Aquamarine is a pale-blue to light-green variety of beryl. The color of aquamarine can be changed by heat. Aquamarine is a common gemstone. However, there is a rarer deep blue variant called maxixe, but its color can fade due to sunlight. The color of maxixe is caused by NO3. Dark-blue maxixe color can be produced in green, pink or yellow beryl by irradiating it with high-energy radiation.
The name aquamarine comes from aqua (Latin for 'water'), and marine, deriving from marina (Latin for 'of the sea'). The word aquamarine was first used in the year 1677.
Aquamarine is referred to as the birth stone for the month of March. Aquamarine has historically been used a symbol for youth and happiness due to its color, which has also, along with its name, made Western culture connect it with the ocean. Ancient Romans believed that aquamarine could protect people who are travelling across the sea, they also used aquamarine to prevent illnesses. The Chinese used it to make seals, figurines, and engravings. Japanese people used aquamarine to make netsuke. It became a state gem for Colorado in 1971.