Colors
- Pale sky blue to deep ocean blue, with little or no yellow
Browse other gems by color: Blue
Where Aquamarine comes from
- Brazil (main source)
- Nigeria
- Madagascar
- Zambia
- Pakistan
- Mozambique
Aquamarine meaning and history
The name: From the Latin "aqua" (water) and "marina" (sea).
Roman fishermen called aquamarine "water of the sea" and carried it for safe travel and good fishing.
Aquamarine beads have been found with Egyptian mummies.
Meanings and powers attributed to gems are history and folklore. We report them; we do not claim a stone can do anything.
How hard is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, where talc is 1, quartz 7 and diamond 10. Toughness, its resistance to chipping and breaking: durable for jewelry if protected from scratches and hard knocks.
See every birthstone on the hardness chart
How to clean and care for Aquamarine
| Warm soapy water | Safe |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Usually safe, unless the stone has liquid inclusions or fractures |
| Steam cleaner | Usually safe, unless the stone has liquid inclusions or fractures |
Heat, light and chemicals: Color is stable to light; heat exposure is not recommended; can be attacked by hydrofluoric acid.
Treatments to ask about
Rarely fracture filled. Clean fracture filled stones only with warm soapy water.
Can you wear Aquamarine every day?
Good for everyday wear Durable for most jewelry, including rings, with a little care. Check other stones.
Compare Aquamarine
Aquamarine vs Bloodstone · Aquamarine vs Topaz
Frequently asked questions
What is Aquamarine?
A member of the beryl family, which also includes emerald and morganite.
What month is Aquamarine the birthstone for?
March. It shares the month with Bloodstone.
How hard is Aquamarine?
7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Toughness: durable for jewelry if protected from scratches and hard knocks.
How do you clean Aquamarine?
Warm soapy water: safe. Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe, unless the stone has liquid inclusions or fractures. Steam: usually safe, unless the stone has liquid inclusions or fractures.
What does Aquamarine symbolize?
Roman fishermen called aquamarine "water of the sea" and carried it for safe travel and good fishing. Aquamarine beads have been found with Egyptian mummies. These are traditions and history, not claims about what the stone can do.
Which anniversary is Aquamarine for?
The American Gem Society links Aquamarine to the 19th wedding anniversary.
Sources
- GIA: Aquamarine care and cleaning (hardness, toughness, stability, cleaning, treatments)
- AGS: March birthstones (what it is, colors, sources, history)
- American Gem Society: Birthstones (birthstone months)
Checked October 16, 2026.