Written by Elie Ammoun, Graduate Gemologist (IGI) — Luna Dura, Al Durrah Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Reviewed for gemmological and historical accuracy.
Aquamarine is the March birthstone — a serene sea-blue gem whose name comes from the Latin aqua marina, “seawater.” A member of the beryl family (the same mineral as emerald), the aquamarine stone ranges from pale sky blue to deep ocean blue, and fine aquamarine gemstones are prized for a colour that is entirely natural. March actually has two birthstones: aquamarine and the green-and-red bloodstone, though aquamarine is by far the more popular. This guide covers its meaning, the honest truth about its colour, how it compares to blue topaz, and how we source it in Dubai.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the sailor’s stone. For centuries mariners across the Mediterranean and the Arab maritime world carried it as a talisman, believing it calmed rough seas and guaranteed a safe voyage — a fitting symbol for the Gulf’s own coastal identity. Beyond the sea, it has long been a stone of calm, clarity and courage: traditionally worn to steady the emotions, sharpen communication and speak one’s truth, which is why it is sometimes called the “stone of courage.” These are cultural associations rather than guarantees, but they are why aquamarine feels so serene to wear — like looking into clear water.
Natural Colour vs Heat Treatment — the Honest Truth
Here is aquamarine’s quiet advantage: its blue is natural, coming from traces of iron in the beryl. Most aquamarine is either untreated or only gently heat-treated to remove a faint green tint and settle the colour into a purer blue — a stable, permanent, widely accepted treatment. That is very different from most blue topaz, whose colour is created from a colourless stone by irradiation. So when someone tells you an aquamarine is “naturally blue,” they are usually right — and we still disclose any treatment, and can confirm a stone through an IGI report.
Untreated material often sits closer to the blue-green end of the range, and that is a matter of taste rather than quality: some buyers prefer the sea-tinted look precisely because it is untouched. Where a stone falls on that blue-green spectrum depends on the iron content of the original crystal, so tone and saturation vary depending on the deposit it came from.
Aquamarine vs Blue Topaz
They look similar at a glance, but they are different stones. Aquamarine is beryl (Mohs 7.5–8), naturally blue, with a soft, slightly greenish, sea-like tone — and it is rarer and more valuable. Blue topaz is a different mineral, usually colourless in nature and turned bright blue by irradiation and heat; it is more vivid, colder in tone, and much more affordable. Neither is “better” — aquamarine is the quiet, natural, collectible blue; blue topaz is the bright, budget-friendly one. We carry finished blue topaz jewellery and topaz drop earrings, and source aquamarine to order — see the full blue & white topaz guide.
Two things help you tell them apart in a display case. The first is price against size: aquamarine’s value climbs steeply with carat weight, so a large, intensely blue stone at a modest price is almost certainly topaz. The second is the character of the blue. Aquamarine reads quieter — softer, faintly steely, often with a blue-green cast. The vivid, near-electric blues sold as Swiss or London blue are treated topaz, and aquamarine rarely looks like that.
They also belong to different months. Aquamarine is March’s birthstone; blue topaz is a December stone. If you are buying for someone born in March, aquamarine is the stone regardless of how similar the two appear.
Aquamarine in Astrology
In Western astrology aquamarine is the stone of March and of Pisces, tied to the water element and often linked to the planet Neptune — a stone of calm, intuition and honest communication, which is why it is a favourite of speakers and writers. In Vedic tradition aquamarine (sometimes called Beruj) is associated with clarity and communication and linked by various astrologers to Mercury; it is not one of the classic navratna planetary stones, so recommendations vary, and a practitioner should advise on wear. As with any astrological stone, these are cultural beliefs rather than guaranteed outcomes — and practice favours a natural, untreated stone, which our bespoke sourcing can provide with certification.
Gemological Profile of Aquamarine
- Mineral family: Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈)
- Colour range: Pale sky blue to vivid ocean blue, often blue-green in untreated material (natural, iron-coloured)
- Hardness: 7.5–8 (Mohs) — harder than amethyst or citrine. Blue topaz is marginally harder at 8, but has a perfect cleavage plane that aquamarine lacks, so aquamarine is the tougher stone in daily wear.
- Transparency: Transparent, typically eye-clean (Type I clarity)
- Main sources: Brazil, Pakistan, Madagascar, Nigeria
At 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is one of the more durable coloured gemstones for everyday jewellery — harder than amethyst and citrine — and its Type I clarity means fine stones are expected to be clean to the eye.
Aquamarine Sourcing in Dubai — Bespoke & Loose Stones
We do not stock finished aquamarine jewellery off the shelf. Instead we source loose aquamarine on request — roughly 1 ct up to 10 ct+, across all major cuts — and set it to your design. You select the stone first on colour and clarity, then cut; we set it in 925 sterling silver to your preference and arrange an IGI report on request, with any treatment clearly disclosed. Stones can be viewed in person at our Sheikh Zayed Road studio. Browse our finished pieces in the gemstone jewellery collection, or plan an aquamarine commission with us directly.
Request Aquamarine Availability
Share your preferred colour, size, cut or budget — we confirm availability within 24–72 hours, any treatment clearly stated.
Contact via WhatsAppCaring for Aquamarine in the Gulf Climate
Most aquamarine care advice is written for temperate countries. Wearing a stone in the UAE puts a particular set of pressures on it, and they are worth naming.
Heat and direct sun. Aquamarine’s colour is heat-sensitive — that sensitivity is exactly what the trade uses to refine it. Ordinary wear carries no risk, but sustained extreme heat is another matter. A car parked in the sun on Sheikh Zayed Road in July reaches temperatures far beyond anything a piece meets on the wrist. Never leave jewellery in a glovebox, on a dashboard, or on a windowsill in afternoon light.
Perfume and oud oil. Attar and oud are oil-based. They leave a film that dulls the polish and collects around the setting, where it traps dust. Jewellery goes on last, after fragrance has dried, and comes off first at the end of the evening.
Sunscreen. Daily SPF is the most common reason a stone quietly loses its life. Mineral formulations are the worst, building up underneath the stone where you cannot see it. If you wear sunscreen every day, clean weekly rather than occasionally.
Chlorine and seawater. Take pieces off before the pool or the beach. Chlorine attacks the copper in the 925 alloy and discolours silver over time, and repeated exposure weakens the claws holding a stone sooner than fair wear would. Salt water is abrasive and reaches places rinsing does not.
Humidity and air conditioning. Moving between 45°C outside and heavy indoor cooling produces condensation, and Gulf humidity accelerates tarnish on any silver left out. Store pieces in a soft pouch or lined box rather than an open dish, keep them separate so nothing scratches anything else, and an anti-tarnish strip in the drawer earns its keep here in a way it would not in a drier climate.
Cleaning at home. Warm water, a drop of mild soap, and a soft brush around the setting. Rinse, then dry completely with a soft cloth — moisture trapped under a stone is what leaves marks over time.
One thing to avoid. Do not put aquamarine in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Beryl commonly contains liquid and gas inclusions, and vibration or sudden heat can turn a small internal feature into a visible fracture. It is the most expensive mistake people make with this stone, and it is almost always made with good intentions.
If a piece has lost its brightness despite regular care, bring it to the studio on Sheikh Zayed Road. Cleaning and a claw check take a few minutes and cost nothing.
Aquamarine: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the March birthstone?
March has two birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine — the sea-blue beryl — is by far the more popular, prized for its calm natural colour.
What does aquamarine symbolise?
Aquamarine is the sailor’s stone, symbolising calm, clarity, courage and protection — traditionally carried for safe sea voyages and worn to steady the emotions and support honest communication.
Is aquamarine natural or heat-treated?
Aquamarine’s blue is natural, from iron in the beryl. Most is untreated or only gently heat-treated to remove a slight green tint — a stable, permanent, accepted treatment. This is quite different from blue topaz, whose blue is created by irradiation. We disclose any treatment and can certify through IGI.
How can I tell if an aquamarine is real?
Real aquamarine is pleochroic (it shifts subtly in tone from different angles), feels cool to the touch, and shows natural inclusions rather than round gas bubbles (a sign of glass). It is hard — Mohs 7.5–8 — so it resists scratching. For certainty, a gemologist or an IGI report confirms it.
Aquamarine vs blue topaz — what is the difference?
Aquamarine is beryl with a natural, soft sea-blue colour and is rarer and more valuable. Blue topaz is a different mineral, usually irradiated from colourless to a brighter, colder blue, and is more affordable. Aquamarine is the natural, collectible choice; blue topaz is the vivid, budget one. Aquamarine is also March’s birthstone, while blue topaz belongs to December.
Who should wear aquamarine, and what does it mean in astrology?
As March’s birthstone, aquamarine suits anyone born that month. In Western astrology it is the stone of Pisces and is linked to Neptune, calm and communication (the “stone of courage”). In Vedic tradition it is associated loosely with Mercury and clarity but is not a classic navratna stone, so guidance varies — these are cultural beliefs, not guarantees.
Can I wear aquamarine every day?
Yes. At Mohs 7.5–8 it is durable enough for daily wear in rings, earrings and pendants — harder than amethyst, citrine and other quartz varieties. Just avoid hard knocks and harsh chemicals.
How do I clean aquamarine?
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush; rinse and pat dry. Avoid harsh chemicals and strong heat, be careful with ultrasonic cleaners on included stones, and store it away from harder gems. In the UAE, also remove it before sunscreen, perfume and chlorinated pools.
Is aquamarine a good gift?
Yes — a natural, calming blue makes it a lovely March birthday gift, and aquamarine is also the traditional 19th wedding anniversary gemstone.
Do you sell aquamarine jewellery in Dubai?
We don’t stock finished aquamarine off the shelf. Instead we source loose aquamarine (about 1–10 ct+, natural, any treatment disclosed) and cut and set it to your design in 925 sterling silver, with an IGI report on request. Message us on WhatsApp to plan a piece.
What is the price of aquamarine?
Aquamarine is rarer and generally more expensive than blue topaz. Prices for aquamarine gemstones vary depending on colour depth, clarity and size, with deeper blues commanding the most. We quote each stone individually and disclose any treatment. Contact us with your requirements for a quote.