. Aquamarine will make such a man reasonable, cool down his ardor, and protect him from deception.
• Faith. For her, the stone of the seas is a talisman of fortitude, family warmth, and exposing lies.
• Michael. The nugget will become a motivator for him, prompting him to take action. Thanks to the amulet, Mikhail will be able to clearly comprehend the situation, assessing mistakes, exposing untruths.
• Snezhana. Aquamarine gave her the ability to clairvoyance. A prophetic gem will help Snezhana learn about dangers or illnesses in a timely manner.
• Rodion. The talisman will bring prosperity to Rodion’s family, help to maintain a positive attitude, and not succumb to human deceit.

Even if the gem does not patronize by name, everyone will discover something good from friendship with this amazing mineral. After all, there are no astrological contraindications to wearing aquamarine. This means that the gift of Poseidon suits all zodiac signs without exception!

(“+++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):

The mineral has the most ideal compatibility with the sign of Scorpio. Since Scorpios are by nature aggressive, impulsive individuals, they often suffer from this. After all, making important, and most importantly, correct decisions is difficult when you are overcome by outbursts of inappropriate emotions. Aquamarine will make members of this family calmer, more balanced and help them look at the world more objectively.

Other Zodiacs will also feel the goodness emanating from the gem:

• Aries will increase responsiveness and kindness.
• Aquarians will be able to manage their finances more rationally.
• Libra will gain the missing balance.
• Virgos will get rid of the habit of demanding too much from themselves and from those around them.
• Gemini will come closer to spiritual self-knowledge and development.
• Pisces will take the path of success by correctly setting their life priorities.
• Leos and Cancers will stop tormenting themselves with causeless worries.

Only Taurus and Sagittarius will experience the gem differently. Some people will truly believe in the power of the mineral, while others will be quite skeptical about it, bypassing aquamarine.

Is this stone right for you?

Note

An amazingly benevolent nugget, donated by the sea, but lying in the depths of the Earth. Aquamarine with its entire essence symbolizes love, harmony, and humanism. Anyone who wants to achieve justice, take the path of success, family happiness, will definitely see a friend in this gem.

Photo of the stone

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Aquamarine stone: photo

The aquamarine mineral in its original form is similar to glass. However, their physical properties are completely different.

Jewelry that combines aquamarines with diamonds looks luxurious and elegant. But such a tandem is not only attractive in beauty. The union of diamond and aquamarine means “eternity.” Very symbolic for a gift.

The photos of the aquamarine stone presented in this article confirm its beauty and sophistication.