Aquamarine
Stone

Aquamarine

Colour
Blue-green
Care profile
Moderate
About the stone

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, a close relative of emerald and morganite. Its blue color comes from traces of iron.

Unlike its cousin emerald, full of inclusions, aquamarine grows in large, clear crystals, like pieces of frozen sea.

It forms in pegmatites — coarse veins of igneous rock — where it can reach impressive sizes.

The name literally means seawater in Latin, and sailors have worn it since ancient times as a talisman for safe voyages at sea.

The largest cut aquamarine in the world, Dom Pedro, weighs over 10,000 carats and was carved as an obelisk by master Bernd Munsteiner after months of study; today it resides at the Smithsonian.

Queen Elizabeth II received, at her 1953 coronation, an aquamarine set gifted by the people of Brazil, which she wore throughout her life.

The shades range from a pale, almost transparent blue to blue-green, evoking crystal-clear water.

The finest specimens come from Minas Gerais in Brazil, as well as from Pakistan and Mozambique.

Associated with calm, courage, and honest communication, aquamarine is March’s birthstone and a symbol of serenity.

With a hardness of 7.5–8, it’s fairly durable, but can be sensitive to strong impacts and intense heat, which may affect its color.

Clean gently with a soft cloth. Its soothing tone is beautifully showcased in 925 silver and white gold.

Aquamarine care

How to care for it.

Care profile
Moderate
Attention level
Cleaning
  • Warm water with soap or a gentle professional jewelry solution.
  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone is not clearly compatible (e.g., some amethysts or topazes may be affected).
  • Avoid steam cleaning unless specifically safe for that stone.
Exposure precautions
  • Remove jewelry before intense physical activities or entering chlorinated pools.
  • Avoid contact with strong chemicals (chlorine, ammonia).
  • Some stones may lose color with prolonged sun exposure; store them properly.
Storage
  • Store in soft pouches or separate compartments to prevent scratches.
  • If the metal oxidizes easily (like some silver alloys), consider anti-tarnish strips.
  • Avoid areas with high humidity (bathrooms, saunas).

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