Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, a mineral group that also includes emerald. Its name is derived from the Latin words aqua marina, meaning "sea water," due to its pale blue to blue-green color, reminiscent of the ocean. The color of aquamarine is caused by trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure.

Aquamarine gemstones typically range in hue from light blue to a deeper, more intense blue, and are prized for their clarity, transparency, and vivid color. The best-quality aquamarines are often free of inclusions and are cut into various shapes, with the emerald cut being especially popular due to its ability to showcase the stone’s clarity and color.

Aquamarine is relatively hard, rating 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it suitable for daily wear in jewelry. It is often associated with tranquility, calmness, and is believed to have a soothing effect on the wearer. Aquamarine is also the traditional birthstone for March.