Print March Birthstone

March

Aquamarine

Believed to represent unity.

Aquamarine is the green-blue to blue variety of the mineral beryl. Its color is usually a light pastel greenish blue, but heat treatment can give it a more bluish cast. The best gems combine high clarity with limpid transparency and blue to slightly greenish blue hues. Aquamarine forms large crystals suitable for fashioned gems and carvings.

Aquamarine's name derives from the Latin word for seawater and was said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. According to legend, the mineral beryl, whose variations include aquamarine, emerald, and morganite, gives the wearer protection against foes in battle or litigation. It also makes the wearer unconquerable and amiable and quickens the intellect.

Other March Birthstones

Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony, classically green jasper with red inclusions of hematite. Early Christian legends held that bloodstone’s red spots were from Jesus’ blood that fell on a piece of jasper at the foot of the cross. Bloodstone was also thought to foretell the future and dye water red. From this arose the notion that bloodstone turned the sun blood-red and caused violent storms, hence bloodstone is also called heliotrope, a word from the ancient Greek that means “to turn the sun.”

Jasper is derived from the Greek word for “spotted stone”, referring to its typical multi-colored, striped, spotted or flamed appearance. Jasper can form in virtually any color and is considered a chalcedony. Generally, jasper is considered to be the “supreme nurturer” stone. It helps its wearer through tough times and brings tranquility and feelings of well-being to those who wear it for its power. A stone of protection that is able to absorb negative energy, Jasper is said to re-energize the body and alleviate symptoms of prolonged illness.