Are you born in March and curious about your birthstone’s mystical powers? The aquamarine and bloodstone, March’s enchanting gemstones, hold profound spiritual significance and healing properties that can transform your life.
As a March baby you’re blessed with not one but two extraordinary birthstones. The serene aquamarine reflects the ocean’s calming energy while the powerful bloodstone grounds you with Earth’s ancient wisdom. Whether you’re seeking inner peace clarity or protection these gems can serve as your spiritual companions through life’s journey.
Let’s explore how these remarkable stones can enhance your wellbeing and unlock your full potential.
Understanding the March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Origins and Historical Significance
The name “aquamarine” derives from Latin, meaning “water of the sea,” perfectly capturing its tranquil blue-green hue. Once cherished by sailors for protection on ocean voyages, this gem later symbolized marital bliss and love. Recognized as a March birthstone, aquamarine also belongs to a captivating world of spiritual crystals that offer protection and emotional balance.
With many other birthstones to explore, each carrying unique energies and meanings, aquamarine is just one of the mesmerizing gems to discover.
Physical Properties of Aquamarine
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family of minerals, sharing its base composition with emeralds. The gem rates 7.5-8.0 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable for everyday wear. Its hexagonal crystal structure often creates long, hollow tubes inside the stone. Natural aquamarines typically form in large, clear crystals with few inclusions. The stone’s clarity and hardness make it ideal for various jewelry settings, from delicate rings to statement necklaces.
Color Variations and Quality Factors
Aquamarine displays colors ranging from light blue to greenish-blue, with the most valued stones showing a deep blue hue. Heat treatment often enhances the blue color by reducing green tints. The gem’s pleochroic nature means it shows different colors when viewed from different angles. High-quality aquamarines feature:
- Excellent transparency
- Minimal inclusions
- Even color distribution
- Strong color saturation
| Factor | Premium Qualities |
|---|---|
| Color | Deep blue |
| Clarity | Eye-clean |
| Cut | Precision faceting |
| Carat | Larger stones available |
Discovering the Alternative March Birthstone: Bloodstone
While aquamarine is March’s modern birthstone, bloodstone stands as its powerful traditional alternative.
History and Mythology of Bloodstone
Bloodstone earned its name from the ancient Greeks who called it “heliotrope,” meaning “to turn the sun.” The stone played vital roles in many ancient civilizations. Babylonians crafted protective amulets from it while Ancient Egyptians believed it enhanced strength and stealth in battle. In ancient Roman, Polish, Arabic, Hebrew and old Hindu calendars, bloodstone held special significance as March’s birthstone. Its distinctive appearance and supposed healing properties made it a prized possession across cultures.
Physical Characteristics and Varieties
Bloodstone is a dark green variety of chalcedony quartz featuring distinctive red spots. These spots come from iron oxide inclusions that resemble drops of blood scattered across the stone’s surface. You’ll find bloodstone in two main varieties: heliotrope and plasma. Heliotrope shows bright red spots against a dark green background while plasma appears more uniformly green with minimal red markings. The stone typically forms in rounded nodules or kidney-shaped masses within rocks. Its hardness rating of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale makes it suitable for everyday jewelry wear.
Exploring the Healing Properties
March’s birthstones aquamarine and bloodstone each offer unique healing properties that have been valued for centuries.
Aquamarine’s Therapeutic Benefits
Aquamarine brings powerful calming energy to its wearer through its serene blue color. This gemstone helps create a sense of peace and tranquility similar to gentle ocean waves. Ancient cultures prized aquamarine for its ability to protect sailors and promote marital happiness. The stone is believed to enhance mental clarity and improve vision. Modern crystal healers use aquamarine to reduce stress anxiety and promote relaxation. It’s also thought to boost the immune system and aid in throat-related health issues[3][4].
Bloodstone’s Healing Powers
Bloodstone has earned recognition for its grounding and protective qualities throughout history. The deep green stone with red spots was traditionally used to purify and detoxify the body. Ancient healers relied on bloodstone to boost circulation and reduce inflammation. The stone is believed to strengthen the immune system and aid in blood-related conditions. Crystal practitioners today use bloodstone to increase energy vitality and provide emotional support during challenging times. It’s also thought to enhance decision-making abilities and promote courage in difficult situations.
Caring for Your March Birthstones
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Clean your aquamarine jewelry using warm water and mild dish soap to maintain its sparkle.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub behind the gemstone where dirt collects.
- Aquamarine is safe for ultrasonic and steam cleaning if the stone has no fractures.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your birthstones.
- Regular cleaning helps maintain the stones’ natural beauty and prevents buildup.
- Keep your March birthstones in separate compartments or pouches to prevent scratching.
- Store your jewelry in a fabric-lined box away from direct sunlight.
- Remove your birthstone jewelry before swimming exercising or applying cosmetics.
- Keep your stones away from extreme temperatures that could damage them.
- Place each piece in a soft cloth pouch when traveling to protect against impacts.
Shopping for March Birthstones
Consider value factors quality standards when shopping for aquamarine or bloodstone to make an informed purchase.
Price Points and Value Factors
Aquamarine prices range from $30 to $500 per carat based on color intensity clarity size. High-quality aquamarines with deep blue colors command higher prices than pale stones. The most valuable aquamarines display strong blue hues with excellent transparency. Size impacts price with larger stones costing more per carat.
Bloodstone costs $5 to $40 per carat. Pricing depends on:
- Color saturation of the green base
- Number distribution of red spots
- Overall pattern quality
- Size of the stone
Where to Buy Authentic Stones
Buy March birthstones from certified gemstone dealers jewelry stores with GIA credentials. Reputable sources include:
- Local jewelers with GIA-certified gemologists
- Online retailers like Blue Nile James Allen
- Estate jewelry auctions with authentication
- Gem shows with verified vendors
- Provide certification documents
- Offer detailed stone specifications
- Have positive customer reviews
- Allow returns within 30 days
- Include transparent pricing
Wearing and Styling March Birthstones
Let’s explore how to showcase your March birthstones through various jewelry settings and styling options that complement their unique characteristics.
Popular Jewelry Settings
- Solitaire Rings: Aquamarine shines in prong settings that allow light to pass through its transparent blue-green hues.
- Pendant Necklaces: Both stones work well in protective bezel settings that highlight their colors.
- Stud Earrings: Aquamarine studs in classic four-prong settings create elegant everyday wear options.
- Beaded Bracelets: Bloodstone beads combined with silver or gold spacers make striking statement pieces.
- Vintage-Style Settings: Detailed metalwork around aquamarine enhances its sparkle while protecting the stone.
- Cabochon Rings: Smooth dome-cut bloodstones set in simple bezels showcase the stone’s rich patterns.
- Work Attire: Pair aquamarine studs with navy blue business suits to enhance professional looks.
- Casual Wear: Match bloodstone jewelry with earth-toned clothing like olive green or brown.
- Evening Events: Style aquamarine pendants with light blue or white dresses for elegant occasions.
- Layering: Combine short aquamarine necklaces with longer chains for a modern look.
- Color Matching: Use bloodstone pieces to accent forest green or deep red clothing.
- Seasonal Styling: Wear aquamarine in spring and summer bloodstone in fall and winter.
Modern Applications and Trends
Today’s jewelry market showcases March birthstones in innovative designs that blend traditional elements with contemporary style.
Contemporary Designs
Modern jewelers use aquamarine in versatile ways that highlight its natural beauty. You’ll find the stone featured in minimalist pendant necklaces statement cocktail rings and delicate stacking bands. Its 7.5-8 Mohs hardness makes it perfect for everyday wear while its blue-green hues complement both silver and gold settings. Designers often pair aquamarine with geometric shapes and clean lines creating pieces that appeal to modern tastes. Popular cuts include emerald oval and round shapes that maximize the stone’s brilliance and color saturation.
Celebrity Influence
Aquamarine has gained significant attention through celebrity endorsements and red-carpet appearances. Notable figures like Jessica Biel and Jennifer Lopez have worn aquamarine jewelry at major events showcasing its elegance. The stone’s subtle blue tones make it a favorite for awards ceremonies and high-profile weddings. Many celebrities choose aquamarine engagement rings as alternatives to traditional diamonds reflecting a growing trend toward unique colored gemstones. This celebrity adoption has inspired designers to create more accessible aquamarine pieces for everyday consumers.
Comparing March Birthstones to Other Months
Value and Rarity
Aquamarine’s value depends on its color intensity with deeper blue stones commanding higher prices. High-quality aquamarines typically cost $100-500 per carat while top specimens can reach $1,000+ per carat. Bloodstone is more affordable at $5-40 per carat due to its greater availability. Large aquamarine crystals are relatively common compared to other precious gems like sapphires or rubies making them a more accessible choice for statement pieces.
Symbolic Differences
Aquamarine stands out from other monthly birthstones for its strong connection to water and ocean themes while most birthstones link to earth or fire elements. Unlike September’s sapphire which represents wisdom and royalty aquamarine symbolizes youth and hope. Bloodstone differs from other green gems like emerald by focusing on strength and courage rather than growth and renewal. These March stones complement each other by balancing aquamarine’s calming properties with bloodstone’s protective qualities.
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Making the Perfect March Birthstone Purchase
When selecting a March birthstone, consider factors like quality, authenticity and value to make an informed decision.
Quality Assessment Guide
For aquamarine, focus on these key factors:
- Color: Look for medium to dark blue stones with minimal green tints, as these command higher values
- Clarity: Choose stones with few visible inclusions, as aquamarine typically comes eye-clean
- Cut: Select stones with proper proportions that reflect light evenly
- Carat: Larger stones over 5 carats maintain good clarity and show deeper color
For bloodstone evaluation:
- Base Color: Choose deep forest green specimens
- Iron Oxide Spots: Look for vivid red spots with even distribution
- Surface Quality: Check for smooth polish without pits or scratches
- Aquamarine Value Factors:
- Higher-quality stones cost $100-500 per carat
- Darker blue colors command premium prices
- Large clean stones maintain steady market value
- Certification from reputable labs adds 15-20% to value
- Bloodstone Investment Points:
- Affordable price range of $5-40 per carat
- Best value in cabochon cuts
- Traditional cuts hold steady market value
- Natural untreated stones offer better returns
Consider purchasing from certified dealers who provide authentication documents and return policies.
Preserving Your March Birthstone’s Beauty
Here’s how to keep your March birthstones looking their best:
- Clean Aquamarine Properly
- Use mild soap and warm water for regular cleaning
- Gently scrub with a soft brush
- Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners that can damage the stone
- Handle Bloodstone with Care
- Wipe with a damp cloth after each wear
- Keep away from harsh chemicals
- Store in a soft cloth pouch
- Storage Solutions
- Keep stones separate to prevent scratches
- Use individual fabric-lined compartments
- Store away from direct sunlight
- Regular Maintenance
- Check settings every 6 months
- Remove jewelry before swimming or exercising
- Take off stones before applying lotions or perfumes
These simple care steps will help maintain your March birthstones’ natural beauty and ensure they last for generations. Remember that aquamarine ranks 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable but still requiring proper care.
March Zodiac Signs
March is guided by two dreamy zodiac signs: Pisces (February 19 – March 20) and Aries (March 21 – April 19), each adding their distinct qualities to the month. Pisces, celebrated for its imaginative and empathetic nature, is paired with the calming Pisces birthstone, aquamarine, known for fostering tranquility and intuition.
As the month shifts, Aries steps forward with its fiery and determined spirit, linked to the energizing Aries birthstone, bloodstone, symbolizing courage and vitality.
Together, these signs and their birthstones capture March’s essence of creativity, renewal, and bold beginnings, making it a month of dreams and determination.