Soothing blue like a crystal from the sea, Aquamarine is the birthstone for those born in the month of March. Its name, symbolism, and meaning are quite naturally derived from its signature color: a cool aqueous blue, evoking the water element. Its name comes from the Latin “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning sea, combined to mean seawater. Aquamarine is a hexagonal crystal in the beryl mineral family and rates a hardy 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its color ranges from pale blue to greenish-blue to vibrant blue, with darker-colored stones being the most valuable.

Many early people used aquamarine as a protective talisman and as a stone of courage. Ancient Greeks and other early sea merchants carried it in their pockets to bolster them against fear of drowning and for safe passage across stormy seas. In Greek mythology, aquamarine was the sacred stone of the god Neptune, which carried with it the call of the ocean. It was fabled to have washed ashore in the treasure chests of sirens, the mermaids who would tempt men into the sea.

Above all, aquamarine evokes the purity of crystalline waters, including both the exhilaration and soothing aspects of the sea. It lends both courage and calm. Connected to the throat chakra in yogic tradition, this stone of communication inspires truth, trust, and self-expression. Also closely related to the water element, or our emotional nature, aquamarine is said to help with emotional clarity. It can also be a great stone for getting closure on a past issue or supporting one through a major life change, as it brings peace and tranquility, as well as rejuvenation and renewal to the body, mind, and spirit.

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