Guide for Birthstones: Aquamarine for Individuals Born in March Month
The Dom Pedro aquamarine, discovered in the late 1980s in Pedra Azul, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a remarkable gemstone that holds the title of the largest cut aquamarine ever, weighing an impressive 26 kg. This gemstone, one of the most famous and significant aquamarine specimens in the world, was first displayed publicly in 1993 in Basel, Switzerland.
The Dom Pedro aquamarine is part of the beryl family of gemstones, distinguished by its pale blue to bright blue color caused by iron in its composition. Aquamarine, a gemstone historically valued for its sea-like color and associated mystical properties linked to water and sailors, has a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Aquamarine's use dates back to ancient Egypt over 4,000 years ago, where it was found in beads buried with mummies and worn as amulets for protection against evil spirits. The Greeks and Romans also revered aquamarine, believing it originated from the treasure chests of mermaids or was created by Neptune, the god of the sea. It was known as the "sailor’s gem," carried by fishermen and sailors to ensure safe voyages and calm seas.
Traditionally, aquamarine was seen as a talisman against sea dangers and seasickness, believed to have calming and protective influences on travelers. It has been associated with healing properties such as easing arthritis, eye swelling, sore throats, and varicose veins, though such claims are spiritually or culturally based rather than scientifically verified. It is the birthstone for March and used in anniversary celebrations.
In the 1950s, a significant deposit of aquamarine was found in Minas Gerais, Brazil, known as Santa Maria Aquamarines. The Dom Pedro aquamarine was destined to be cut into many smaller stones but was rescued by Jane Mitchell and donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of History in Washington DC, USA. However, the Dom Pedro aquamarine is not on display at the museum for public viewing, but it is now part of the museum's permanent collection, housed in the National Gem Collection Gallery.
Aquamarine primarily forms in granite pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, a process taking millions of years. The main global source is Brazil, but it is also found in other countries including Madagascar, Nigeria, Kenya, and Colombia. Mining is mostly done via open-pit methods but can also involve underground mining.
In crystal healing, aquamarine is believed to quell phobias and boost the confidence of public speakers. The original Dom Pedro aquamarine was a metre-long but fractured into three separate pieces upon accidental dropping. Many aquamarines available on the market have been heat treated to enhance their color.
The Dom Pedro aquamarine's journey from Brazil to Germany and eventually the Smithsonian National Museum of History is a testament to its historical significance and the admiration it continues to evoke. It serves as a reminder of the oceanic beauty that lies hidden beneath the earth's surface and the mystical associations that have captivated human imagination for centuries. The Latin translation of aquamarine is "water of the sea," a fitting name for this gemstone that has been cherished for its sea-like hues and associated with the calming, protective influence of the ocean.
The Dom Pedro aquamarine is not only displayed in museums but also featured in gemmology courses and workshops, providing insight into its history, mining, and properties. For those interested in gemstones and their impact on lifestyle, publications like 'Home-and-Garden' magazine have showcased the beauty and significance of this remarkable gemstone in home decor. The aquamarine's associations with home-and-garden aesthetics and its calming influence make it an appealing choice for membership organizations focused on wellness and gemmology. As a member, one can learn about the healing properties of aquamarine and its uses in crystals healing, enhancing one's understanding of this gemstone's multifaceted allure.
