Aquamarine – the Stone of the Sea
Aquamarine are among the most fascinating groups of gemstones and have captivated people for millennia with their intense luminosity. Their characteristic blue color is caused by iron compounds – but aquamarines come in a variety of blue shades, from delicate sky blue to deep ocean blue.
Symbolism & Meaning
For millennia, aquamarine has been a symbol of clarity, calm, and inner strength – revered by seafarers as a protective stone and worn by kings as a sign of wisdom.
Protection & Courage: Seafarers wore aquamarines as talismans against storms and dangers at sea – it is considered a stone of courage and protection on long journeys.
Clarity & Truth: Aquamarine stands for mental clarity and sincerity – it is said to help one recognize their own truth and communicate it clearly.
Calm & Serenity: Like the tranquil sea, aquamarine symbolizes inner peace, balance, and emotional harmony.
Youth & Joy: In many cultures, aquamarine is considered a stone of eternal youth and joie de vivre – it is said to bring positive energy and lightness into life.
Birthstone: Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for the month of March.
Zodiac Sign: Particularly associated with Pisces and Aries.
Basic Characteristics
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl group and is one of the most fascinating and sought-after gemstone families in the world.
- Mineral Class: Silicates (Cyclosilicates)
- Crystal System: Hexagonal
- Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale
- Density: 2.68–2.74 g/cm³
- Refractive Index: 1.567–1.590
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Cleavage: Indistinct (very tough material, ideal for jewelry)
- Pleochroism: Weak (light blue to colorless)
Colors:
- Light Blue (delicate sky blue – the classic)
- Medium Blue (vibrant, clear blue)
- Deep Blue (intense ocean blue – highly sought after)
- Blue-Green (turquoise-like tones, rare)
- Greenish-Blue (natural, untreated color)
- Santa Maria (intense dark blue – the most valuable variety)
- Maxixe (deep blue, due to irradiation – fades in light)
Cut & Shape
Aquamarines are available in many classic and modern cuts:
- Cut: Oval, Round (Brilliant), Cushion, Pear, Cabochon (domed, uncut), Emerald (Rectangle/Step), Marquise, Heart, Trillion (Triangle), Briolette, Radiant
- Special Feature: The emerald cut is considered the classic aquamarine cut – it optimally emphasizes the purity and depth of the color
- Rough Stones: Also available as natural raw crystals and specimens
Inclusions & Characteristics
Aquamarines are natural stones – inclusions are a sign of authenticity and not a flaw. Only under the microscope does the true nature of the stone reveal itself.
Typical inclusions:
- Needle-like hollow channels (create the coveted cat's eye effect in cabochons)
- Fingerprint inclusions (healed fractures)
- Crystal inclusions (mineral crystals inside)
- Feather inclusions (partial fractures)
- Zoning (color bands or zones)
Quality levels: Eye-clean (no visible inclusions to the naked eye) is considered premium quality. Minor inclusions are normal in natural stones and only slightly reduce their value. Strong inclusions can affect transparency and brilliance.
Special feature: Aquamarines are often remarkably clear and free of inclusions – this makes high-quality specimens particularly valuable and sought-after.
Treatment & Authenticity
Natural aquamarines are usually heat-treated – this makes them particularly valuable and authentic. Transparency in declaration is a matter of course for us.
Heat Treatment: Widely used for aquamarines – heating transforms the greenish-blue into a pure, clear blue. This treatment is considered stable and accepted.
Irradiation: Used for some varieties – can intensify the color but is not always stable and should be declared.
Untreated (Natural): Rarer, but particularly valuable – natural blue aquamarines without any interventions achieve premium prices.
Certificates of Authenticity: All our aquamarines are natural stones. Upon request, we provide certificates from renowned laboratories (GIC, GRS, Gübelin, SSEF). We do not carry synthetic or simulated stones.
Aquamarine at Phönix Gemstone
We source aquamarines directly from their countries of origin – for jewelers, goldsmiths, and collectors who value quality and transparency. Each stone is carefully inspected and documented.
Make an Inquiry
Are you looking for a specific aquamarine for your next project? Contact us – we will put together a personal selection for you.