Aquamarine: A Treasure from the Sea

The Traditional March Birthstone

Aquamarine is a gemstone that is admired and cherished for its beauty and unique properties. This blue-green crystal belongs to the beryl family, which includes other popular gemstones such as emerald and morganite. Aquamarine has been treasured for centuries, and its name comes from the Latin words "aqua" (water) and "marina" (of the sea). This name is fitting, as the gemstone's color is reminiscent of the ocean's sparkling waters.

History and Uses

Aquamarine has a long history of use in jewelry and decorative objects. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that wearing aquamarine would protect them from the perils of the sea and enhance their communication skills. It was also believed to have healing properties, particularly for ailments related to the throat, liver, and stomach.

During the Middle Ages, aquamarine was used as a talisman for protection and was thought to bring good luck to the wearer. In the 19th century, the discovery of large aquamarine deposits in Brazil made the gemstone more accessible and popularized its use in jewelry.

Today, aquamarine is still highly valued for its beauty and is commonly used in engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. It is also a popular choice for decorative objects such as vases and figurines.

Metaphysical Properties

In addition to its physical properties, aquamarine is also believed to have metaphysical properties. According to crystal healing practitioners, aquamarine is associated with the throat chakra, which is linked to communication and self-expression. It is believed to help clear the mind, promote courage, and enhance creativity.

Aquamarine is also thought to have a calming effect and is often used to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Some believe that it can help improve relationships and increase intuition.

How to Care for Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a relatively hard gemstone, with a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. However, it is still important to care for your aquamarine jewelry properly to ensure it stays in good condition. Here are some tips:

• Clean your aquamarine jewelry regularly using warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
• Avoid exposing your aquamarine jewelry to high temperatures, which can cause discoloration and damage.
• Store your aquamarine jewelry in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent scratches and other damage.
  
  
  

In Conclusion

Aquamarine is a gemstone that has captivated people for centuries. Its unique beauty, rich history, and metaphysical properties make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative objects. Whether you are drawn to aquamarine for its aesthetic qualities or its metaphysical properties, this gemstone is truly a treasure from the sea.

Post Sources and References:

"Aquamarine: Meanings, Properties, and Benefits." Crystals and Jewelry. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/aquamarine/.

"Aquamarine Gemstone Information." GemSelect. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://www.gemselect.com/gem-info/aquamarine/aquamarine-info.php.

"Aquamarine." GIA. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://www.gia.edu/aquamarine.

"Aquamarine History and Lore." American Gem Society. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://www.americangemsociety.org/page/aquamarinehistorylore.

All images came from:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Aquamarine

Properties of Gemstones from my Research

Based on the resources listed at the end of this post, here are some of the metaphysical properties of a few chosen gemstones. They are listed by topic and not in a particular order than when I did the research. My next step is to organize this by topic, then eventually by gemstone as well.

• Peace
• Amethyst
• Clear Quartz
• Agate
• Trust
• Blue stones
• Sodalite
• Amazonite
• Lapis Lazuli
• Blue Apatite
• Clear Quartz
• Love
• Rose Quartz
• Moonstone
• Lapis Lazuli
• Rhodonite
• Garnet
• Dream
• Amethyst
• Labradorite
• Blue Apatite
• Bloodstone
• Lapis Lazuli
• Red Jasper
• Clear Quartz
• Joy
• Aventurine
• Moonstone
• Rose Quartzz
• Amethyst
• Citrine
• Clear Quartz
• Tiger Eye
• Truth & Justice
• Jasper
• Agate
• Rose Quartz
• Onyx
• Tiger Eye
• Hope
• Quartz
• Rose Quartz
• Aventurine
• Snowflake Obsidian
• Tiger Eye
• Eternal life
• Indian Agate
• Faith
• Citrine
• Tiger Eye
• Amethyst
• Moonstone
• Aquamarine
• Strength
• Labradorite
• Amethyst
• Leopardskin Jasper
• Tiger Eye
• Carnelian
• Citrine
• Bloodstone
• Hematite
• Clear Quartz
• Rose Quartz
• Aventurine
• Lapis Lazuli
• Moonstone
• Sense & Logic
• Aventurine
• Black Onyx
• Tiger Eye
• Hematite
• Lapis Lazuli
• Garnet
• Abundance
• Green Aventurine
• Clear Quartz
• Garnet
• Agate
• Tiger Eye
• Amethyst
• Citrine
• Rose Quartz
• Green Jade

Resources

Frazier, Karen. Crystals for Beginners: The Guide to Get Started with the Healing Power of Crystals. Althea Press. Kindle Edition.

Gienger, Michael. Crystal Power, Crystal Healing. Octopus. Kindle Edition.

Hall, Judy. The Crystal Bible (The Crystal Bible Series). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

 Apatite - the Stone of Manisfestation

Apatite was discovered in 1786 by Abraham Gottlob who named it “Apatao” from the ancient Greek word that means to mislead because it is often mistaken for other minerals. Apatite originates in Mexico, Norway, Russia, and the USA.

Apatite is the most common Phosphate mineral of which the primary use is for Fertilizer. There are also studies being done to see if it can be used to store nuclear waste. Moon rocks collected by astronauts contained traces of Apatite. Further investigation of the Apatite found on the moon led scientists to estimate that the moon was at one time covered by water.

Metaphysically

Apatite is the stone of Manifestation, is associated deeply with spiritual wisdom and truth. It promotes a humanitarian attitude, inclining toward service. Apatite is attached to the future yet connects to past lives. It develops psychic gifts and spiritual attunement, deepens meditation, raises the kundalini (the life-force within us), and aids communication and self-expression on all levels. It helps with focusing on goals, connecting to the Divine, eliminating negativity, raising energetic vibration, enhancing intuition, facilitating truth, motivation, decreasing social anxiety, and self-consciousness.

Emotionally

Apatite helps with apathy. It encourages liveliness, helps with exhaustion, particularly if periods of extreme activity are followed by complete lack of activity, and reduces irritability and aggression. Apatite eases sorrow, anger, and lack of incentive and helps to turn our attention to happier circumstances.

Physically

Apatite stimulates healthy eating habits. It mobilizes energy reserves, encourages the formation of new cells, as well as the growth of cartilage, bone, and teeth. It ameliorates damage to posture, rickets, arthritis, and joint problems, and promotes the healing of broken bones. In ancient times Apatite was ground up and taken internally to stimulate bone growth and repair.

Good to Know

Apatite works well with Amethyst, clear quartz, rose quartz.

Products

Pendants

Wire Wrapped Apatite Pendant #2 - $25.00

Wire Wrapped Apatite Pendant #1 - $25.00

Bracelet

Apatite, Rose Quartz, Clear Quartz, Hematite, Small, $20.00

Check my current inventory of jewelry at https://bit.ly/helpfulgems

Resources used for information in this article

Pomeroy, Michael. Encyclopedia of Materials: Technical Ceramics and Glasses. Amsterdam, Elsevier Press. Accessed online 19 May 2021.

“Apatite”. Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apatite. Accessed online 24 Sept 2021.

Frazier, Karen. Crystals for Beginners: The Guide to Get Started with the Healing Power of Crystals. Althea Press. Kindle Edition.

Gienger, Michael. Crystal Power, Crystal Healing. Octopus. Kindle Edition.

Hall, Judy. The Crystal Bible (The Crystal Bible Series). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

Gemstones in History

Throughout history gemstones have been used as decorative ornaments, religious symbols, amulets, and good luck charms and belief in the supernatural properties of gemstones transcends recorded history. 

There is evidence of trade of amber in Europe as far back as 28,000 B.C. and ten-thousand-year-old amber jewelry has been found with human artifacts in England.

On the island of Bahrain, a flat island in the Persian Gulf, a pearl and gold earring was found dating back 4000 years, the oldest ever found.

Jewelry using stones was found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 3000 BC.

One of the most familiar use of stones in Egypt is the scarab carving. Bracelets of multiple strains of colored gemstones were made using stones that are familiar today; amethyst, carnelian, green feldspar, and turquoise.

Check out my Etsy Store to see what Beautiful Gemstone Jewelry I have available for you today.

http://bit.ly/HelpfulGemsStore

Why I Decided to Start Helpful Gems For You

Why Gemstones?

For as long as I can remember I have been drawn to beautiful stones. Visiting gift shops while on road trips I was always drawn to the tumbled rocks you could fill bags with or jewelry fashioned with polished stones in various colors. One of my favorite finds was a bracelet of different color stone scarabs. 

I wore that bracelet until it fell apart! One Christmas my parents gave me a rock tumbler and I was in heaven. If it was a rock, it was going in the tumbler and the transformation from rough to polished always fascinated me.

Through my interest in all things spiritual, I was delighted to learn about the properties of gemstones and how they can help us. It is my sincere desire to help you learn these things as well and offer you a place to find exactly what you need to help you!

That is why I have started this blog for you. Included in this blog I will post information about how authentic gemstones and minerals can help improve your life, both mentally and physically. In addition you will find links throughout this blog to my Etsy store where I offer Original Gemstone Jewelry crafted by me with your needs in mind.

Look for more articles to come and in the mean time please take a moment see what is already available in my Etsy Store - Helpful Gems by Linda

Thank you for visiting and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
Linda