Which gemstone is associated with your birth month? What powers does it have? How can you best harness its energy? Tatler’s experts Joyce Tsang and Jenny Lam help demystify birthstones and their properties
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is a green-blue member of the beryl family that gets its name from the Latin word for seawater, “aqua marīnus”.
The unique blue colour of this semi-precious stone evokes a sense of peace and clarity, and folklores across cultures often relate this gemstone closely with the sea. For instance, in Chinese mythology, aquamarines, known as bixi (“green jade”), are associated with Yu-kiang, sea lord and Jade Emperor of the Southern Seas. Yu-kiang is often depicted as a powerful and benevolent figure who has control over the tides and sea creatures of the South China Sea. According to folklore, he has a palace made of pure jade, and wears a belt adorned with aquamarines, which is said to have magical powers that protects the sea lord from harm and negative energy.
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Singaporeans also believe in aquamarine’s protective properties against evil spirits and negative energy. It is seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity as well, and is often used in feng shui practices to attract positive energy and abundance.
In Malaysia, aquamarines are associated with water and are believed to have a calming effect—much like the waves of the sea. They are also seen as a symbol of purity, and are often used in spiritual practices to enhance meditation and mental clarity.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, aquamarines are also believed to have a strong connection to the sea and are associated with tranquillity, love and romance. So they are often used in meditation to promote inner peace or given as a gift to express affection and devotion.
As you can see, different cultures have different beliefs surrounding this stone, so to demystify it, we sat down with two experts: Joyce Tsang, the founder of crystal brand Stone and Star; and Jenny Lam, a crystal and stone expert and founder of online crystal-based platform Moon Conversations, to learn more about this gorgeous gem and its powers.
