Aquamarine
The name for the blue variety of the mineral beryl, aquamarine is a beautiful stone that has been popular for centuries. The only difference between emerald (the green variety of beryl) and aquamarine are its color and they are otherwise the same stone. Aquamarine is the most well known of light blue gemstones and is appreciated across the entire world. Beryl, and as such aquamarine, is the source for beryllium, an important metal.
History and Etymology-
Aquamarine name comes from the latin for “sea water” for its light blue to blue green appearance.
Aquamarine was believed to protect sailors and keep the seas calm.
As aquamarine is one of the varieties of beryl, it was believed to make the wearer unconquerable and protect from foes in battle.
In Culture-
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and the gem for the 19th wedding anniversary.
Facts-
Mohs hardness 7.5 – 8.0
Refractive Index 1.577 to 1.583
Specific Gravity 2.72
