|
Aquamarine
Metaphysical Properties of Aquamarine
• Element: Water
• Birthstone: March / Aries, Gemini, Scorpio, Pisces
• Chakras: Heart (4th), Throat (5th), Third Eye (6th) Aquamarine possesses a very gentle and calming energy, encouraging compassion and tolerance while stemming anger and hostilities. Aquamarine's emission of calm energies helps to bring about a more relaxed and alert stage of consciousness. Through activating and clearing the Heart, Throat and Third Eye Chakras, Aquamarine assists one in the clear communication of one's highest truth and intent without fear. As a water element stone, Aquamarine is a stone of release and powerful cleanser for the emotional body that banishes fears, calms the nervous system, and gently brings one's emotional patterns to the surface for processing and reflection. Through this process, unhealthy patterns are recognized, thereby facilitating the releasing of these by-gone patterns. Aquamarine is a great ally for those who are going through a transition and change and seeking assistance in overcoming resistance. Once internal obstructions are removed, it attunes the individual to deeper levels of spiritual awareness and connection to the higher self. Physically, Aquamarine has been used to help treat ailments of the neck, throat and mouth. Due to its cooling properties, Aquamarine helps to counter infection, aids in the healing of inflammatory diseases and soothes an overactive nervous system.
Aquamarine with Schorl (Tourmaline) on Albite
• • •
History of Aquamarine
Throughout history, Aquamarine was regarded as a stone for eternal youth and happiness. The name Aquamarine derives from the Latin words,aqua for water andmare for sea, to adequately describe the color and clarity of the beautiful Aquamarine crystals. The first historical records of Aquamarine usage date back to 300 BC to 500 BC by the ancient Greeks and Romans. They often used Aquamarines to make intaglio amulets, brooches, or rings. In adherence to Greek mythology, Aquamarine intaglios engraved with the image of Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea, would bring good luck, fearlessness, and protection for sailors venturing into his realm.
Did you know... When the Afghani Mujahadeen was at war with the Soviet Union, they would pitch a tent over probable areas with Aquamarine deposits, thereby inviting the Soviets to bomb the target. This method inevitably saved the Afghani fighters days of digging.
• • •
Aquamarine Chemical Composition
• Hardness: 7.5 to 8
• Crystal System: Hexagonal (Trigonal)
• Composition: Beryllium Aluminum Silicate Aquamarine is a beryllium aluminum silicate mineral and a member of the Beryl family, which includes Heliodor, Emerald, Goshenite and Morganite. Most Beryls come from a very coarse-grained rock called pegmatite, a form of igneous rock consisting of coarse granite resulting from the crystallization of magma. The coloration of Aquamarine range from blue to blue-green and is attributed to the presence of iron within its crystal structure. Aquamarine crystals can be quite large and entirely transparent, resulting in exceptionally beautiful and flawless specimens. Dull-colored Aquamarine has been known to be heat-treated to roughly 450° to produce the popular dark and sky blue stones. In its formation, Aquamarine crystals are commonly found alongside Quartz, Albite, Calcite, Muscovite, Schorl (Tourmaline), Orthoclase, and Apatite. Significant deposits of Aquamarine can be found in Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Siberia, Nigeria, Madagascar, and the US, particularly Colorado and North Carolina.
|
