Birthstones are gems that hold special significance and are associated with specific months of the year, often believed to bring luck, protection, or other beneficial qualities to those born within that month. For March, the birthstone is aquamarine, a captivating gemstone known for its serene blue hue reminiscent of the ocean. Aquamarine derives its name from the Latin words “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning sea, perfectly capturing its essence.
This gemstone has long been cherished for its calming properties, symbolizing tranquility, clarity, and harmony. It is believed to promote courage, enhance communication, and soothe the mind, making it particularly meaningful for those born in March. Additionally, bloodstone is sometimes considered an alternative birthstone for March. Bloodstone, characterized by its dark green color flecked with red spots, is believed to have mystical properties, offering protection and strength to its wearer. Both aquamarine gemstone and bloodstone carry rich histories and cultural significance, making them cherished gems for individuals celebrating their births in the month of March. In this blog post, we have jotted down all birthstones for March, their origins, significance, and astrological benefits that will help March born to decide whether to embrace March birthstones or not.
Table of Contents
Why does March have two birthstones?.
March has two birthstones because it was assigned two different gemstones associated with it, rather than just one. The two birthstones for March are:
Aquamarine
Bloodstone
The tradition of having birthstones assigned to each month dates back to ancient times, with different cultures and periods assigning various gems to represent certain months. In modern times, the gemstone associations have become more standardized.
Read Worthy: – Gemstone for Aries
Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl and is said to represent youth, health, and hope. Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is an opaque green gemstone with red spots resembling drops of blood, hence the name. It is traditionally believed to represent courage and bravery.
Having two birthstones for one month is relatively uncommon, but March is one of the few exceptions that ended up with two different gems assigned to represent it. People born in March can choose to celebrate with either aquamarine, bloodstone, or embrace the uniqueness of having two birthstone options.
Aquamarine: The Birthstone of March
1. Origin & History
Aquamarine, the birthstone for the month of March, has captivated humanity for centuries with its mesmerizing blue hues and rich history. The name “aquamarine” is derived from the Latin words aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea,” reflecting its captivating color reminiscent of the ocean. Its origins trace back to ancient times, where it was cherished by civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Legend has it that aquamarine was treasured by mermaids and sailors as a talisman for protection during sea voyages. In ancient folklore, it was believed to enhance courage, clarity, and intuition, making it a sought-after gemstone for both its beauty and its metaphysical properties.
Peek Here: – Gemstone for Virgo
2. Physical Properties
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl mineral family, which also includes emerald. Its distinctive blue color is a result of trace amounts of iron within its crystal structure. It typically ranges from pale blue to a deep, vibrant blue, with variations in hue depending on the concentration of iron impurities. Aquamarine’s hardness on the Mohs scale ranks at 7.5 to 8, making it durable and suitable for various jewelry applications. Its crystal structure often forms in hexagonal prisms, which contribute to its natural brilliance and clarity.
3. Significance
As the birthstone for March, aquamarine holds significant meaning and symbolism. It is often associated with tranquility, serenity, and harmony. In addition to its calming properties, aquamarine is believed to promote communication, intuition, and emotional balance. It is thought to inspire courage and clarity, helping individuals navigate through life’s challenges with grace and resilience. In various cultures, aquamarine has been cherished as a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship, making it a popular choice for gifts and keepsakes, particularly for those born in March.
4. Astrological Benefits
In astrology, aquamarine is associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces, which falls between February 19th and March 20th. Pisces is represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, symbolizing duality and the depths of the subconscious mind. Aquamarine is believed to resonate with Piscean qualities, such as intuition, empathy, and spiritual awareness. It is thought to enhance psychic abilities, intuition, and spiritual insight, making it an ideal gemstone for individuals seeking greater clarity and connection to their inner selves.
5. Value
Aquamarine’s value is influenced by various factors, including color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most prized aquamarines exhibit a vivid blue hue with excellent clarity and transparency. Larger stones with intense color saturation command higher prices, especially those free from visible inclusions or flaws. Aquamarine from notable sources such as Brazil, Madagascar, and Afghanistan are highly regarded for their quality and beauty. As with any gemstone, aquamarine’s value is ultimately determined by market demand, rarity, and individual preferences.
Don’t Forget to Check: – Gemstone for Libra
Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve the beauty and integrity of aquamarine jewelry. To clean aquamarine gemstones, use a mild soap or detergent with warm water and a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away dirt and grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that may damage the stone or its setting. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are generally safe for aquamarine, but exercise caution if the stone has fractures or inclusions, as high heat or vibration may cause further damage. Store aquamarine jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching, and avoid exposing it to prolonged sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this may cause fading or discoloration over time.
In conclusion, aquamarine stands as a timeless symbol of purity, tranquility, and inner peace. Whether admired for its breathtaking beauty, metaphysical properties, or cultural significance, aquamarine continues to captivate hearts and minds around the world as the cherished birthstone of March.
Bloodstone: The Birthstone of March
1. Origin & History
Bloodstone, the traditional birthstone for March, is a striking gemstone known for its unique appearance and rich history. Also referred to as heliotrope, which is derived from the Greek words “helios” meaning sun and “trepein” meaning to turn, bloodstone was believed to have certain mystical properties in ancient times. Its name “bloodstone” is attributed to the stone’s distinctive red spots or splatters, resembling drops of blood against a dark green background. This gemstone has been revered and used for various purposes throughout history, with its origins dating back thousands of years.
Don’t Miss: – Gemstone for Pisces
2. Physical Properties
Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony, a type of cryptocrystalline quartz, and is typically composed of green jasper with red or brown iron oxide inclusions. The red spots or flecks within the stone are caused by the presence of hematite or iron oxide. Bloodstone’s hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 6.5 to 7, making it durable and suitable for use in jewelry. Its colors can vary from dark green to medium green, often with contrasting red or brown spots. When properly polished, bloodstone exhibits a glossy luster, enhancing its visual appeal.
3. Significance
Bloodstone holds significant meaning and symbolism, often associated with courage, strength, and vitality. Throughout history, it has been regarded as a talisman for protection and healing, believed to ward off negative energy and bring good fortune to its wearer. In ancient times, bloodstone was often carved into amulets, seals, and other ornamental objects, and was believed to possess mystical powers. It was also used for medicinal purposes, as it was believed to stop bleeding and cure various ailments. Today, bloodstone continues to be valued for its symbolic significance and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items.
4. Astrological Benefits
In astrology, bloodstone is associated with the zodiac signs of Aries and Pisces, which fall within the month of March. Aries, represented by the ram, is known for its boldness, determination, and leadership qualities, while Pisces, symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, is associated with intuition, empathy, and spiritual sensitivity. Bloodstone is believed to resonate with the energy of these signs, promoting courage, vitality, and emotional balance. It is thought to enhance physical strength, endurance, and resilience, making it an ideal gemstone for individuals seeking to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Also Read: – Gemstone for Taurus
5. Value
The value of bloodstone is influenced by various factors, including color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most prized bloodstones exhibit a deep green color with contrasting red or brown spots, evenly distributed throughout the stone. Stones with intense color saturation and minimal inclusions command higher prices, particularly those with well-defined patterns and attractive formations. Bloodstone from notable sources such as India, Brazil, and Australia are highly regarded for their quality and beauty. As with any gemstone, bloodstone’s value is ultimately determined by market demand, rarity, and individual preferences.
6. How to Clean & Maintain
Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve the beauty and integrity of bloodstone jewelry. To clean bloodstone gemstones, use a mild soap or detergent with warm water and a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away dirt and grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that may damage the stone or its setting. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are generally safe for bloodstone, but exercise caution if the stone has fractures or inclusions, as high heat or vibration may cause further damage. Store bloodstone jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching, and avoid exposing it to prolonged sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this may cause fading or discoloration over time.
In conclusion, bloodstone stands as a powerful symbol of courage, strength, and vitality, resonating with individuals born in the month of March. Whether admired for its mystical properties, historical significance, or aesthetic appeal, bloodstone continues to captivate hearts and minds around the world as a cherished birthstone with a rich and storied past.
Check Out: – Gemstones for Capricorn
