Aquamarine – the Stone of the Sea
The aquamarine is one of the most fascinating gemstone groups and has impressed with its intense luminosity for millennia. Its characteristic blue color is caused by iron compounds – but aquamarines come in a variety of blue tones, from delicate sky blue to deep sea blue.
Symbolism & Meaning
For millennia, aquamarine has been regarded as a symbol of clarity, calm, and inner strength – revered by sailors as a protective stone and worn by kings as a sign of wisdom.
Protection & Courage: Sailors 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 honesty – it is said to help one recognize their own truth and communicate it clearly.
Calm & Serenity: Like the calm sea, aquamarine symbolizes inner stillness, 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, 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)
- Bluish Green (turquoise-like hues, rare)
- Greenish Blue (natural, untreated color)
- Santa Maria (intense dark blue – the most valuable variety)
- Maxixe (deep blue, created by irradiation – fades in light)
Cut & Shape
Aquamarines are available in many classic and modern cuts and shapes:
- 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 a classic aquamarine cut – it optimally emphasizes the purity and depth of the color
- Rough Stones: Also available as natural rough 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 grades: 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 inclusion-free – this makes high-quality specimens particularly valuable and sought after.
Treatment & Authenticity
Natural aquamarines are typically heat-treated – this makes them particularly valuable and authentic. Transparency in declaration is a given for us.
Thermal Treatment (Heating): Widespread for aquamarines – heating transforms the greenish-blue into a pure, clear blue. This treatment is considered stable and accepted.
Irradiation: Applied to 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 command premium prices.
Proof of Authenticity: All our aquamarines are natural stones. Upon request, we can 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.