Giclee Print of a Painting of an Aquamarine Crystal

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Aquamarine evokes the purity of crystalline waters, and the exhilaration and relaxation of the sea. It is calming, soothing, and cleansing, and inspires truth, trust and letting go. In ancient lore, Aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids, and was used by sailors as a talisman of good luck, fearlessness and protection. It was also considered a stone of eternal youth and happiness. Today it protects all who travel by, over, or near water, and opens the channels of clear and heartfelt communication.

   The name Aquamarine comes from the Latin aqua marinus, meaning "water of the sea," and refers to its sparkling ocean-like color. The pale blue, transparent crystal is a member of the Beryl family. Its color, sometimes bluish green, is caused by iron oxides within the chemical makeup of the stone. Ancient seer considered it to be under the influence of the moon, an orb exerting very great magnetic influence. Present day supporters of crystal-gazing suggest that when using an Aquamarine to view coming events, do so when the moon is increasing. The magnetism of the moon on the included iron oxides will strengthen the stone's forecasting ability.

   Aquamarine is the blue variety of Beryl, though the Beryl family forms in other colors used as gems, such as green Emerald, yellow Heliodor and Golden Beryl, pink Morganite, Red Beryl or Bixbite, and the colorless variety, Goshenite.

   This is a painting of an aquamarine crystal. The original illustration is an acrylic painting on canvas board. The print is on glossy photo paper. It is an 8 x 11 inch print. The artist has created botanical illustrations for publications that have been published by the New York Botanical Garden and the University Press of Florida.

   The blue flower that is next to the Aquamarine crystal is the flower of the Lignum Vitae tree. The Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) is a stunning tree which produces beautiful blue flowers, either solitarily or in clusters. These flowers have five petals and usually measure just over a centimeter across. The leaves of the lignum vitae comprise of three to five pairs of dark green leaflets, which measure about three centimeters in length and have a small point at the tip. During the hottest part of the day, the leaflet pairs may sometimes fold together. The fruits of this species have four or five lobes and are bright orange-yellow when mature. They open to expose red, fleshy arils (seed coverings) which contain the hard, black, rounded seeds. The seeds of the lignum vitae measure about one centimeter in length. The lignum vitae generally grows as a relatively low tree with a gnarled truck and a spreading, rounded crown of drooping branches. Its wood is notable for its unique greenish-brown color. The wood is strong and dense, and sinks when placed in water.