Aquamarine vs Turquoise: Differences, Meaning & Which to Choose
Karen MoranThe quick answer: aquamarine is a transparent, glassy blue gemstone you can see light through. Turquoise is an opaque, waxy blue-to-green stone, often with dark veins. Aquamarine is much harder (7.5–8 vs. 5–6 on the Mohs scale), and they're birthstones for different months: aquamarine for March, turquoise for December.
Updated October 2026
How to Tell Aquamarine and Turquoise Apart at a Glance
- Hold it up to the light. If light passes through, it's aquamarine. Turquoise blocks light completely.
- Look at the color. Aquamarine is a clear, icy, sea-water blue. Turquoise is a solid sky blue to green.
- Look for veins. Turquoise often has a dark web-like pattern called matrix. Aquamarine is clean and glassy.
- Check the shine. Aquamarine sparkles like glass, especially when faceted. Turquoise has a soft, waxy glow.
Aquamarine vs Turquoise Comparison Chart
| Property | Aquamarine | Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral family | Beryl (same family as emerald) | Phosphate |
| Chemical composition | Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ (beryllium aluminum silicate) | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O (hydrated copper aluminum phosphate) |
| Color range | Pale blue to deep blue-green | Sky blue to green |
| Clarity | Transparent to translucent | Opaque |
| Luster | Glassy | Waxy to sub-vitreous |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 7.5–8 | 5–6 |
| Major sources | Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan | Iran, southwestern USA, China |
| Birthstone month | March | December |
Because aquamarine is much harder than turquoise, it resists everyday scratches better, which makes it a popular choice for rings worn daily. Turquoise is softer and more porous, so it does best in pieces with less friction, like necklaces, earrings, and pendants.
The History of Aquamarine and Turquoise
Aquamarine
Aquamarine's name means "seawater" in Latin. Ancient sailors carried it as a talisman believed to calm the sea and protect safe voyages. Brazil is the world's primary source today, with additional deposits in Nigeria, Madagascar, and Pakistan.
Turquoise
Turquoise has been used in jewelry and ceremonial objects for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt. It also holds deep cultural significance in Native American traditions. Major sources include Iran, the southwestern United States (including Kingman, Arizona), and China.
What Do Aquamarine and Turquoise Symbolize?
- Aquamarine is associated with calm, clarity, and harmony, and is traditionally linked to communication and self-expression.
- Turquoise is associated with protection, wisdom, and good fortune, and is regarded in many cultures as a stone of friendship.
Aquamarine or Turquoise: Which Is Right for You?
Choose aquamarine if you want a durable, sparkling stone with a soft, icy blue that works for both casual and formal looks, or a gift for a March birthday.
Choose turquoise if you want a bold, opaque stone with natural character and veining that suits coastal, bohemian, or southwestern style, or a gift for a December birthday.
Shop Aquamarine Jewelry
Aquamarine Charm Candy Necklace in 14K Gold: aquamarine beads with a removable charm.
Aquamarine Teardrop Dangle Earrings in Sterling Silver: icy blue drops for everyday wear.
Pearl, Amethyst & Aquamarine Charm Necklace: aquamarine with pearl and amethyst.
See all aquamarine jewelry.
Shop Turquoise Jewelry
Kingman Turquoise Heart Dangle Earrings: Arizona turquoise hearts in a sweet, easy-to-wear drop.
Kingman Turquoise Beaded Candy Necklace: hand-knotted Kingman turquoise on blue silk.
Stella Blue Turquoise Marquise Ring in Sterling Silver: a marquise-shaped turquoise statement ring.
See all turquoise jewelry, or learn how to tell real turquoise from fake.
How to Care for Aquamarine and Turquoise
Aquamarine Care
- Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes.
- Store separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
Turquoise Care
- Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Never soak it or use chemical cleaners.
- Keep it away from lotions, perfume, and long periods of direct sunlight.
- Store it in a soft pouch, away from harder stones that could scratch it.
Aquamarine vs Turquoise FAQ
What is the difference between aquamarine and turquoise?
Aquamarine is a transparent, glassy beryl gemstone with a hardness of 7.5–8. Turquoise is an opaque, waxy phosphate mineral with a hardness of 5–6, often with dark veining. Aquamarine is the March birthstone; turquoise is the December birthstone.
Is aquamarine a type of turquoise?
No. They're completely different minerals. Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family, like emerald. Turquoise is a copper-based phosphate mineral.
Which is more expensive, aquamarine or turquoise?
High-quality aquamarine generally costs more because of its clarity and hardness. However, rare high-grade turquoise, such as Sleeping Beauty turquoise, can also command high prices.
Which is more durable for everyday wear?
Aquamarine. At 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, it resists scratches much better than turquoise, which ranks 5–6.
Can you wear aquamarine and turquoise together?
Yes. Their blue tones complement each other, and they look great layered in necklaces or mixed in stacked rings.
What metal looks best with each stone?
Aquamarine pairs well with white gold, platinum, or yellow gold. Turquoise is traditionally set in silver but also looks striking in yellow or rose gold.
