Aquamarine is a gemstone of the beryl family. Its name comes from the latin equivalent of sea water, "aqua marina". Its color comes from its iron concentration and includes numerous shades of blue (from pale blue to deep blue and sometimes turquoise). The deep blue aquamarine is the most sought. It is a fragile and shock sensitive gemstone. It is mainly imported from Brazil, Australia, Africa, the United-States, Russia and China. Aquamarine is traditionally associated to the month of October.

The western birthstone chart is based on the biblical description of the breastplate of the high priest Aaron (brother of Moses) that consists of 12 stones that represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Across cultures and time, powers of protection were conferred to those who wore them. In 1912, the American national association of jewelers established a modern birthstone chart.

Month	Stones
January	Garnet
February	Amethyst
March	Aquamarine
April	Diamond
May	Emerald
June	Pearl or Alexandrite
July	Ruby
August	Peridot
September	Sapphire
October	Opal or Tourmaline
November	Citrine
December	Blue Topaz

They used to be known as semi-precious stone, however, this appellation was revoked because it was considered pejorative. Gemstones (also fine gem or gem) are translucent or transparent (topaz, quartz, opal, etc.). The following stones are classified as gems: amber, aquamarine, amethyst, citrine, rock crystal, cordierite, garnet, peridot, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline and zircon. There are also ornamental stones such as lapis lazuli and turquoise, which are often mistaken as gemstones. This term generally designates opaque colored stones or stones of a lesser value. The reconstituted stones are manufactured by a process that reduces useless stones to a powder, the powder is then mixed with glue. Thus making a complete stone. Dyes can be added to give a certain uniformity to the stone's appearance. The term stabilized means that a natural stone, such as turquoise, was too porous and has been dipped in a resin bath, or into another protective lacquer, to solidify. In France, the only stones said to be precious are diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. Around the world, this term refers to any gem of great value.