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Aquamarine
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Aquamarine is derived from the Latin aqua marina meaning "water of the sea". It is the blue version of the beryl, and has only been considered a separate stone under that name for a few centuries. It is very likely that the generalized “beryl” in the modern vernacular may have originally been reserved for the aquamarine specifically since the word beryl itself is derived from the Greek bḗryllos meaning “precious stone of blue sea water”, and a good portion of beryl folklore also involves associations with water.
This aquamarine was considered the sailor’s stone, though it was protective of travelers in general it was specifically thought to be beneficial for those traveling by sea and would protect from drowning. Pliny claimed that it was possible to cure eye diseases by washing the eyes with water in which the aquamarine had soaked. Later lapidaries listed this prepared water as a cure for a host of other ailments, such as liver issues and gout. Albertus Magnus said that drinking such water would also cure the hiccups, and bestowed on the stone itself the ability to quill demons and evil spirits.
The Romans recommended the aquamarine as a troth token, the traditional wedding gift from the groom to the bride. It was believed that the stone would become blessed when given as a gift between individuals “joined in love”. This enchanted stone would then preserve that love, bring benevolence and wisdom, and protect the wearer from disease and harm. Many of these virtues were repeated in later lapidaries.
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Colors
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Blue to Bluish Green
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Locations
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The best specimens come from Pakistan, but aquamarine can be found in other beryl deposits.
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Composition
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Be3Al2Si6O18
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Hardness
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7 - 8
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