| Although Brazil is the largest producer of | | | | naturally with less inclusions than other gemstones. |
| aquamarines today, Madagascar is the place | | | | Here are a couple more aquamarine facts: |
| where they were first found. The word | | | | - Aquamarine is supposed to fortify mutual love |
| "aquamarine" comes from the Latin words "aqua," | | | | and help sustain a happy marriage. |
| meaning water, and "mare," meaning sea. The | | | | - The American National Association of Jewelers |
| Greeks were the first documented people to use | | | | proclaimed Aquamarine as the birthstone for the |
| it, and it is now known as the sailors' lucky stone | | | | month of March. |
| because ancient sailors used to use it as | | | | - Aquamarine is the birthstone for the Scorpio |
| protection from rough seas. Ancient beliefs hold | | | | and Pisces zodiac signs. |
| that the strength of an aquamarine is most | | | | - Aquamarine stimulates feelings of sympathy, |
| powerful after being placed in water, and bathed | | | | trust, friendship, harmony, and a positive outlook |
| in sunlight. | | | | on life. |
| The color of an aquamarine gem can range from | | | | - Insomnia and short-sightedness are two ailments |
| light blue to a greenish-blue, teal color. Generally, | | | | thought to be cured by aquamarine. |
| the more intensely blue colored stones are | | | | - Aquamarine is a 7.5 on the Mohs scale of |
| considered to be the most valuable. These | | | | hardness. |
| brilliantly blue-colored aquamarines are referred to | | | | - Aquamarine is usually pretty easy to work with |
| as Santa Maria aquamarines. Most of these rare | | | | in terms of cutting it, so it is a favorite of jewelry |
| gems come from Brazil, although some also come | | | | designers. |
| from Africa. Aquamarine stones usually occur | | | | |