Many people choose aquamarine because the stone has a soft appearance and is easy to combine with other crystals. If you’re working with themes relating to speech and expression, take a look at Throat Chakra – crystals and explanations. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for more gentleness and connection, then read Heart Chakra – crystals and explanations. Whether you’re looking for a personalised gift or a stone for yourself, aquamarine is a lovely and accessible choice.
What is aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a blue to blue-green variety from the beryl family, the same mineral group to which emerald also belongs. The name comes from the Latin ‘aqua marina’, meaning ‘sea water’. This fits well with the clear, fresh colour for which aquamarine is renowned. You’ll find the stone in the form of aquamarine crystals, aquamarine gemstones and in jewellery such as an aquamarine pendant. The colour is naturally caused by traces of iron in the mineral. As a result, no two aquamarine stones are exactly the same, and that is precisely what makes a natural stone so special.
The colour of aquamarine
The colour of aquamarine ranges from very light blue to blue-green. People sometimes search for ‘blue aquamarine’, ‘aquamarine blue’ or even ‘aquamarine green’. This makes sense, as many stones fall exactly between blue and green. A deeper, more even colour is often more highly valued in cut gemstones, whilst in rough and tumbled stones, the natural pattern, clarity and shape are also important. A genuine aquamarine usually looks soft and clear, rather than unnaturally bright.
Which aquamarine suits you best?
The best choice depends mainly on how you intend to use the stone. These are the most popular shapes:
Aquamarine pendant – lovely if you like to wear the stone with you.
Aquamarine tumbled stone – smooth, easy to hold and convenient to carry.
Raw aquamarine – more naturally shaped and lovely for display in the home or on an altar.
An aquamarine stone as a gift – an accessible choice thanks to its soft colour and calming appearance.
When choosing, consider the colour, size and finish. If you want a subtle stone, go for light blue. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something with more presence, a larger or slightly deeper-coloured aquamarine is often a better choice.
Other crystals that go well with aquamarine:
- Kyanite – for clear communication and the free flow of energy.
- Angelite – gentle, soothing and confidence-building.
- Larimar – soothing “water” energy, focusing on the throat area.
What determines the value of aquamarine?
The price of aquamarine depends on several factors: colour, clarity, size, cut and rarity. For jewellery and loose cut stones, the price is often quoted per carat. For tumbled stones, rough aquamarine or pendants, the price is usually based on the piece as a whole. Natural variation also plays a part. A larger stone with a beautiful, clear aquamarine colour will often be priced differently to a small, lighter specimen. If you’re mainly looking for a lovely stone for everyday wear, don’t just consider the value, but focus above all on what appeals to you.
Do you already have a stone at home and want to look after it properly? Then read on Cleansing and charging crystals for practical tips.
Aquamarine as the birthstone for March
Aquamarine is traditionally known as the birthstone for March. That is why people often search for ‘March birthstone aquamarine’ or ‘birthstone aquamarine’. In gemmology, aquamarine is also regularly associated with water-like, gentle energy and sometimes with zodiac signs such as Pisces. Please regard this primarily as a symbolic or personal meaning, rather than as an established fact.