March birthstone: aquamarine

Aquamarine is the pale-blue variety of beryl — the same mineral family as emerald and morganite — colored by iron. Its name is Latin for “seawater,” which is the unanimous response of every buyer encountering it for the first time.

Aquamarine grows in large crystals and almost always polishes eye-clean — a rarity among colored stones. You can find 10-carat aquamarines without inclusions; you cannot say the same about emerald or ruby of comparable size.

Color

Aquamarine color runs from very pale, almost colorless, to deeper blue with a slight green modifier. The deeper the saturation, the higher the price. The trade prefers pure blue over greenish-blue.

Treatments

Almost all commercial aquamarine is heat-treated to remove a slight greenish tint and bring out the pure blue. The treatment is permanent, stable, and trade-accepted. Untreated aquamarine of fine color commands a modest premium (10–25 %) but isn’t dramatically rarer.

A reputable seller discloses treatment status. “Heated” is the default; untreated is a nice-to-have, not essential.

Origin

• Brazil (Minas Gerais) — historical source and current volume producer. Santa Maria, Espirito Santo, and Bahia all contribute.
• Madagascar — fine deep-blue stones, sometimes labeled “Santa Maria color” for the saturation.
• Mozambique — newer commercial source; mid-tier quality.
• Pakistan and Nigeria — niche producers; rare top-color stones.

Aquamarine origin matters less than gemstones like sapphire or ruby — color and clarity drive price, not the country of origin.

Daily wear

At Mohs 7.75, aquamarine is hard enough for daily wear in most settings. It’s not as tough as sapphire, so prong tips can wear faster — bezels and partial halos extend the setting’s lifespan.

Care is gentle: warm soapy water, soft brush, dry with a soft cloth. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are safe for clean stones; skip them on stones with visible inclusions or fractures.