Aquamarine – A Good Luck Jewel that also Brings Good Luck to Couples

By Twinty Karat

We wear jewelry in various places on our body, and while you may think that it looks good there, there is another reason for placing jewelry in certain spots on our body.

In ancient times, they felt that the only way an evil spirit or demon could enter the body was through the main orifices.  To prevent demonic possession, it would only make sense to put jewels or metal near these places.

 

Aquamarine – A Good Luck Jewel

The above ancient traditions aside, most people nowadays where jewelry for its appearance.  But who knows those old traditions are still believed by people today and lucky aquamarine jewelry may be in your future.  Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for those born in March, or for couples celebrating their 16th or 19th wedding anniversaries. Aquamarine is often considered a traveler’s lucky gemstone and as such it is a good luck jewel.

Ancient Customs

Since ancient times aquamarine was blessed with many mystical powers and it has been associated with luck, happiness and courage.  Primarily, it was considered sacred to the god of the sea. It was used by the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks.

Wearing Aquamarine amulets engraved with the water god was thought to protect them and bring them good luck at sea. It was thought to prevent seasickness. Legend says that Aquamarine was the treasure of the mermaids. It is also referred to as the treasure of Atlantis.  Once thought of as good luck stones for sailors, aquamarine gemstones appeal to many people.   Sailors used to wear aquamarine for safety and to thwart off seasickness, and thus, aquamarine was their lucky stone.

In Middle Ages a necklace with an aquamarine stone were worn frequently to prevent or cure toothaches and sore throats.

More Ancient Superstitions

Aquamarine was also a symbol of happiness, courage and everlasting youth to many ancient cultures. Claims were made of it quickening the intellect, improving memory, and curing laziness. Aquamarine is said to replace anger and negativity with mental peace and clarity.

It provides the wearer with emotional and mental balance. For these reasons it is said to be an effective treatment for anxiety, grief and depression, bringing serenity to the mind to the wearer.

This gemstone is also believed to stimulate creativity. It is used for calming and relaxing the mind and to decrease nervous tension. People often wear this lucky gemstone to bring good luck in new ventures and to ensure financial success.

 

Aquamarine Characteristics

Aquamarine gemstones are very affordable.  Aquamarine is from the Latin “aqua marinus,” which means “water of the sea.” Aquamarine is a blue or turquoise variety of beryl. It occurs at most localities which yield ordinary beryl.

Aquamarine gemstones range in color from very light blue to bluish green and usually have few inclusions. The clarity and depth of color help determine the price of these gemstones. The deeper aqua blue colored aquamarine gemstones are the most desired.

Aquamarine gemstones’ color is determined by the amount of iron they contain. Aquamarine gemstones are sometimes heat treated to achieve a stronger blue color. When the color changes due to this process the new deeper color is permanent. Aquamarine can also be clear yellow beryl, such as occurs in Brazil, where it is sometimes called aquamarine chrysolite.

 

Some places where Aquamarine is found

Aquamarine gemstones have been found in Zambia, Russia, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the United States. Some of the more valuable aquamarine gemstones come from Brazil and Russia. In the United States, aquamarine is the official gemstone of the state of Colorado.

It can be found in the U.S. at the summit of Mt. Antero in the Sawatch Range in central Colorado. In Wyoming, aquamarine has been discovered in the Big Horn Mountains, near Powder River Pass.

The gem-gravel placer deposits of Sri Lanka contain aquamarine. When corundum presents the bluish tint of typical aquamarine, it is often termed Oriental aquamarine. The deep blue version of aquamarine is called maxixe. Its color fades to white when exposed to sunlight or is subjected to heat treatment, though the color returns with irradiation.

Gemstone designers/cutters enjoy working with aquamarine gemstones because they are easy to cut, and as a result, the designers/cutters can get creative with their cuts. Aquamarine gemstones are quite durable.  

As members of the beryl family of gemstones, they rate a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Aquamarine is normally found in a faceted cut. However, if aquamarine is cut as cabochon, a cat’s eye effect is produced. This is known as asterism.

 

A cabochon or cabachon, from the Middle French caboche (head), is a gemstone which has been shaped and polished as opposed to faceted. The resulting form is usually a convex top with a flat bottom.

Cutting en cabochon is usually applied to opaque gems, while faceting is usually applied to transparent stones. Hardness is also taken into account as softer gemstones with a hardness lower than 7 on the Mohs hardness scale are easily scratched.

Also Consider Aquamarine for;

Promoting a soothing influence on relationships, especially marriage. Aquamarine’s reputed power to ensure a long and happy marriage makes it an excellent stone to give on Anniversaries. Folklore has it that Aquamarine is the luckiest charm for a bride, thus making it a great gift for an Engagement.

It is reputed to bring good luck to couples ensuring long-lasting relationships because it evokes feelings of trust and harmony.