GEMSTONES

AQUAMARINE

Birthstone of March
Quicken the heart and mind with Aquamarine
Aquamarine derived its name from the rich greenish-blue color of seawater, which seems to capture in its transparent depths something of the vitality and surging spirit of the ocean.  It is a talisman long believed to impart courage to the wearer, to cure laziness and to quicken the intellect.

Greek goldsmiths of the period, before the conquest of Rome, used Aquamarines in their jewelry.  The gemstones came to them from the Far East, traveling from across the Arabian sands and then to Hellenic ports on the Mediterranean Sea.
Aquamarine is a variety of Beryl, belonging to the same family of gems as the Emerald. It is found in widely separated parts of the world, such as Brazil, Madagascar, Russia and the United States.

With the advent of blue Topaz, Aquamarine lost its importance due to the vast difference in price.  However, blue Topaz cannot equal the fine greenish-blue color in Aquamarine.  Blue Topaz also is readily damaged and abraded, whereas Aquamarine is a very durable and practical stone.
Aries Men often prefer the alternate birthstone for March, Bloodstone.  Bloodstong is a variety of Quartz and a gem which offers a sharp contrast in appearance.  Medieval folk believed that the Bloodstone received its coloring from Christ's own blood falling upon a green stone at the foot of the Cross.  Legend ascribes the Bloodstone with the power to impart wisdom to the wearer.  Nineteenth century lapidaries used Bloodstone for carved objects, including family crests, signet rings and seals.


 Special care instructions:  normal care