Evoking the serene beauty of the sea with its delicate pale blue to vibrant blue-green hues, Aquamarine is a member of the beryl mineral family, the same family that includes emerald and morganite. Its name is derived from the Latin "aqua marina," meaning "seawater," perfectly capturing its ocean-like colours. The intensity of Aquamarine's blue is often enhanced by heat treatment, transforming greener stones into the more desirable pure blue shades. Major deposits of gem-quality Aquamarine are found in Brazil (especially Minas Gerais), Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar, Pakistan, and the United States (Colorado). With a respectable hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, Aquamarine is a durable gemstone well-suited for various jewellery applications. Its lustre is typically vitreous (glassy), and it ranges from transparent to translucent, often exhibiting excellent clarity. Aquamarine boasts a rich history, having been cherished by sailors in ancient times who believed it brought good luck on voyages and protected them from storms. It was also associated with mermaids and said to be the treasure of sirens. In medieval times, it was believed to have the power to counteract poison. Symbolically, Aquamarine is strongly associated with tranquility, serenity, clarity, and harmony. It is believed to calm the nerves, reduce stress, and promote clear communication. Caring for Aquamarine is relatively straightforward due to its good hardness. Brazil has produced some exceptionally large and fine Aquamarine crystals, highly prized by collectors.