Aquamarine Meaning: Spiritual Properties, Benefits and Uses
Hold a piece of aquamarine up to the light and you'll see why sailors fell in love with it. This pale blue-green gemstone looks like a drop of the sea, and for centuries it has been carried as a talisman for calm waters, safe journeys and courage.
Aquamarine is also the birthstone for March and one of the most soothing stones you can wear. In this guide we explore aquamarine's meaning, its spiritual properties and benefits, how it connects with the chakras and zodiac, and how to choose, wear and care for it.
| Colour | Pale blue to blue-green |
| Mineral family | Beryl (a cousin of emerald) |
| Hardness | 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale |
| Chakra | Throat |
| Element | Water |
| Zodiac | Pisces, Aries, Gemini and Scorpio |
| Birthstone | March |
| Keywords | Calm, courage, communication, clarity |
What Is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a blue to blue-green variety of the mineral beryl, the same family as emerald and morganite. Its gentle colour comes from tiny traces of iron. The name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning ‘water of the sea’, and it couldn't be more fitting.
Most aquamarine today comes from Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria and Pakistan. Large, clear crystals are surprisingly common, and the biggest ever found, in Brazil in 1910, weighed more than 110 kilograms. Many aquamarines are gently heated to bring out a purer blue, a long-standing and permanent treatment.
Aquamarine Meaning
Aquamarine is known as the sailor's stone. Legend says it was the treasure of mermaids, and sailors carried it to calm the waves and bring them home safely. That watery calm is at the heart of aquamarine's meaning today: it's associated with serenity, courage and clear communication.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed aquamarine was sacred to Poseidon and Neptune, gods of the sea. In the Middle Ages it was thought to rekindle the love of married couples, which is why it became a popular wedding and anniversary gift. It's also linked with youth, hope and fresh starts, just like the arrival of spring in March.
Aquamarine Spiritual Meaning
Spiritually, aquamarine is a stone of flow. It's said to help you go with the tide rather than against it, letting go of what you can't control and trusting where life is taking you. It's linked with the throat chakra, so it's especially associated with speaking your truth clearly and kindly.
Aquamarine is also connected with intuition and with the water element. Many people meditate with it near the sea, or by moonlight, to feel more in tune with their emotions and their inner voice.
Aquamarine Properties and Benefits
- Calm and serenity: aquamarine is traditionally associated with a cool, peaceful energy, like a deep breath of sea air.
- Clear communication: as a throat chakra stone, it's linked with expressing yourself honestly and listening with an open heart.
- Courage: the sailor's talisman is said to bring courage for journeys of every kind, from travel to new chapters in life.
- Self-expression and creativity: a lovely companion for writers, singers, teachers and anyone who needs to find their voice.
- Intuition: aquamarine is associated with tuning in to your inner guidance, especially during times of change.
- Letting go: its flowing energy is linked with releasing old patterns and moving on gracefully.
Aquamarine and the Throat Chakra
The throat chakra, or Vishuddha, is the energy centre linked with communication and self-expression, and its colour is blue. Aquamarine is one of the classic throat chakra stones, alongside lapis lazuli, sodalite and blue lace agate. Many people wear aquamarine as a necklace so that it sits close to the throat.
Aquamarine Zodiac Signs
Aquamarine is most closely linked with Pisces, the dreamy water sign, and with Aries, as the birthstone of March. It's also associated with Gemini and Scorpio. Find the stones for your own sign in our zodiac crystal guide.
Aquamarine: The March Birthstone
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March, with bloodstone as the traditional alternative. Its fresh, sea-blue colour is perfect for the first days of spring. Read our March birthstone guide, shop our March birthstone collection, or browse birthstones by month.
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Fancy carrying a little sea magic with you? Every piece is made in Cornwall, vegan and cruelty free.
How to Use Aquamarine
- Wear it: an aquamarine necklace sits beautifully over the throat chakra. Try our aquamarine silk necklace or raw aquamarine sterling silver necklace.
- Take it travelling: keep a piece in your bag as a modern sailor's talisman.
- Meditate with it: hold aquamarine and picture gentle waves rolling in and out with your breath.
- Before a big conversation: wear or hold it to help you speak clearly and calmly.
- Pair it: aquamarine with moonstone for intuition, or with amethyst for calm.
How to Choose Aquamarine
The most prized aquamarines are a clear, medium blue, but paler stones and raw crystals have a soft, dreamy charm of their own. Natural raw aquamarine often has a frosted look and a greener tint. Choose the one you feel drawn to: in crystal lore, the right stone will find you.
Caring for Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a fairly hard stone (7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale), so it's great for everyday wear. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, store it away from harder stones such as diamonds and sapphires, and keep it out of strong sunlight for long periods. To cleanse it energetically, leave it under the full moon or rinse it briefly in clean water. Our guide to cleansing crystals covers every method.
Explore more blue stones in our lapis lazuli guide, or look up any stone in our A-Z Crystal Guide.
Every piece is cleansed, energy infused, vegan and cruelty free, and 5% of all proceeds go to Pacific Wild to help protect the Great Bear Rainforest.
Aquamarine FAQs
What does aquamarine symbolise?
Aquamarine symbolises calm, courage and clear communication. Known as the sailor's stone, it's also linked with safe travel, hope and fresh starts.
What is the spiritual meaning of aquamarine?
Spiritually, aquamarine is a stone of flow and letting go. It's linked with the throat chakra and the water element, and with speaking your truth and trusting your intuition.
Who should wear aquamarine?
Anyone drawn to it! It's especially popular with people born in March, Pisces and Aries, and anyone who'd like a little more calm or confidence in speaking up.
Can I wear aquamarine every day?
Yes. At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is durable enough for everyday jewellery. Just take it off for heavy work and store it carefully.
What is the difference between aquamarine and blue topaz?
They look similar, but aquamarine is a beryl with a softer, slightly green-blue tone, while blue topaz is usually a brighter, more electric blue. They're different minerals with different meanings.
Is aquamarine the March birthstone?
Yes. Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March, and bloodstone is the traditional one. Our March birthstone guide explains both.
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