Aquamarine

March Birthstone

 

Aquamarines are found in a range of blues including pale blue, blue-green, and deep dark blue. Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for the month of March and its name is derived from the Latin word for "sea-water" becuase of the many differnt shades of blue they come in. Often, they are the symbols for youth, hope, health, and fidelity.

Aquamarines are found in many differnt countries around the world including: Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, and Pakistan. However; nowadays most of the gems come from mines in Brazil. All too often, Aquamarines are confused with Topaz which come in similar shapes and colors, but Aquamarines are much more scarce, making them much more valuable. Also, it has become common practice to treat thesed gems to make them more appealing. This treatment involves heating the stones to transform the green tint to a darker blue tint.