aquamarine

[ ak-wuh-muh-reen, ah-kwuh- ]

noun

1. a transparent, light-blue or greenish-blue variety of beryl, used as a gem.
2. light blue-green or greenish blue.

aquamarine

/ ˌækwəməˈriːn /

noun

1. a pale greenish-blue transparent variety of beryl used as a gemstone
2. 1. a pale blue to greenish-blue colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      an aquamarine dress

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquamarine¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, aquamarine is from Latin aqua marīna “sea water” (named from its color). See aqua, marine

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquamarine¹

C19: from New Latin aqua marīna, from Latin: sea water (referring to the gem's colour)

Example Sentences

Once again taking coastal Florida as a setting, the director makes the most of his glow-stick palette, filled with fiery yellows and aquamarines.

From New York Times

The area, known for a famous gorge and aquamarine waters, sits on several active faults.

From New York Times

He was surrounded by a swarm of supporters in aquamarine T-shirts reading “I’m-migrant.”

From Los Angeles Times

And that is not even her breeding plumage, when her eyes turn aquamarine, with matching stipples around the edges, and the inside of her mouth turns cobalt blue.

From Seattle Times

Very soon they’d be in open seas, with nothing around them but the aquamarine water.

From Literature

Related Words

• blue-green
• olive

More About Aquamarine

What does aquamarine mean?

Aquamarine is a light-blue or greenish-blue transparent gemstone.

It is a variety of the mineral beryl. The color of aquamarine can resemble pale blue or blue-green sea water—which is what gives it its name. The word aquamarine is also used to refer to such a color, as in The beautiful aquamarine dress stood out among the other muted tones.

Aquamarine is considered a semiprecious gemstone, which is a label applied to a class of gems that have a commercial value that’s less than that of stones labeled precious, such as diamonds.

Aquamarine is one of the birthstones for the month of March, the other being bloodstone. It is associated with the zodiac sign Pisces.

Example: My girlfriend bought me a beautiful aquamarine ring as a way to remember our time snorkeling in the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean.

Where does aquamarine come from?

The first records of the word aquamarine come from the 1590s. It comes from the Latin aqua marīna, meaning “sea water.”

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, which is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum silicate. It’s found in coarse granites and igneous rocks, which results in the formation of large, clear crystals. Emerald is also a variety of beryl, but it is considered a precious gem.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with aquamarine? 

• aqua
• marine
• ultramarine

What are some words that often get used in discussing aquamarine?

• blue
• green
• sea green
• gem
• gemstone
• mineral
• beryl
• semiprecious
• March
• Pisces

How is aquamarine used in real life?

Most people know aquamarine as the sea-colored gemstone that’s used as a birthstone for March. The word can also be used to describe things with such a color.

Happy Birthday March babies! Aquamarine, the gemstone which symbolizes those born in March, is known for its blue color which ranges from an almost colorless pale sky blue to a coloration that reflects the deep blue hue of the sea. pic.twitter.com/fPTEMQrbpY

— Jewelers Suite (@JewelersSuite) March 1, 2021

NEWS: Hancocks names aquamarine ring as ‘Jewel of the Month’ https://t.co/BJWMCdWOSY

— Jewellery Focus (@Jewellery_Focus) February 25, 2021

Next stop: Pinney’s Beach on #Nevis Island. The boat ride offered spectacular views of this up-and-coming tourist haven’s white sand beaches and aquamarine waters, and I’m honoured to be the first president of #Taiwan to visit this island. #JFDS2019 pic.twitter.com/dTTbj3zPA7

— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) July 14, 2019

Try using aquamarine!

True or False?

Aquamarine is traditionally considered a semiprecious gem.