Other Names

There are subtle variations in the shade of aquamarine, which are identified by names such as Santa Maria and Espirito Santo.


Deity: Poseidon, Neptune, Aphrodite
Sabbat: Ostara
Planet: Neptune
Element: Water
Zodiac: Scorpio, Gemini
Chakra: Throat
Other Gems: Emerald, Heliodor, Morganite


Aquamarine is part of the beryl family, and is identified by its colouring, which can range from pastel blue to a pale bluish-green. It has a Moh’s hardness rating of 7.5-8, making it a hard gemstone.


The name aquamarine is derived from the latin words for ‘water of the sea’, and it’s easy to see why. The serene blues of aquamarine make it a popular stone, famous for its calming effect. The different shades are also given their own names, so there are types of aquamarine known as Santa Maria, Martha Rocha and Espirito Santo.

Most of the aquamarine available in the past came from Brazil, but more recently it has been discovered in America, Russia, and several African nations, including Mozambique.


The serene and peaceful colour of aquamarine lends it to use as one of the premier soothing gemstones. It can be used for sore throats, headaches, breathing allergies, varicose veins or even emotions. Aquamarine can also be used to clear blocked lines of communication, and aid in expressing oneself. Use it to calm and clear your mind, unwind and relax, and attune with nature.

It is said that gazing straight into an aquamarine termination can sharpen and soothe your eyesight. In fact, eyeglasses were once made from aquamarine. It can also help with problems relating to the immune system, mouth, neck and throat, and eyes, ears and stomach. Its cleansing properties help it to strengthen the cleansing organs in turn, including the liver, spleen and kidneys.


Aquamarine is magically associated with courage, communication, balance and focus. It is a good gemstone to take on holidays and cruises, and brings you safe travel over water. Aquamarine can also be used for confidence, purpose and peace, as well as self-awareness, responsibility and success.

Aquamarine is associated with water, and its life-giving properties, and it can help you get in touch with the nature spirits, undines. Because of this association, aquamarine is also considered to have cleansing and purifying properties. It can be used to clear the mind, aid meditation, quash fears and promote self-expression.

Legend & Lore

Aquamarine has long been considered a stone of great vision, and was often used as the eyes of statues which symbolised power or wisdom. Legend has it that any person who set eyes on one of these statues would also become very wise, and would gain the ability to see the future.

Statues using aquamarine were also placed along a coastline, to guard the land, calm the wrath of Poseidon and bring their ships home safely. Sailors would wear amulets of amethyst to bring them bravery, and would sacrifice them overboard if a storm endangered the ship. Further associations with the sea are found in Thai culture, where there is a common belief that aquamarine amulets will ward off seasickness and protect the wearer from drowning. According to legend, aquamarine comes from the treasure chest of the mermaids.

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