Those born in March are lucky to have the gorgeous, glittering blue aquamarine as their birthstone. Associated with intelligence, purity, and the sea, aquamarine is a powerful stone with undeniable beauty. It’s also quite durable, so aquamarine jewelry will stand the test of time.
What is the March Birthstone?
March has two beautiful birthstones: the sparkling blue aquamarine and the dark green bloodstone.
Aquamarine is a dazzling, transparent blue gemstone reminiscent of crystal clear ocean. It gets its name from the Latin aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning of the sea. This lovely blue stone, the blue variety of the mineral beryl, comes in a range of blue shades. Aquamarine can be pale blue, light greenish blue, or dark blue.
Bloodstone is a dark green gemstone made of opaque green jasper. Bloodstone features spots of iron oxide that look like flecks of blood, hence how this moody stone got its name. This beautiful gemstone has a dark, mysterious look, and has been popular since ancient times.
Aquamarine, the modern birthstone for the month of March, is the more popular choice out of the two options. Bloodstone, the spring month’s traditional birthstone, is still an excellent choice. However, aquamarine tends to have broader appeal due to its sparkling, bright look and slightly higher durability.
History & Symbolism of Aquamarine
Throughout the ages, aquamarine has been treasured for its beauty and power. Ancient people believed it sharpened intelligence and protected the wearer from injury, so it was often worn into battle. Ancient mariners carried aquamarine on voyages because they believed this gem calmed the sea and provided safe passage for sailors.
Today, aquamarine is most well known for being the birthstone for March and the traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary. Aquamarine is still strongly associated with intelligence, clarity, purity, and the sea. The gem is also often associated with Brazil, as much of the world’s best aquamarine comes from Minas Gerais.
Caring for Aquamarine Birthstone Jewelry
Aquamarine has few inclusions and ranks at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it an excellent option for everyday jewelry. It’s suitable for everyday wear in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings.
To clean aquamarine pieces at home, mix together warm water and mild soap in a small bowl. Soak your jewelry in your soapy water solution for around 30 minutes, then remove and gently scrub with a soft brush. Rinse, then dry with a soft cloth or allow to air dry.
Aquamarine jewelry can typically be cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners, but avoid these if your aquamarine features fractures or liquid inclusions. Generally, we recommend cleaning aquamarine with soap and water, as it is a gentle method that’s safe for all aquamarine gemstones.
Final Thoughts
Meaningful and stunning, aquamarine jewelry is the perfect gift for a March birthday. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or yourself, aquamarine jewelry is a beautiful and practical gift that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
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