Aquamarine, with its tranquil blue-green hue, has been cherished for centuries. It is valued not just for its beauty but also for its deep connection to the sea. From ancient Greek mythology to medieval traditions, this gemstone symbolizes protection, courage, and safe passage.
Some of these tales go all the way back to the ancient world, while others are later embellishments. Either way, they all add to the sparkling story of aquamarine.
🔗These ancient stories often influence how we view aquamarine today, from spiritual qualities to symbolic associations. Discover the full range of Aquamarine’s meanings here
Poseidon’s Gemstone
In Greek mythology, Poseidon, the mighty god of the sea, ruled the oceans with his powerful trident. One of his myths tells of Amphitrite, a sea nymph who Poseidon fell in love with. But she didn’t feel the same way and fled his advances, seeking refuge with the Oceanids. Her departure left Poseidon in tears. She was eventually persuaded by Delphinus, Poseidon’s loyal messenger, to return and become his queen.
Later retellings of this tail add a gemstone twist, that Poseidon tears merged with the ocean, crystallizing into aquamarine.
This isn’t the only origin story tied to Poseidon. In a later tale, his mighty trident takes centre stage. Each time he rose from the ocean waves, drops of water would fall from the trident’s prongs. As they touched the sea, they crystallised into aquamarine, the sparkling blue-green gem we know today.
Legends may change over time, but the heart of the story remains the same: aquamarine belongs to the sea. Born of Poseidon himself, the gem was said to carry the ocean’s calm within it. Sailors believed that keeping aquamarine close would soothe stormy waters and guide them safely home.
Mermaid Treasure and Roman Sea Nymphs
In seafaring folklore, aquamarine was often said to belong to the mermaids who guarded the ocean depths. Some stories even tell of mermaids gifting the stone to sailors as a charm of protection. A glittering token from the waves to keep them safe on their journeys.
The Romans told a similar tale, though their focus was on sea nymphs rather than mermaids. These ethereal beings were believed to treasure aquamarine in their underwater realms. When a sailor honoured the sea, the nymphs would reward him, gifting him an aquamarine.
Whether borrowed from Roman myths or imagined later, these stories further painted aquamarine as the sailor’s stone. A gem of calm waters, safe passage, and good fortune at sea.
Medieval Knights and the Courageous Stone
As time went on, aquamarine’s reputation spread from the sea to the battlefield. By the medieval period, it was no longer just a sailor’s stone, it had also become a talisman for warriors.
One tale tells of a knight who perished in battle at sea. His spirit said to merge with the waves and give birth to aquamarine itself. It may be a more modern invention, but the story adds a touch of magic to the gem’s image as a stone of courage.
Some also say knights wore aquamarine in rings or pendants into battle. Trusting it to give them strength and bravery when they needed it most. Whether fact or fancy, it fits perfectly with the medieval love of weaving mystical powers into their gemstones.
Thanks to these legends, aquamarine earned the name of the “knight’s stone.”
The Enduring Mystique of Aquamarine
Aquamarine’s legends, whether ancient or more recent, continue to shimmer with mystery. From Poseidon’s tears to the gifts of Roman sea nymphs, each story adds another layer to its magic.
Through it all, aquamarine remains a gem of protection and courage, forever tied to the vast, mysterious ocean.
🔗If you’re working with aquamarine in jewellery, take a look at my Jewellers Guide to Aquamarine, where I cover identification tips, common treatments, setting considerations and more.
📌 Save these aquamarine myths and legends so you can find them again. They also make great marketing content, so feel free to reference them!
