Aquamarine is a pale blue variety of beryl, the mineral family which also includes emerald, as well as the yellow variety heliodor and the pink variety morganite. In contrast to emeralds, aquamarine is often found in relatively large, clean crystals, the most famous source being the Santa Maria mine in Brazil. The clarity and delicate blue hue of aquamarine has given the stone the obvious affinity with water from which its name is derived. Aquamarine is the birthstone of march, and historically the stone been endowed with talismanic properties, protecting sailors on their travels by ensuring a calm, blue ocean.
