Birthstone Aquamarine History
Aquamarine – History and Lore

Aquamarines are other famous members from the Beryl family of gemstones; the same family that emerald belongs to. These gemstones derive their name from Latin, from where it can be literally translated as sea water. Since ages these gems have been treasured for their radiant blue hue and their numerous mystical powers.

The first known documentation of aquamarines was around 480 to 300 B.C. in an ancient Greek scripture. The Greeks believed that if sailors wear this gem, it guarantees safe voyages and prevents sea sickness. According to a legend, aquamarines were the treasures of the mermaids. The power of these gems was thought to intensify when submerged in water.

Romans believed that if an aquamarine with engraved figure of a frog was on it was worn; it could even turn enemies into friends. The gem was also worn for its ability to invoke love in a couple.

Aquamarine was identified as one of twelve gems in the apostle. The scripture ‘The Visions concerning Piers and the Plowman’ written by William Langland in the year 1377, describes aquamarines as an antidote for poison. Given this virtue, aquamarine gemstones were much in demand all around Europe. It is said that at that time, many a royalties were poisoned and aquamarines were kept and purchased only for its curative properties. For the same reason many royalties at that time were seen wearing rings, pendants and amulets with aquamarines.

These gems were also believed to bestow prophecy on its wearer. During the middle ages, aquamarines were cut as cabochon and were used as balls for fortune telling. Victorians used to gift this gem to guarantee marital happiness.

Aquamarines were also mentioned in a very important work in gemology in the 17th century. In his famous work ‘Gemmaum et Lapidum Historiia’ published in 1609, Anselmus de Boodt, the famous Belgian mineralogist described these gems an important reference.

In Nineteenth Century, the sea green varieties of aquamarines were more desired, while in today’s times it is the blue hued varieties that have become popular. In the year 1971 aquamarine was even recognized as the state gemstone of Colorado.

In 1912 aquamarines were categorized as the birthstones for March. It is said that aquamarine endows wisdom, health, hope, happiness and youth on its wearer.