MARCH BIRTHSTONE
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Aquamarine and bloodstone, March’s two birthstones, are very different when it comes
to appearance, but they share a similar reputation for protecting one’s well-being. The
aquamarine birthstone evokes the colors of the sea. From deep green-blue to light,
slightly greenish blue hues, faceted aquamarines are often free from inclusions and as
clear as water, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul. The bloodstone birthstone is
typically a dark-green cabochon that contains red spots of iron oxide, the “blood” that
brings health and strength to the wearer. Read on to learn more about these two March
birthstones – what they mean and where they can be found.
J UMP T O:
AQUAMARINE BLOODSTONE
AQUAMARINE BIRTHSTONE
AQUAMARINE BIRTHSTONE MEANING & HISTORY
Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin for seawater, and ancient mariners claimed
the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. This March birthstone was
also thought to bring happiness in marriage. Beryl was believed to give the wearer
protection against foes in battle and litigation. It was also thought to make the wearer
unconquerable and amiable, and to quicken the intellect.
Aquamarine is not only the birthstone for March, but the gem is also given as a present
on the 19th wedding anniversary. As for famous ones, in 1936 the government of Brazil
gave First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt a dark blue rectangular step cut aquamarine that
weighed 1,298 carats (ct). It was the larger of two stones faceted from a piece
of aquamarine rough that itself weighed an impressive 2.9 pounds (1.3 kilograms). It is
now housed at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde
Park, New York. A celebrated attraction at the Smithsonian Institution is the 10,363 ct
(about 4.6 pounds) Dom Pedro Aquamarine – believed to be the largest faceted
aquamarine in the world. The approximately 14 inch (36 centimeter) high obelisk was
fashioned by acclaimed German lapidary Berndt Munsteiner using the fantasy cut
technique.
The government of Brazil gave this 1,298 ct rectangular step cut aquamarine to Eleanor
Roosevelt when she and President Roosevelt visited Rio de Janeiro in 1936. Courtesy:
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Hyde Park, New York
WHERE IS AQUAMARINE FOUND?
The Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has been an important source of aquamarine for the
past two centuries. Travel there and you’ll find a changing panorama of landscapes:
rocky hills, rivers and scrub brush dominate the central and eastern regions; savannahs,
forests and streams checker the west; and lush green hills roll southward. Aquamarines
are found in primary (hard rock) and secondary (weathered) pegmatite deposits in the
eastern portion of the state, near the gem center of Teófilo Otoni.
Aquamarine is also found high in the Karakorum foothills of Pakistan. To reach the
deposits, miners must climb steep paths to elevations of 9,800 to 13,000+ feet (3,000 to
more than 4,000 meters) and work the sides of forbidding cliffs. Below this inhospitable
rocky world lie fertile valleys, rushing rivers and small towns. Aquamarine from this area
has been described as “water clear.”
A sliver of an opening (on the far left) along this steep mountainside is the entrance to
an aquamarine mine. Pakistan’s gem-rich Shigar Valley lies between foothills of the
majestic Karakoram range. Photo: Vincent Pardieu/GIA
Aquamarine birthstones are also mined in Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia and
Mozambique, as well as elsewhere in Africa. U.S. sources include the Mount Antero
area of Colorado (it’s the state gem) and California’s Riverside and San Diego counties.
In addition, aquamarine has been found in China, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine,
among other countries.
AQUAMARINE BIRTHSTONE CARE & CLEANING
With a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, this March birthstone is durable enough
for everyday wear. Caring for the gem is easy. Use warm water, mild dish soap and a
toothbrush to scrub behind the birthstone where dirt can collect. Ultrasonic cleaners and
steam cleaning are usually safe options as long as there are no fractures or liquid
inclusions in the gem.
This 10.06 ct pear shaped aquamarine is surrounded by 72 round diamonds (0.35
carats) that are set in platinum. Courtesy: Omi Privé
MORE ABOUT AQUAMARINE AQUAMARINE BUYER'S GUIDE
BLOODSTONE BIRTHSTONE
BLOODSTONE BIRTHSTONE MEANING & HISTORY
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is a variety of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline
quartz) that is traditionally semi-translucent to opaque dark green jasper with red
inclusions of iron oxides, especially hematite. Bloodstone’s alternate
name heliotrope comes from the ancient Greek word that means “to turn the sun.” In
ancient times, these March birthstones were believed to turn the sun red if they were
placed in water. The name bloodstone derives from the belief by some that the color
pattern has religious significance, representing the blood of Christ.
Several metaphysical properties have been attributed to this March birthstone. They
include increasing strength, giving invisibility, and preserving health and youth. In
modern times, many believe the bloodstone birthstone to be a lucky charm, as it is
prized by athletes and others who want to grow their strength. Even today in India, fine
bloodstones may be crushed into a powder and used as an aphrodisiac.
Although bloodstone does not share the same beauty as the aquamarine March
birthstone, many prize bloodstone for its special properties. Bloodstones used as gems
are typically cut as cabochons, though some striking examples are faceted.
One of the ninety engraved gems, cameos and bullae from the Roman Empire.
Courtesy: The J. Paul Getty Museum
WHERE IS BLOODSTONE FOUND?
Most bloodstone in the marketplace today is from India. However, the bloodstone
birthstone also comes from parts of Brazil, Australia, China and the United States,
among other countries. Bloodstone can be found filling filling fractures or cavities in
other rocks or as pebbles in riverbeds.
Slab of bloodstone from Asia.
BLOODSTONE BIRTHSTONE CARE & CLEANING
Your bloodstone birthstone can be easily cleaned at home with warm soapy water and a
soft brush. It is important to keep your bloodstone away from harsh chemicals and
extremely hot temperatures. Dry off this March birthstone with a clean, soft cloth. To
keep the stone from getting scratched (it’s 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale), it is important to
store your bloodstone birthstone in a soft fabric.
A rare Antonio Pineda Mexican silver and bloodstone bracelet from Taxco, Mexico,
circa 1953. The bracelet has bezel set bloodstones, bar and ball overlay links and is
secured with box clasp and chain. Courtesy: Heritage Auctions
