Aquamarine: Properties, Uses and Crystal Healing

Aquamarine, a gemstone known for its breathtaking sea-blue hues, holds both aesthetic value and an intriguing blend of historical and metaphysical significance. Whether you're drawn to aquamarine for its beauty or its healing properties, this gem offers many benefits and uses that can appeal to anyone from jewellery lovers to spiritual seekers. Read on if you’re curious about how this beautiful stone can fit into your life or simply wish to know more about its characteristics.

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Aquamarine is a precious gemstone that belongs to the beryl family, which also includes emerald. It is known for its range of blue tones, from the lightest hint of sky blue to a deeper sea blue. The name 'aquamarine' derives from the Latin for 'water of the sea', mirroring the calming qualities of the ocean.

Aquamarine forms in pegmatites and certain metamorphic rocks through geological processes that occur over millions of years. These gemstones are primarily mined in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, and Pakistan.

Aquamarine, with its soothing hues reminiscent of the ocean, is valued for its many physical, metaphysical, and healing properties:

Aquamarine ranks a solid 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it both a durable and practical choice for jewellery. It has a vitreous lustre and is often cut in a way that enhances its clarity and colour. The most prized aquamarines are those that display a vivid, intense blue, often enhanced through careful heat treatment. This resilience and vivid colouring make aquamarine a favoured gem in various types of jewellery, offering longevity and beauty.

Aquamarine possesses a variety of healing and metaphysical properties. It is often associated with tranquillity, serenity, and clarity. This gem is said to promote honest and clear communication and is thought to be especially powerful for those born under the water signs of Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio. Additionally, aquamarine is linked to the throat chakra, enhancing the ability to articulate deep truths. Its calming energies are said to help soothe turbulent emotions and clarify the mind.

In crystal healing, aquamarine has a soothing impact on the physical and emotional body. It is often used to help reduce stress and calm the nerves, making it ideal for people dealing with heightened anxiety. Healers also use aquamarine to support the healing of inflammatory diseases, soothe sore throats, and enhance the health of the thyroid gland. 

Furthermore, aquamarine’s connection to the throat chakra allows it to help in therapy sessions where articulation and the clear expression of thoughts and feelings are necessary. Its gentle, flowing energy makes it a supportive stone for anyone needing to restore emotional balance and achieve a more peaceful mental state.

Aquamarine's enchanting shades of blue offer a variety of practical applications, from the ornamental to the therapeutic:

Thanks to its durability and stunning colour, aquamarine makes an excellent choice for various types of jewellery, including rings, necklaces, and earrings. It is also the birthstone for March, making it a thoughtful and personalised gift option for those born in this month. 

Aquamarine is a helpful tool in meditation and manifestation practices. Its calming blue tones and metaphysical attributes align perfectly with intentions of peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.

To maintain the beauty and metaphysical properties of aquamarine, proper cleansing, cleaning, and charging are essential. 

To clean aquamarine physically, simply use lukewarm water mixed with a mild soap, gently scrubbing with a soft brush to remove any accumulated dirt or oils, especially in crevices where they tend to collect. After washing, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue and dry it with a soft cloth. 

For metaphysical cleansing, you can place your aquamarine under moonlight overnight, which gently purifies the stone without the harshness of sunlight. Another method is to hold the stone under running water for a few minutes, visualising any negativity washing away. 

To recharge aquamarine, you can leave it on a selenite charging plate or surrounded by quartz crystals, which helps restore its natural energy. Regularly cleansing and charging your aquamarine will ensure it continues to radiate its soothing properties effectively.

Read more about how to clean, cleanse and charge your crystals.

Wearing aquamarine has several benefits, including calming and soothing emotions, enhancing clarity in communication, and providing protection during travel over water. It's also believed to encourage loyalty and commitment, making it an excellent choice for relationship-themed jewellery.

Aquamarine is considered a gentle and accommodating stone, and there are no specific restrictions on who can wear it. However, those who are highly sensitive to crystal energies might find it too calming or even sedating. As with any gemstone, it’s important to consider personal reactions and preferences.

The price of aquamarine varies greatly depending on its quality. Factors such as colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight determine its value. Deep blue stones are typically the most prized and thus the most expensive. However, lighter blue aquamarines are more readily available and can be quite affordable.

Aquamarine is especially beneficial for those born under the water signs of Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio. It is also the traditional birthstone for March, making it ideal for Pisces and early Aries individuals.

Real aquamarine is typically very clear with few inclusions, and it has a distinct, vibrant blue or blue-green colour. It's often imitated by blue topaz and glass; however, genuine aquamarine has a softer, more subdued hue compared to the brilliant blues of synthetic materials. Professional gemological testing is the most reliable method to confirm authenticity.

Due to its good hardness rating (7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale), aquamarine is suitable for daily wear. However, to maintain its beauty and integrity, it should be protected from harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and hard knocks.

The rarest and most valuable colour of aquamarine is a deep blue, often referred to as Santa Maria blue, after the famed mines in Brazil where this shade was originally found. These deeper blues are less common than the lighter, more typical sky-blue variations of the stone.

While aquamarine is not typically known for attracting wealth, it is believed to bring peace and clarity, which can lead to better decision-making and potentially, improved financial outcomes. Its main focus is on mental clarity and emotional balance, rather than direct financial gain.

Aquamarine can be beneficial for keeping nearby while sleeping, especially if you struggle with insomnia or restless nights. Its calming energies promote peaceful sleep and can help soothe the mind from daily stresses.

Aquamarine is most often associated with feelings of calmness and tranquillity. It is believed to help manage stress and quiet the mind, making it an excellent choice for emotional balancing.

Aquamarine pairs well with other stones that share its calming properties, such as amethyst, rose quartz, and moonstone. For those looking to enhance communication, pairing it with stones like blue lace agate or turquoise can be effective.

If you're inspired to learn more about aquamarine or other healing crystals, why not explore further? Centre of Excellence offers a fascinating Crystal Healing Diploma Course that could be perfect for you. Sign up now at a special discounted price of £29.