
Aquamarine — Flow and Renewal
With its clear blue-green hue, aquamarine carries the gentle yet persistent strength of flowing water. In Daoist Five Element theory, it aligns with the Water element’s wisdom (zhi) and the Wood element’s growth (ren), supporting emotional release, adaptability, and the courage to move forward. Like a calm tide meeting the shore, it softens resistance and invites fresh beginnings.
Composed of beryl colored by traces of iron, aquamarine draws on Metal’s clarity and Water’s fluidity. In Daoist healing, iron nourishes and invigorates the blood, which supports vitality, emotional resilience, and balanced hormonal health, especially for women during cycles of change. Aquamarine is also valued for nourishing the body’s Yin, replenishing fluids, and cooling excess heat, creating an inner environment where the mind and spirit can rest and restore. This balance helps ease stress, cool fiery emotions, and clear the mind, making space for honest expression and harmonious communication.
Since ancient times, aquamarine has been revered as the sailor’s stone, carried for safe passage across seas. In medieval Europe, it was believed to rekindle love and protect marriages, while in Chinese traditions it has been valued for its ability to clear stagnant Qi and refresh the Shen. Across cultures, it symbolizes trust, serenity, and renewal.
Aquamarine’s steady, cleansing energy can also help refresh and align other stones, restoring their natural vibration.
Primary sources: Brazil, Pakistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique, Russia, United States (Colorado)
Elements: Water, Wood, Metal
Virtues: Wisdom (zhi), Benevolence (ren), Clarity
Cleansing and Charging
Cleanse every other day in running water. Charge in sunlight for one to two hours or in a quartz crystal. It requires daily charging.