AQUAMARINE
Birthstone: March
Aquamarine is a member of beryl family of gemstones, the most famous of which is the emerald. Aquamarine has the colour of the sea on a clear day, a colour which varies from a pastel blue through bluish green to deep blue. Most of the time, the green component is removed through heat-treatment, leaving the stone with the most desirable "aqua blue" colour. The more intense the blue in the stone, the more valuable it is. It is a durable stone with good, even colour distribution and good clarity. Aquamarine is normally cut in oval and emerald cuts. Most large stones will show a good colour saturation since it takes size for the colour to hold in the darker shade. Most small stones do not show good colour saturation. The pale fire in aquamarine is flattering to almost all skin types.
Legends say that the aquamarine is the treasure of the mermaids, with the power to protect the sailors from the wrath of the seas, especially when the stone was engraved with the Poseidon chariot! Aquamarine is also said to have a soothing influence on couples, with its power to help them sort out their differences and ensure a long and happy marrriage. Therefore, it makes a great anniversary gift.
Aquamarine is mined in Brazil, Russia, Pakistan and East Africa.