The name "Aquamarine" derives from the Latin words for "sea" and "water," reflecting its mesmerizing blue-green hues reminiscent of the ocean. In the past, sailors believed this gem had the power to calm waves and ensure safe voyages. It was also thought to bring marital happiness and protect wearers in battles and legal disputes while enhancing their intellect and amiability.
Aquamarine serves as both the birthstone for March and a cherished gift for 19th wedding anniversaries. One remarkable historical instance involves First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who received a striking dark blue rectangular step-cut aquamarine weighing a staggering 1,298 carats from the government of Brazil in 1936. This gem, one of two faceted from a massive 2.9-pound (1.3-kilogram) aquamarine rough, now resides at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York. Another renowned aquamarine is the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, an approximately 10,363-carat (about 4.6 pounds) mast
Where is Aquamarine Found?
The Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has been a significant source of
aquamarine for over two centuries. This region offers a diverse landscape,
featuring rocky hills, rivers, scrub brush, savannahs, forests, and streams. Aquamarine deposits are primarily found in hard rock (primary) and weathered (secondary) pegmatite deposits in the eastern part of the state, near the gem hub of Teófilo Otoni
Another remarkable source of aquamarine is the Karakoram foothills in Pakistan. Miners venture to elevations between 9,800 to over 13,000 feet
(3,000 to more than 4,000 meters) and navigate steep paths along forbidding cliffs to reach the deposits. Beneath this rugged terrain lies fertile valleys, rushing rivers, and
Beyond Brazil and Pakistan, aquamarine birthstones are also mined in Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique, and other parts of Africa. In the United States, notable sources include Colorado's Mount Antero area (the state gem) and California's Riverside and San Diego counties. Additionally, aquamarine has been discovered in various countries, including China, Myanmar, Russia, and Ukraine, showcasing the gem's global allure and availability.
