The name "Aquamarine," the first birthstone for March, is derived from the Latin word for "aqua"-  water, and "mare" - "sea." It's readily apparent why, because the color of this alluring gem mirrors the beautiful blue hues of the earth's abundant waters. The first documented use of aquamarines is by the Greeks around 300 B.C., where aquamarine amulets were engraved with the god Poseidon on a chariot. Aquamarine beads have been found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians, another gem used to ensure safe passage through the next world. King Solomon's breastplate is said to have contained an aquamarine gem. 2,000 years ago, Emperor Nero is said to have used the gem as an eyeglass and people believed the gem possessed medicinal and healing powers. In the Middle Ages, it was considered an antidote to poison and it has been used for telling fortunes.