# Aquamarine: meaning, traditions and care > Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl. Its traditional meanings, chakra and star-sign links, how to care for it, and where it comes from. URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/aquamarine Updated: 2026-10-30 Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl, the same mineral as emerald, usually pale sea-blue to blue-green. In modern crystal tradition it is linked with the sea and safe passage. At 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale it is hard enough for everyday handling and jewellery. ## Key facts | | Aquamarine | | --- | --- | | What it is | A blue variety of beryl, the same mineral as emerald | | Colour | Pale sea-blue to blue-green | | Hardness (Mohs) | 7.5–8 | | Typical sources | Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria and Pakistan | | Chakra (tradition) | Throat | | Star signs (tradition) | Pisces, Aries and Gemini | | Birthstone | March | ## History and folklore - Its name is Latin for 'sea water'. Sailors once carried it as a charm for a safe voyage. - It is the modern birthstone for March. ## Traditional meaning In modern crystal tradition aquamarine is associated with the sea and safe passage; a sailor's charm; March birthstone. These ideas mostly come from twentieth-century crystal books, built on older folklore. We share them as tradition and for personal meaning, not as health or medical claims. ## Zodiac and chakra associations Crystal writers link aquamarine with [Pisces](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/pisces/crystals), [Aries](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/aries/crystals) and [Gemini](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/gemini/crystals), and with the [throat chakra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/chakras/throat). Lists differ between books, so treat these as starting points. ## How to care for aquamarine Aquamarine is hard and fine to clean with warm soapy water. Avoid sharp knocks, which can chip faceted edges, and keep it apart from diamonds and sapphires, which are harder. Store it in a soft pouch or a lined box, apart from harder stones such as quartz, which could scratch it. ## Choosing aquamarine - Look for even colour that suits you; natural aquamarine varies from piece to piece. - Ask whether a piece is dyed, treated or reconstituted. Honest sellers say so. - Pick tumbled stones for carrying, larger pieces for display and set jewellery for wearing. ## Good companions Aquamarine is often paired with [Blue lace agate](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/blue-lace-agate), [Amazonite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/amazonite) and [Clear quartz](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/clear-quartz). ## In the shop We do not stock aquamarine at the moment. Similar stones in the shop include [Blue lace agate](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/blue-lace-agate), [Amazonite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/amazonite) and [Clear quartz](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/clear-quartz). ## Questions **What is aquamarine?** Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl, the same mineral as emerald. It is usually pale sea-blue to blue-green. **What does aquamarine mean?** In modern crystal tradition it is linked with the sea and safe passage; a sailor's charm; March birthstone. This is tradition and belief, not a health claim. **Can aquamarine go in water?** A quick wash in lukewarm soapy water is fine for most pieces. Aquamarine is hard and fine to clean with warm soapy water. **Which star signs is aquamarine linked with?** Pisces, Aries and Gemini, in modern crystal tradition. **Where does aquamarine come from?** Mainly Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria and Pakistan. **Can Aquamarine go in the sun?** It is best kept out of strong sun: aquamarine can fade in direct sunlight over time. A short morning hour on a windowsill is unlikely to harm it, but don't leave it on a sunny sill for weeks. Many people use moonlight instead, which suits every stone. See the [full moon calendar](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/full-moons) for the next date. **How do you cleanse Aquamarine?** You can cleanse aquamarine with a quick rinse under lukewarm water, the smoke of incense or a herb bundle, the sound of a singing bowl or bell, a night under the moon and a few hours on a selenite plate. In crystal tradition cleansing clears what a stone has 'soaked up'; practically, it is a gentle routine and a good moment to dust it. Skip salt water, which can leave marks. **How do you charge Aquamarine?** The most common way to charge aquamarine is to leave it out overnight under a full moon, then hold it and set an intention. Tradition also uses a selenite plate or a clear quartz cluster, rather than sunlight, because this stone can fade. Charging is a belief-based practice, so choose whatever feels meaningful to you. **Can Aquamarine go in salt?** Dry salt is fine for aquamarine, but salt water is best avoided. It is hard enough at 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale not to scratch, so you can rest it on a bowl of dry sea salt overnight. Brush off every grain afterwards, because salt left in cracks attracts moisture. **What chakra is Aquamarine for?** In modern crystal tradition aquamarine is linked with the throat chakra. Its colour (pale sea-blue to blue-green) is part of the reason, because chakra systems match stones by colour. To work with it, many people place it on the body during a short meditation or keep it nearby while they rest. **What zodiac sign is Aquamarine good for?** Crystal writers most often link aquamarine with Pisces, Aries and Gemini. You can see how it sits with the other stones on our [Aries crystals](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/aries/crystals) page. These links are modern tradition, not ancient rules, so anyone can enjoy aquamarine whatever their sign. **What crystals go well with Aquamarine?** Aquamarine is most often paired with [Blue lace agate](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/blue-lace-agate), [Amazonite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/amazonite) and [Clear Quartz](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/clear-quartz). In crystal tradition the pairing works because the stones share a chakra or balance each other's themes, such as calm with energy or grounding with clarity. Keep softer stones in a separate pouch so harder ones don't scratch them. **Can you put Aquamarine and Blue lace agate together?** Yes, aquamarine and blue lace agate are a classic pairing in crystal tradition. Aquamarine is linked with the throat chakra and blue lace agate with the throat, so together they are used to blend and strengthen one shared theme. Both are hard enough to sit together in one pouch. **Can you put Aquamarine and Amazonite together?** Yes, aquamarine and amazonite are a classic pairing in crystal tradition. Aquamarine is linked with the throat chakra and amazonite with the throat and heart, so together they are used to blend two different themes. Both are hard enough to sit together in one pouch. **Can you put Aquamarine and Clear Quartz together?** Yes, aquamarine and clear quartz are a classic pairing in crystal tradition. Aquamarine is linked with the throat chakra and clear quartz with the crown (and all chakras in many systems), so together they are used to blend two different themes. Both are hard enough to sit together in one pouch. **Where should I put Aquamarine in my home?** A good spot for aquamarine is on a desk, bookshelf or anywhere you write, call or speak, in line with its link to expression. Keep it away from a sunny windowsill so the colour lasts. It copes with a kitchen or bathroom, but dust it now and then. Feng shui and crystal placement are traditions, so trust where it feels right. **Can you wear Aquamarine every day?** Yes, aquamarine is hard enough for everyday wear. It measures 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, where quartz is 7 and household dust (which contains quartz) is about 7 too. Take it off for the gym, gardening and cleaning to keep it bright. **Is Aquamarine safe for crystal water?** Only use the indirect method: don't put aquamarine straight into drinking water. Stones can carry dust, dyes, glue or resin from polishing, even when the mineral itself is stable. Instead, use a bottle with a sealed crystal chamber, or stand a sealed glass beside the stone. **What is Aquamarine made of?** Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl, the same mineral as emerald. It is usually pale sea-blue to blue-green, and it measures 7.5–8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Knowing what a stone is made of tells you how to care for it: this one is hardy and copes with a quick rinse. **Is Aquamarine good for beginners?** Yes, aquamarine is an easy stone for beginners because it is hardy and simple to care for. Many beginners start with stones they find beautiful, then add clear quartz, which crystal tradition calls the all-purpose stone. A quick wipe now and then is all it needs. ## Related - [Blue lace agate meaning](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/blue-lace-agate) - [Amazonite meaning](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/amazonite) - [Clear quartz meaning](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/clear-quartz) - [Crystal meanings A–Z](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals) - [Crystal care guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/crystal-care-guide) - [Birthstones by month](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones) --- Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.