Physical Attributes of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a type of beryl, and is actually just a lighter, bluish colored version of emerald. Its hardness is about 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. The color of aquamarine ranges from pale blue to deep blue, to light green, and can be either opaque or clear. Like all beryl gemstones, aquamarine crystallizes as hexagonal prismatic crystals with vertical striations, and large, near-perfect crystals over 5 inches long are sometimes found, although opaque specimens caused by inclusions are much more common.
Most aquamarine is found in Brazil and Colombia, which are traditionally the top emerald producing countries as well. Aquamarine is also found in some African countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Kenya. Some fine deposits are located in Madagascar too. In Europe, beautiful pale blue specimens have been found in Italy. Like emerald, aquamarine is often found in granitic and pegmatite rock matrix, sticking out as solid crystals.
This is a large rough aquamarine piece that is pale green in color. Pale blue is the more familiar color.
Metaphysical Properties of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for the month of March. Being named after the Greek word for seawater (aqua), the energy of aquamarine indeed feels “watery”, and therefore, refreshing. The energy is balanced, and helps realign all the chakras, providing a balance to the structures that connect the physical and etheric bodies. It provides the inspiration to achieve the perfection of the universe, in mind, body, and spirit.
Despite its delicate appearance, aquamarine is known as a “stone of courage”. It is protective, and acts like a shield for the physical and etheric bodies. It guards against pollutants, and has been used by soldiers to protect against injury incurred on the battlefield. Nonetheless, the energy of aquamarine is always gentle, never forceful.
Pale blue aquamarine ring.
For those seeking higher spiritual development, aquamarine’s gentle stabilizing energy provides the foundation for further progress to be made. Aquamarine helps you travel deep within and connect to your higher self, while remaining centered and calm at all times. Being a blue colored stone, it is certainly suitable for the throat chakra area, and therefore, enhances your communication skills.
In addition to the regular aquamarine crystals, “phantom” aquamarine specimens have been found, which includes the general properties found in phantom crystals, and is especially useful for past-life regression work. Such crystals exhibit a smaller crystal encased within a larger crystal – the smaller crystal is the crystal during its development many, many years ago.
Pale blue aquamarine crystals are commonly found.
Aquamarine Healing Properties
Aquamarine has been used to heal disorders of the glands, such as the thyroid, and to heal eye problems. It’s also used to improve eyesight. The crystalline structure of aquamarine is conducive towards improving cellular and physical “structure”, such as the skeletal frame, bones, and teeth.