Aquamarine is a beautiful, pale blue to blue-green gemstone that belongs to the beryl family, which also includes emeralds. Its name comes from the Latin words "aqua" (water) and "marina" (sea), reflecting its clear, ocean-like color. The blue shade is primarily due to trace amounts of iron in its crystal structure.
Aquamarine is highly valued for its clarity and vibrant color, which can range from light blue to a deeper, more intense blue. The stone is known for its brilliant transparency and is often used in fine jewelry, particularly in rings, necklaces, and earrings. It is also prized for being relatively durable, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Symbolically, aquamarine is associated with calmness, serenity, and tranquility, often believed to have soothing properties. It is the birthstone for March and is said to bring peace and harmony to those who wear it.