Aquamarine is a rare blue-green gemstone prized for its exceptional clarity and striking resemblance to the waters of the Trackless Sea. Favored by nobles, wealthy merchants, sea captains, and arcane practitioners, aquamarine commands high prices throughout Faerûn. Its association with luck, navigation, purity, and the sea has made it one of the most desirable gemstones in maritime cultures and coastal trade centers.
Usage:
Valued at 500 gp, aquamarine is commonly fashioned into fine jewelry, noble regalia, ceremonial objects, and enchanted items. Wealthy patrons, naval officers, sea captains, and spellcasters frequently purchase exceptional specimens, particularly those displaying vivid coloration and remarkable clarity.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemstones | Gems & Precious Stones | Rare | 1 | 350gp | 425gp | 500gp | 750gp | n/a |
Production Stage: Raw Resource
Item Roles: Trade Good, Treasure
Production Method: Mining
Aquamarine is a rare gemstone found in coastal mines, island deposits, and regions with strong ties to the sea. The finest specimens display remarkable clarity and a vivid blue-green coloration reminiscent of tropical waters.
Export Locations: Chult, The Moonshae Isles, Halruaa
Premium Markets: Waterdeep, Athkatla, Calimport
Exotic Markets: Mirabar, Zhentil Keep, Mulmaster
Exotic Market Notes
Mirabar: Wealth generated by mining and metalworking creates strong demand for luxury gemstones despite limited local access to aquamarine deposits.
Zhentil Keep: Merchant houses and wealthy officials prize rare gemstones as portable stores of wealth and symbols of status.
Mulmaster: Imported luxury goods command healthy premiums among nobles, merchants, and collectors due to limited regional gemstone production.
Common Buyers: Nobility, jewelers, wealthy merchants, sailors, sea captains, mages, collectors
Common Producers: Mining companies, coastal prospectors, island mining operations, gemstone merchants, dwarven mining clans
Profit Potential: High
Aquamarine should be stored in padded containers, velvet-lined cases, or secured strongboxes. Due to its high value and portability, larger shipments are often accompanied by guards or transported alongside other precious goods.
Transport Risks: Moderate
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Occasional
Smuggling Appeal: High
Regulation Level: Moderate
Aquamarine is among the most profitable gemstones commonly encountered in long-distance trade. Its combination of high value, strong demand, and compact size makes it particularly attractive to gem merchants and luxury traders. Exceptional stones are frequently acquired by noble houses, maritime organizations, and arcane institutions, often selling well above their standard market value.
| Tier | Description |
|---|---|
0 - Open |
This item may be freely bought, sold, transported, and stored without special permits or registration. Open Trade goods form the foundation of everyday commerce and are rarely subject to inspection beyond normal taxation. |
1 - Registered |
This item is legal to trade but may be subject to routine taxation, record-keeping, or inspection when transported in commercial quantities. Merchants conducting regular business in these goods are often expected to maintain a recognized trade registration. |
2 - Controlled |
This item is considered hazardous, specialized, or otherwise regulated. Merchants may be required to obtain a trade license, maintain records of sale, or submit shipments for inspection. Bulk transport is often monitored by guilds, city authorities, or trade officials. |
3 - Restricted |
This item possesses significant economic, strategic, or industrial value. Trade is limited to approved merchants, guild members, chartered companies, or licensed organizations. Unauthorized possession or transport may result in confiscation, fines, or suspension of trade privileges. |
4 - Chartered |
This item is subject to monopolies, exclusive trade agreements, state control, or powerful guild charters. Production, transport, and sale are closely regulated. Access is typically restricted to organizations operating under special contracts, noble grants, or government authorization. |
5 - Prohibited |
This item is illegal to produce, possess, transport, or sell within most jurisdictions. Exceptions are rare and generally require direct authorization from ruling authorities. Violations often carry severe penalties, including imprisonment, asset seizure, exile, or execution. |