Aquamarine can vary in colour from a pale greyish blue to a rich greenish blue. This gorgeous gemstone acquired its name from its bluish-green colours, meaning ‘water sea’ in Latin. This association is why it was believed to be the treasure of mermaids, bringing good luck to sailors. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, and also associated with nineteenth wedding anniversaries.
People are often surprised to hear that aquamarine is from the same mineral variety as emerald, beryl. The difference is that aquamarine is coloured by iron in its crystal structure, causing the blue colour in the crystal. This gemstone is formed in long crystals, and can feature parallel liquid and gas tubes within the stone that are fittingly known to gemmologists as ‘rain.’ Aquamarine is sourced from in Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia and Russia.