March Birthstones
Aquamarine and bloodstone are the birthstones for March. Although both represent the same birth month, the two gemstones differ significantly in appearance, properties, and symbolism. Aquamarine is a transparent blue to blue-green member of the beryl family, long associated with tranquility and clarity. Bloodstone is an opaque dark green variety of chalcedony with red spots, and is associated with courage and vitality.
March Birthstone | Description | History | Meaning & Symbolism | Color | Hardness | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aquamarine | Modern March birthstone and a member of the beryl family. | Its name comes from the Latin words for “water” and “of the sea.” Ancient mariners carried aquamarine as a protective talisman for safe voyages. | Tranquility and clarity; also associated with courage, communication, protection, and calmness. | Pale sky blue to deeper blue-green. | 7.5–8 Mohs. | Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners and store separately from harder gemstones. |
Bloodstone | Traditional March birthstone and an opaque variety of chalcedony quartz. | Also called heliotrope. In ancient times, bloodstone was believed to stop bleeding and heal wounds and was often used by warriors. | Courage and vitality; also associated with strength, endurance, and protection. | Deep green with distinctive red flecks caused by iron oxide. | 6.5–7 Mohs. | Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and steam cleaners, and store separately from other gemstones. |
Popular March Birthstone Jewelry
Aquamarine Birthstone
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March. A member of the beryl family, it’s known for its transparent blue to blue-green color and clarity. The name reflects its longstanding association with the sea, while its symbolism centers on tranquility and clarity.
History of the Aquamarine Birthstone
Aquamarine's name comes from the Latin words aqua, meaning “water,” and marina, meaning “of the sea.” Its history has long been connected to the ocean and ideas of protection. Ancient mariners carried aquamarine as a talisman for safe voyages because they believed it could calm waves and protect sailors at sea.
During medieval times, aquamarine was also thought to serve as an antidote to poison and was considered a powerful stone for meditation. These historical beliefs helped shape the gemstone's continuing associations with calmness, protection, and clarity.
Aquamarine Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Aquamarine symbolizes tranquility and clarity. The gemstone is also associated with courage, communication, trust, protection, calmness, and emotional balance.
Its symbolism reflects aquamarine's historical relationship with the sea. Sailors once carried the gemstone as a protective talisman, reinforcing its lasting associations with peacefulness, courage, and protection.
Aquamarine Birthstone Color
Aquamarine ranges from pale sky blue to deeper blue-green. Its color comes from trace amounts of iron within the gemstone's crystal structure.
Deep blue aquamarines are especially prized, although lighter shades are also highly valued. Aquamarine typically has excellent transparency and a glass-like luster, creating the bright, clear appearance associated with the gemstone.
Aquamarine Birthstone Hardness
Aquamarine ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it a relatively hard and durable gemstone that is suitable for everyday wear in a variety of jewelry styles.
Aquamarine can still be susceptible to scratches or chips when handled without care. Proper wear, cleaning, and storage can help preserve the gemstone's appearance.
Aquamarine Birthstone Care
Clean aquamarine jewelry with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, which can potentially damage the gemstone.
Store aquamarine jewelry separately from harder gemstones to help prevent scratches. Proper cleaning and careful storage can help protect the stone's clarity and appearance over time.
Bloodstone Birthstone
Bloodstone is the traditional birthstone for March. Also known as heliotrope, bloodstone is an opaque variety of chalcedony characterized by a dark green color with distinctive red spots caused by iron oxide.
History of the Bloodstone Birthstone
Bloodstone has a long history of symbolic use dating back to ancient civilizations. Its alternate name, heliotrope, comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “to turn the sun.”
In ancient times, bloodstone was believed to have the ability to stop bleeding and heal wounds, which led to its use by warriors. Ancient cultures also associated the gemstone with endurance and protection, particularly in battle.
Bloodstone Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Bloodstone symbolizes courage and vitality. It is also associated with strength, endurance, protection, grounding, and perseverance.
These associations have deep historical roots. Ancient cultures valued the bloodstone as a symbol of endurance and protection, particularly in battle, contributing to its longstanding connection with courage and strength.
Bloodstone Birthstone Color
Bloodstone is dark green with distinctive red flecks. The red inclusions are caused by iron oxide impurities, creating a strong contrast with the gemstone's deep green base.
The finest-quality bloodstones display a deep, even green color with clearly visible and evenly distributed red spots. Unlike transparent aquamarine, bloodstone has an opaque appearance.
Bloodstone Birthstone Hardness
Bloodstone ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is durable enough for many types of jewelry but is more prone to scratching and damage than aquamarine.
Because of its lower hardness, bloodstone jewelry should be handled carefully to help preserve its surface and appearance.
Bloodstone Birthstone Care
Clean bloodstone with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and steam cleaners, which can damage the gemstone.
Store bloodstone separately from other gemstones to help protect it from scratches and other damage.
*Brilliant Earth does not carry Bloodstone.
March Birthstone FAQ
What color is March's birthstone?
March birthstones come in two distinctly different color families. Aquamarine ranges from pale sky blue to deeper blue-green, while bloodstone is dark green with distinctive red flecks.
What birthstone is aquamarine?
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March. It is a light blue to blue-green gemstone from the beryl family and is associated with tranquility and clarity.
What are the two birthstones for March?
The two March birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is the modern birthstone and features blue to blue-green hues, while bloodstone is the traditional birthstone and has a dark green appearance with red flecks.
Why does March have two birthstones?
March has two birthstones because aquamarine and bloodstone have both been designated as birthstones for the month, with each offering distinct properties and meanings. Aquamarine is the modern option, while bloodstone is the traditional option.
Is bloodstone a birthstone?
Yes, bloodstones are a birthstone. It is the traditional birthstone for March and is recognized by its dark green color and distinctive red flecks.
What does the March birthstone look like?
March's two birthstones look distinctly different. Aquamarine is transparent and ranges from pale blue to blue-green with a glass-like luster, while bloodstone is opaque, dark green, and marked with red iron oxide spots.
What does the March birthstone mean?
The meaning of the March birthstone depends on the gemstone. Aquamarine represents tranquility and clarity, while bloodstone represents courage and vitality.
How do you clean the March birthstone?
Both March birthstones can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Use a soft brush for aquamarine and a soft cloth for bloodstone and store each separately from other gemstones to help prevent scratches.
What does the aquamarine birthstone symbolize?
Aquamarine symbolizes tranquility and clarity. It is also associated with courage, protection, communication, trust, calmness, and emotional balance.
What is the traditional March birthstone?
Bloodstone is the traditional birthstone for March. It is a dark green variety of chalcedony with red flecks and is associated with courage and vitality.
What is the modern March birthstone?
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March. It is a blue to blue-green member of the beryl family associated with tranquility and clarity.
