In Latin, aquamarine’s name means seawater, and ancient mariners claimed the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. It was also thought to bring happiness in marriage, protection against foes in battle, litigation, and to sharpen the mind.
Aquamarine grows in beautiful six-sided prismatic crystals that on rare occasions can be more than a foot long. Faceted aquamarine is often transparent with crystal clear luster, so it really sparkles.
It is the 19th wedding anniversary gift. In 1936 the government of Brazil gave First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt a dark blue rectangular step cut aquamarine. Which is now housed at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. At the Smithsonian Institution there is a 10,363 ct (about 4.6 pounds) Dom Pedro Aquamarine – believed to be the largest faceted aquamarine in the world.
Aquamarine is mined in Brazil, Pakistan, and Africa. In the U.S. you can also find this gemstone in Colorado, California’s Riverside and San Diego. Aquamarine stones have even been found in China, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine.
(GIA 3/9/2022 <https://www.gia.edu>)