Did you know the aquamarine is March’s modern birthstone? It’s a type of beryl gem known for its clear blue or blue-green color. The name comes from Latin, meaning “water” and “of the sea”.
Aquamarine has been prized by many cultures for its beauty. It’s also the traditional gem for a 19th wedding anniversary.
As the birthstone for march with meaning, aquamarine is thought to bring peace and clarity. It’s also believed to help heal from past hurts. With a Mohs Hardness Scale rating of 7.5 to 8, it’s a strong choice for daily wear.
Aquamarine’s march birthstone symbolism and aquamarine stone properties make it a favorite. It’s popular for those born in March or celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary.
Introduction to March’s Birthstone
March marks the end of winter and the start of spring. This month is all about change and new beginnings. The birthstones for March, aquamarine and bloodstone, reflect these themes.
Aquamarine is a calming blue-green gemstone. It’s a type of beryl known for its soothing qualities. Bloodstone, with its dark green and red flecks, stands for courage and strength.
Choosing between aquamarine and bloodstone, you get to pick a symbol of March’s spirit. These gems celebrate the transition from winter to spring.
Aquamarine: The Modern March Birthstone
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March, known for its stunning blue and blue-green colors. It’s part of the beryl family, just like emeralds. The name “aquamarine” comes from Latin, meaning “water” and “of the sea,” showing its ocean connection.
Aquamarine Color and Characteristics
Aquamarine colors range from pale blue to deep blue-green. The bluer it is, the more valuable it is. Its blue comes from iron in the crystal, and bigger stones show deeper colors.
The History and Origins of Aquamarine
- Aquamarine has been loved since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans thought Poseidon, the sea god, made it from seawater.
- It’s found in Brazil, Africa, Australia, and the U.S. The biggest deposits are in Brazil and Pakistan’s Karakoram foothills.
- Aquamarine grows in beautiful hexagonal crystals, making it a stunning gem.
- Heat treatment is used to make aquamarine’s blue more vibrant, making it more sought after.
Aquamarine’s beautiful color, rich history, and availability make it the perfect March birthstone. It represents the season’s beauty and renewal.
Bloodstone: The Traditional March Birthstone
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is another March birthstone. It’s a type of chalcedony with a dark green color and red spots. These red spots were thought to be Christ’s blood, giving it its name.
The history of bloodstone goes back to the 1550s. It’s found in places like India, Australia, Brazil, China, and Madagascar.
Bloodstone has been valued for its look and believed powers for ages. Warriors wore it for protection and to stop bleeding. In India, it’s thought to boost love. The Aztecs used it to help with blood flow, seeing it as a healing stone.
| Bloodstone Characteristics | Bloodstone Origin |
|---|---|
| – Dark green color with red spots or flecks – Variety of the mineral chalcedony – Named for the red inclusions resembling blood | – Major sources include India, Australia, Brazil, China, and Madagascar – Earliest known records date back to the 1550s – Prized for its unique appearance and metaphysical properties |
Whether you like the traditional charm of bloodstone or the calm of aquamarine, March’s stones are rich in history and meaning. Discover the special qualities and benefits of these gemstones to find your favorite.
Birthstone for March with Meaning: Metaphysical Properties
Aquamarine and bloodstone are the birthstones for March. They have strong metaphysical properties that offer spiritual and personal benefits. Aquamarine brings calmness, clear communication, and mental clarity. It’s great for meditation and finding inner peace.
Bloodstone is known for its cleansing and healing powers. It also boosts courage and mental focus. These properties make it a valuable gemstone.
Aquamarine connects to the throat chakra, helping with self-expression and spiritual connection. Its blue-green color promotes balance and calmness. It helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Ancient cultures like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans valued aquamarine. They believed it protected and restored energy, especially for sailors.
- Aquamarine is believed to offer protection, promote clear communication, and enhance intuition.
- Bloodstone is associated with courage, mental focus, and spiritual cleansing.
- Both March birthstones are believed to hold powerful metaphysical properties.
Bloodstone cleanses and purifies, removing negative energy and improving mental clarity. Its green with red speckles symbolizes the blood of Christ. This makes it a significant gem in Christian traditions.
Bloodstone was also used by ancient Babylonians for seals. They believed it had mystical powers, like seeing solar eclipses.
Whether you prefer aquamarine’s calming effects or bloodstone’s courage, March birthstones offer many benefits. Wearing these gems can unlock your inner strength, balance, and well-being.
The Symbolic Meaning of March Birthstones
The two March birthstones, aquamarine and bloodstone, have deep meanings. They have fascinated people for centuries. Knowing their significance adds value to those born in March.
Aquamarine’s Symbolic Meaning
Aquamarine is connected to the sea’s power and calm. It was believed to be Poseidon’s gift, calming waves and protecting sailors. It also symbolizes youth, hope, and loyalty in relationships.
Bloodstone’s Symbolic Significance
Bloodstone stands for courage, justice, and healing. It was thought to come from Christ’s blood, making it a strong charm. Its dark green with red spots shows strength and life.
Whether you prefer aquamarine’s calm colors or bloodstone’s bold look, March birthstones are rich in meaning. They offer a lot to those born in this lively month.
March Birthstone Colors and Their Value
If you’re born in March, you’re lucky to have two official birthstones – aquamarine and bloodstone. These gems have unique colors and values.
Aquamarine shines with soft sea-green to sky-blue hues. Bloodstone, on the other hand, has a deep forest green with crimson red splashes. Aquamarines are usually clear, while bloodstones are more opaque.
The color of your March birthstone affects its value and appeal. Aquamarines with intense blue tones are most sought after. Those with a greenish tint are less expensive. Bloodstones with clear, vivid red accents are more valuable than those with less prominent red.
In general, the purest, most vibrant colors of March birthstones fetch the highest prices. Whether you prefer aquamarine’s serene blue or bloodstone’s bold earthy tones, the color matters when choosing jewelry.
Clarity and Quality Factors for March Birthstones
Clarity is key for March birthstones, especially for aquamarine, the modern gem. It’s usually clear and free of noticeable flaws. Gems with many inclusions or cracks are worth less.
Bloodstone, the traditional gem, can be clear or not. The clearer it is, the more people want it. Both aquamarine and bloodstone can show special effects like the cat’s eye, which are highly valued.
| Clarity Factors | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Clarity | Transparent, eye-clean | Transparent to opaque |
| Visual Effects | Cat’s eye phenomenon | Cat’s eye phenomenon |
| Mohs Hardness | 7.5 – 8 | 6.5 – 7 |
In summary, the clarity and quality of aquamarine and bloodstone are very important. Aquamarine’s clearness and special effects make it very popular. Bloodstone’s clarity affects its price, with clearer stones being more valuable.
Where Do March Birthstones Come From?
If you were born in March, you’re lucky to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from. These are aquamarine and bloodstone. But where do these gems come from? Let’s look at where March’s birthstones are found.
Global Sources of Aquamarine
Aquamarine, the modern March birthstone, mainly comes from Brazil, especially Minas Gerais. It’s also found in other places like:
- Pakistan
- Africa (Mozambique, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia)
- Australia
- The United States (Colorado)
Aquamarine is found all over the world. This ensures a steady supply and many choices for March birthstone jewelry. Its unique color and sea connection make it very popular.
Global Sources of Bloodstone
Bloodstone, the traditional March birthstone, is found in many places, including:
- India
- Australia
- Brazil
- China
- Madagascar
This gemstone is known for its deep green color and red speckles. It’s valued for its beauty and spiritual meaning. Bloodstone’s global availability means there’s a wide range of March birthstone jewelry to choose from.
March babies have a great choice between aquamarine and bloodstone. These gems are found all over the world. This means you can find the perfect piece to celebrate your special month.
Treating and Enhancing March Birthstones
If you own a March birthstone, you can make it look even better. Both aquamarine and bloodstone, the month’s gemstones, can be treated in different ways.
Aquamarine, the main March birthstone, gets a big boost from heat treatment. It makes the stone’s blue color brighter and more vivid. This treatment also makes the color last forever, keeping your aquamarine looking great.
Bloodstone, the traditional March birthstone, can be polished and carved. This brings out its unique patterns and inclusions. It makes the stone look even more special. But, it’s important to tell the buyer if the stone has been treated.
| Gemstone | Treatment | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Aquamarine | Heat treatment | Enhances the blue hue, reduces green/yellow tones, permanent color change |
| Bloodstone | Polishing and carving | Highlights the stone’s unique patterns and inclusions, creates visually striking pieces |
Want to make your March birthstone shine? Or just learn more about it? Knowing about treatments can help you understand and enjoy your gemstone’s beauty.
March Birthstone Alternative
Aquamarine and bloodstone are the usual birthstones for March. But, other gemstones like blue topaz, amethyst, and citrine can also be great alternatives. These stones share some of the meanings and powers of the traditional March birthstones. The right choice depends on what feels special to each person.
Here are some options for March birthstones:
- Blue Topaz: This gemstone is calming and soothing. It comes in various blue shades, from light to deep.
- Amethyst: Known for its spiritual and intuitive qualities, amethyst is a meaningful choice for March birthdays.
- Citrine: With its bright, golden colors, citrine adds a cheerful vibe to March birthstone jewelry. It’s believed to boost positivity and creativity.
While aquamarine and bloodstone are the traditional March birthstones, these alternatives offer a unique way to celebrate your birthday. They let you express your personal style in a special way.
| Birthstone | Color | Meaning | Metaphysical Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquamarine | Light blue to sea green | Calming, serene, communication | Reduces stress and anxiety, enhances self-expression |
| Bloodstone | Deep green with red spots | Courage, strength, healing | Promotes grounding, balance, and physical vitality |
| Blue Topaz | Pale to deep blue | Tranquility, clarity, communication | Calms the mind, encourages self-expression |
| Amethyst | Purple | Spirituality, intuition, mental clarity | Promotes inner peace, enhances intuition and meditation |
| Citrine | Yellow to golden | Positivity, creativity, self-expression | Uplifts mood, stimulates creativity and self-confidence |
Wearing March Birthstone Jewelry
If you were born in March, you’re lucky to have two beautiful birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. These gems are perfect for many jewelry designs. They let you show off your unique style and personality.
Aquamarine Jewelry Designs
Aquamarine is known for its beautiful blue colors. It’s a favorite for classic and elegant jewelry. You can find aquamarine in everything from simple pendants to eye-catching stud earrings.
Its clarity and brilliance make it a gem to admire. Aquamarine jewelry suits both those who like simple designs and those who prefer bold looks. It’s also durable, making it great for everyday wear.
| Aquamarine Jewelry Designs | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Classic Pendants | Showcases the gem’s clarity and brilliance |
| Delicate Stud Earrings | Offer a subtle yet elegant touch |
| Bold Statement Rings | Make a confident fashion statement |
March Birthstones and Anniversary Celebrations
Your March birthstone, whether it’s aquamarine or bloodstone, is more than just a birth month symbol. It’s also linked to wedding anniversaries, adding depth to these special days.
Aquamarine, the calming blue-green gem, is for the 19th wedding anniversary. It stands for a couple’s lasting love and commitment. Its ocean colors reflect a marriage that has overcome many challenges.
Bloodstone, the traditional March gem, doesn’t have a specific anniversary. Yet, its meaning of courage and healing makes it perfect for any celebration. The green stone with red flecks shows the strength of a long-lasting marriage.
| Birthstone | Anniversary | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Aquamarine | 19th | Enduring love, commitment |
| Bloodstone | N/A | Courage, healing |
Choosing aquamarine or bloodstone jewelry for your March birthday or anniversary is a personal way to mark these milestones. These gemstones add a unique touch to your celebrations.
March Birthstone Value and Pricing
The value of March birthstones, aquamarine and bloodstone, depends on several things. Aquamarine is most valuable if it’s a deep blue and big. Stones with a greenish tint cost less. Bloodstone’s value comes from its red or brown spots and the green base’s clarity and color.
Prices for March birthstones vary a lot. They can be affordable or very expensive. The price changes based on the stone’s cut, clarity, and size. The most valuable are large, clear aquamarines and bloodstones with bright spots.
| Birthstone | Average Price Range | Factors Affecting Value |
|---|---|---|
| Aquamarine | $50 – $5,000 per carat | Color (pure blue), size, clarity |
| Bloodstone | $20 – $500 per carat | Inclusion quality, color intensity, clarity |
The march birthstone value and price depend on these key factors. This makes each gemstone special for March birthdays and anniversaries.
Conclusion
The birthstones for March, aquamarine and bloodstone, are filled with history and symbolism. Aquamarine is known for its calming blue color. Bloodstone is valued for its healing and protective powers.
Choosing March birthstones can be a meaningful way to celebrate the month. Whether you love their beauty or their deep meaning, they add something special to March. Aquamarine’s blue and bloodstone’s red and green are sure to captivate you.
March birthstones can bring many benefits to your life. They can help with mental clarity, reduce stress, and offer physical healing. With their rich history, these stones are a timeless choice for March birthdays.
