We made it through the winter months and Tuesday, March 20th, we FINALLY welcome in spring. The warm weather is nearing and it’s so close we can almost taste it. What isn’t there to love about March? St. Patrick’s Day, the beginning of spring, and the beautiful aquamarine birthstone; it doesn’t get much better.
The aquamarine gemstone gets its name from the latin “aqua marina” which means “sea water” due to the stone’s color and folklore tales. The color ranges from almost colorless, to sea-foam green, to teal. Because of its beauty and supposed mystical powers to heal and protect, it has been used in jewelry dating back to 500 B.C. and can be found in places all over the world.
– The largest cut aquamarine is named the Don Pedro and is on display at the Natural History Museum at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
-While the gem can be found in places all over the world, ranging from The Rocky Mountains to Russia, the most valuable aquamarines are found in Brazil and Columbia.
-Aquamarine was believed to be a prized possession of mermaids for its mystical powers. Sailors wore the gem at sea to offer protection and allow them to return home safely.