The modern gemstone for the month of March is aquamarine. The aquamarine gemstone belongs to the mineral family beryl and has a slight blue to turquoise color that is indicative of seawater. The beautiful aquamarine color is caused by trace concentrations of iron within it. The greater the intensity of color that the aquamarine displays the the higher value will be associated with it. Aquamarine is found throughout the world but the best gems come from the continent of Africa and from the mines of Esperito Santo and Minas Gerais in Brazil.
The modern gemstone for the month of March is aquamarine. The aquamarine gemstone belongs to the mineral family beryl and has a slight blue to turquoise color that is indicative of seawater. The beautiful aquamarine color is caused by trace concentrations of iron within it.
The greater the intensity of color that the aquamarine displays the the higher value will be associated with it. Aquamarine is found throughout the world but the best gems come from the continent of Africa and from the mines of Esperito Santo and Minas Gerais in Brazil.
The aquamarine name comes from the Latin word 'aqua' for water and 'mare' for sea. Ancient legends tell the story that aquamarine came from the treasure chests of beautiful mermaids and from there they washed up the shoreline. Aquamarine was prized by ancient sailors because it was believed that Neptune considered the gem sacred and would grant the person holding it a safe and properous voyage.
Many health benefits were associated with the aquamarine. It was thought that the gem could cure insomnia, improve the feelings of relaxation and peace, improve relationships and the quality of sleep. In the middle ages the aquamarine was thought to have the ability to overcome poisonings.
Rated on the Mohs scale of hardness at 7.5 to 8, it is a gemstone that is valued by jewelry designers for its ability to be cut and formed with ease and still retain it beauty.
The modern gemstone for the month of March is aquamarine. The aquamarine gemstone belongs to the mineral family beryl and has a slight blue to turquoise color that is indicative of seawater. The beautiful aquamarine color is caused by trace concentrations of iron within it. 
