If you can picture the cerulean blue waters of the Mediterranean, you will understand why the birthstone for March is named aquamarine. Aquamarine, along with beryls in general, has been recognized and valued as a gemstone for thousands of years, often 19th anniversary wedding gifts traditionally include aquamarine in some cultures.

    The double reference to water in the name, which is a compound of the Latin words aqua, for water, and marina, "of the sea" suggests that the ancients connected the stone closely with water. In addition to appearing in settings with other, more precious gems, aquamarine was also highly valued by sailors, who considered it to be a lucky stone. According to sailing lore, aquamarine could ensure safe passage for sailors, and many wore the stone on their bodies or slept with an aquamarine under the pillow for peaceful sleep. Sailors also believed that mermaids had tails made of aquamarine. A legend says that sailors wore aquamarine gemstones to keep them safe and prevent seasickness.  The ancient Romans believed that the aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore.  Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

    Since early times, aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness. It is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful. As a healing stone, it is said to be effective as a treatment for anxiety and in the Middle Ages it was thought that aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons. The association with water led to the belief that the aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed.  Water in which this gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat.

    A gift of aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships.  Some people even say that the aquamarine reawakens love in a tired marriage, so if you want to bring back that spark in your partner's eyes, you might consider this gem as an anniversary gift! 

   The primary source of aquamarine is Brazil, although it is also found along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. The stone has been found in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India, and the Ural mountains as well. No standalone deposits of aquamarine have been found: the stone is associated with deposits of other rocks and ores such as tin, granite, feldspar, and tourmaline. The stone can be almost clear to rich blue in color, and it is sometimes heat treated to enhance the color. Because of the clear, sparkling appearance of aquamarine, it is usually presented in a faceted cut, so that the faces of the stone dance in the light.