Aquamarine

Sources: Madagascar, Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, India

Hardness: 7.5-8

Aquamarine is one of the most famous gemstones. It is loved for its blue color, reminiscent of the sea and sky. Aquamarine naturally varies from green to blue. Greenish stones are often heated, changing the oxidation state of the iron elements in the crystal to bring out more blue.

Incredibly rich blue Aquamarine can also occur naturally. A recent find in Madagascar produces vivid-blue crystals that rival the more well-known, but scarce "Santa Maria" material.

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and a talisman for Pisces.