March Birthstone Meaning, Colors, and History
Did you know birthstones can be traced all the way back to biblical days? Birthstones have a long and rich history and are very important to our culture today. The month of March has two birthstones: the aquamarine stone and the bloodstone crystal. These beautiful stones have a rich history that needs to be explored for you to appreciate what they are today.
Is your birthday in March? If so, knowing about these birthstones can be a fun talking point and can also help you figure out jewelry that corresponds to your birth month. If you'd like to learn about the March birthstones' meaning and information on your birth month's stones, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
All About Aquamarine
Aquamarine is one of two birthstones for March, with the other being bloodstone. It is also the official gem of the 19th wedding anniversary.
This gem has a hexagonal crystal system and is usually found in Brazil or countries in Africa such as Madagascar or Zambia. Although these are the most common spots to mine the gem, they are also found in other parts of the world. There are many shades of aquamarine. Aquamarine is well-known for its beautiful aqua color, but you can find it with a greenish tint. It's unique deep blue-green colors are truly special. Many of these faceted stones can display chatoyancy, which is a bright light that reflects under the gem, if cut in a certain way. The aquamarine gemstone also comes in many different varieties, and some of these are more sought after than others.
Collectors love aquamarine because it is a clear and transparent stone that represents calmness. Aquamarine's beautiful color and the delicateness of its appearance make it seem pure and like a beautiful piece of nature.
Aquamarine is one of two birthstones for March, with the other being bloodstone. It is also the official gem of the 19th wedding anniversary.
This gem has a hexagonal crystal system and is usually found in Brazil or countries in Africa such as Madagascar or Zambia. Although these are the most common spots to mine the gem, they are also found in other parts of the world. There are many shades of aquamarine. Aquamarine is well-known for its beautiful aqua color, but you can find it with a greenish tint. It's unique deep blue-green colors are truly special. Many of these faceted stones can display chatoyancy, which is a bright light that reflects under the gem, if cut in a certain way. The aquamarine gemstone also comes in many different varieties, and some of these are more sought after than others.
Collectors love aquamarine because it is a clear and transparent stone that represents calmness. Aquamarine's beautiful color and the delicateness of its appearance make it seem pure and like a beautiful piece of nature.
History of Aquamarine
Aquamarine has historically become associated with the sea due to its color and has been used in jewelry as early as 500 BC, if not before. The blue tones that remind us of the ocean give us images of the water and sky.
At one point, people believed aquamarine was a treasure from mermaids because of its rich history of being associated with the sea. As a result, sailors wore it to protect them against seasickness or becoming shipwrecked.
Several legends are told about this stone, and they all relate to the ocean or sea. One legend is that the gem is strongest when it has been held underwater for some time. If someone thought the gem's powers were low, they would place it in the water overnight under a full moon to bring its powers back. Just like when your phone dies and you place it in a bowl of rice overnight to cure it (okay not really the same, but you get the idea).Another legend is that if a sailor is dealing with a storm while out on the sea, they can throw their aquamarine overboard to calm the gods. Romans and ancient Greeks alike believed in this practice.
Aquamarine jewelry is said to aid relationships, so it makes for a great wedding or anniversary gift.
Aquamarine has historically become associated with the sea due to its color and has been used in jewelry as early as 500 BC, if not before. The blue tones that remind us of the ocean give us images of the water and sky.
At one point, people believed aquamarine was a treasure from mermaids because of its rich history of being associated with the sea. As a result, sailors wore it to protect them against seasickness or becoming shipwrecked.
Several legends are told about this stone, and they all relate to the ocean or sea. One legend is that the gem is strongest when it has been held underwater for some time. If someone thought the gem's powers were low, they would place it in the water overnight under a full moon to bring its powers back. Just like when your phone dies and you place it in a bowl of rice overnight to cure it (okay not really the same, but you get the idea).Another legend is that if a sailor is dealing with a storm while out on the sea, they can throw their aquamarine overboard to calm the gods. Romans and ancient Greeks alike believed in this practice.
Aquamarine jewelry is said to aid relationships, so it makes for a great wedding or anniversary gift.
What is a Bloodstone?
You may have never heard of a bloodstone crystal before so what is it exactly? Most people don't actually know that it's the alternate birthstone for the month of March. Its name is a little deceiving as it's not made of blood (that would be gross). Bloodstone is generally less popular than aquamarine, but it is still a stunning gem that is akin to garnet.
The bloodstone also has a hexagonal crystal system, like aquamarine, and is found mainly in India among other parts of the world.It is predominantly dark green with spots and shades of red around it. The red speckled dots all over the stones are the reason it has the name bloodstone. You may also spot bloodstones with yellow or blue variants, but these are not as common.
Bloodstone is opaque and looks like a more traditional stone and crystal than aquamarine, which is considered more of a gemstone. This stone is available in many different types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, or earrings. Bloodstone tends to be more affordable than aquamarine. This makes it a great option for a March Birthstone gift if you're on a tighter budget.
You may have never heard of a bloodstone crystal before so what is it exactly? Most people don't actually know that it's the alternate birthstone for the month of March. Its name is a little deceiving as it's not made of blood (that would be gross). Bloodstone is generally less popular than aquamarine, but it is still a stunning gem that is akin to garnet.
The bloodstone also has a hexagonal crystal system, like aquamarine, and is found mainly in India among other parts of the world.It is predominantly dark green with spots and shades of red around it. The red speckled dots all over the stones are the reason it has the name bloodstone. You may also spot bloodstones with yellow or blue variants, but these are not as common.
Bloodstone is opaque and looks like a more traditional stone and crystal than aquamarine, which is considered more of a gemstone. This stone is available in many different types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, or earrings. Bloodstone tends to be more affordable than aquamarine. This makes it a great option for a March Birthstone gift if you're on a tighter budget.
History of Bloodstone
Bloodstone is a symbol of justice to many because of its widely accepted origin story. Much like aquamarine, the bloodstone has many legends and myths surrounding it because it has been a popular stone for many years.
One legend states that bloodstone was formed from the blood of Christ hitting jasper stones at the bottom of the cross. Because of this, people in the religious community historically used bloodstone to carve images of martyrs.
Another legend associated with bloodstone is that it can be used to stop bleeding. For instance, in ancient times, Aztecs used this stone to help regulate their blood flow or heal themselves following a battle. The other name for bloodstone is heliotrope, which is the Greek word meaning 'to turn the sun.' It was believed that Bloodstone could turn the sun red.
Bloodstone is still used today in many jewelry pieces, while India uses it in powder form for medicinal purposes.