March ushers in the promise of spring, and with it, the mesmerizing aquamarine takes the spotlight as the month’s cherished birthstone. Known for its serene blue hues that evoke the tranquility of the sea, March birthstone has captured hearts for generations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll journey into the world of aquamarine, unveiling its origin, delving into its profound meanings, and exploring the unique characteristics that make it a favorite among gem enthusiasts.
We’ll also share a trove of captivating jewelry ideas, offering inspiration on how to incorporate this ethereal gem into your collection or gift it to a loved one born in this beautiful blooming month.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is the Main Birthstone for March?
- 2 March Birthstone: Aquamarine
- 3 March Birthstone: The Zodiac Signs
- 4 March Birthstones: Aquamarine Jewelry Ideas
- 5 March Birthstone: FAQs
- 6 Conclusion
What Is the Main Birthstone for March?
The modern birthstone representing the month of March is aquamarine. It’s been priced for millennia for its pure and even blue or blue-green color. Its name comes from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Ancient mariners believed the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea.
Aquamarine is a variety of a mineral called beryl, just like emeralds. It grows in large, six-sided crystals that can reach up to a foot long. The largest one ever found weighed over 240 pounds.
What Was the Original Birthstone for March?
The original March birthstone is bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, which comes from the ancient Greek word that means “to turn the sun”. In ancient times, the stone was believed to turn the sun red if it were placed in water.
It is a variety of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz) and traditionally semi-translucent to opaque dark green jasper with red inclusions of iron oxides. Metaphysical properties attributed to this stone include increasing strength, preserving health and youth, and giving invisibility. In more modern times, it was thought to be a lucky charm and prized by athletes and others who want to increase their strength.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Source: Crystal Wind
Aquamarine, with its delicate blue and green hues reminiscent of the ocean’s calm, is a gemstone that embodies serenity and elegance. Its name perfectly reflects its soothing aquatic shades.
Originating from various parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Brazil, aquamarine has a rich history, often associated with healing and protection.
Known for its clarity and transparency, this gem exhibits remarkable brilliance and a subtle range of blue tones, making it a favorite for both jewelry enthusiasts and those seeking its metaphysical properties.
Discover Aquamarine’s Origin and History
Aquamarine’s origin and history weave a tale as fascinating as its serene colors. Its history is as captivating as the gem itself, making it a gemstone steeped in tradition and symbolism.
When Was Aquamarine First Used?
Aquamarine is a gem of ancient lineage, however, it’s still unknown when it was first discovered. The first documented use of aquamarine was in Ancient Greece. Roman fishermen used the stone as protection, for safe travel by boat, and for luck in catching fish. Roman physicians also used it to treat overeating and bloating.
What Is the Mythology of the Aquamarine?
There are many myths and legends about the aquamarine stone, including:
- A representation of the sea and the heavens
- Ifs reflective properties and symmetry were believed to reveal hidden aspects of reality and things deep within our souls
- The Greeks believed it gave safe passage across stormy seas
- The Egyptians believed it was gifted as a symbol of happiness
- The Romans believed that if the figure of a frog was carved on the gemstone, it would reconcile enemies and make them friends
- The Romans also believed that the gem absorbs the atmosphere of young love
Where Is Aquamarine Found in Nature?
Aquamarine is mostly found and mined in Brazil and countries that fall along the Mozambique geological belt in Africa. Some of the Old World sources include Russia and Sri Lanka. New World sources of Aquamarine include North Carolina and Colorado in the USA.
Aquamarine: Color, Characteristics and Properties
Aquamarine, celebrated for its enchanting colors, presents a harmonious symphony of blue and green tones that evoke the tranquility of the ocean. With its exceptional clarity and transparency, this gemstone radiates a captivating brilliance.
What Is the March Birthstone Color?
The birthstone color for March is light blue. This comes from the birthstone for the month which is Aquamarine. These gemstones tend to be very pale in color to almost transparent and are rarely found naturally in darker blue shades. The difference in colors is caused by traces of iron that are found in a beryl crystal.
What Does Aquamarine Symbolize?
Legend has it that aquamarine was brought onto the shore when a mermaid’s treasure troves overturned in the deepest part of the ocean. Since the gems were sanctified by Neptune himself, they offered protection and good fortune to anyone who found one.
Courage, loyalty, and serenity are the energies that embody this birthstone. Those born in March will attract tranquility in their life if they wear the stone.
It is also known to create harmony for couples. The loyalty that it attracts can help maintain stability between friends and couples.
Aquamarine is dubbed as the “Stone of Courage.” Its serene energy can calm a person wearing it and lead them to have the courage needed to take on various challenges.
Is Aquamarine a Powerful Stone?
Aquamarine is a Water element stone, powerful for cleansing the emotional body and opening communication.
What Are the Spiritual and Healing Properties of Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is believed to have many spiritual and healing properties, including:
- Soothing anger
- Preventing nightmares
- Enhancing communication
- Calming fear
- Balancing emotions in the body
- Balancing overall mental, physical, and emotional energy
- Treating throat infection and swollen glands
- Enhancing spiritual wisdom
Quality Factors and Value of Aquamarine
Understanding the quality factors and value of aquamarine is essential for making informed choices when acquiring this gem.
Factors like color, clarity, cut, and carat weight all play a role in determining the worth and beauty of this gemstone, and in this next section, we’ll explore these critical elements, helping you appreciate and assess the value of this captivating gem.
How Can You Tell If Aquamarine Is Good Quality?
The quality of aquamarine can be determined by several factors:
- Color: The finest color is a moderately strong, medium-dark, very slightly greenish-blue. In their natural form, they have a pale blue color like seawater. They may also have a medium green or yellow tint.
- Clarity: Top-quality aquamarine should not have any obvious inclusions. If the stone is milky or included it’s less expensive, although beautiful in its own way.
- Cut: Aquamarine can be cut in a variety of standard shapes, the emerald cut being the most common. This gemstone is also a great medium for artistic designer cuts.
- Carat: Aquamarine crystals come in sizes from very small to very large, some even up to 100 pounds. Large stones are readily available, but there is less demand for them as they are difficult to use in jewelry.
How Do You Determine the Value of Aquamarine?
The four quality factors mentioned above determine the value of an aquamarine gemstone. Color is the most crucial and the more saturated and intense the blue hue, the more valuable the stone.
Buyers and collectors prefer stones with no internal inclusions visible to the eye. Aquamarine can be found with visible inclusions all the way to flawless, which are the most valuable.
In terms of carat weight, extremely large stones will bring higher prices per carat because of their rarity.
March Birthstone: The Zodiac Signs
Monthly birthstones hold more than just aesthetic appeal. They are also intricately linked to the zodiac signs that correspond with each month. This celestial connection adds an extra layer of significance to birthstones, offering a glimpse into the personality traits, energies, and fortunes associated with individuals born under each zodiac sign.
What Is the Birthstone for Pisces in March?
The birthstone for Pisces in March is Aquamarine and this beautiful gemstone for Pisces is associated with Neptune and water signs. This gemstone, soaked in ancient Greek mythology, mysticism, and magic, is the perfect birthstone for the March-born Pisces as it gently evokes the colors of the sea.
What Is a March Aries Birthstone?
Aries is connected to several birthstones, with diamonds being the most significant one, alongside topaz, bloodstone, and amethyst. These can all bring spiritual healing and good luck, in addition to pacifying the mind and keeping some negative traits in check.
March Birthstones: Aquamarine Jewelry Ideas
Jewelry adorned with birthstones carries a profound symbolism that transcends mere aesthetics, making it the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. Beyond its visual allure, birthstone jewelry can bring good luck and protect its wearer, aligning with their unique birth month’s energy and personality traits. Many also turn to birthstones for their purported healing properties, using them as sources of spiritual and emotional support. Birthstone jewelry adds a personalized touch to any occasion, showcasing the deep connection between gemstones and the wearer’s identity, aspirations, and well-being.
Aquamarine: Jewelry for the Perfect Gift
Aquamarine, with its captivating shades of blue and green, is a gem that perfectly embodies serenity and elegance. As the birthstone for March, it holds a special significance for those born in this month. When used in jewelry, aquamarine offers a unique and meaningful gift choice.
A March birthstone bracelet, for example, can serve as a daily reminder of one’s birth month and be a source of calmness.
Furthermore, aquamarine birthstone earrings or a March birthstone necklace add a touch of understated luxury, elevating any outfit while celebrating the wearer’s identity.
A March birthstone wedding ring, for instance, can be a symbol of deep connection and commitment, while a March birthstone aquamarine charm serves as a sentimental addition to a bracelet, sharing the story of one’s birth month.
Aquamarine jewelry, with its serene beauty, not only captures the essence of March but also makes for a thoughtful and cherished gift that resonates with the recipient on a personal level. Whether it’s a bracelet, earrings, ring, necklace, or charm, aquamarine jewelry adds a touch of elegance and heartfelt meaning to any occasion.
More Birthstone Articles
- October Birthstone: Comprehensive Guide & Jewelry Trends
- November Birthstone: Characteristics, Meaning & Jewelry Ideas
- December Birthstone Guide: Characteristics, Lore, and Popularity
- The Mesmerizing Beauty of January Birthstone
- February Birthstone: All About Amethyst
March Birthstone: FAQs
A: Aquamarine requires proper care to maintain its luster. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap for the water to become sudsy.
2. Soak your aquamarine in the bowl for a few minutes.
3. Scrub the stone gently using a soft-bristled brush to help remove any dirt and dislodge any particles.
4. Once you’re done cleaning, rinse the stone under warm water to remove any leftover soap, and then dry your aquamarine using a soft, clean cloth.
A: Aquamarine is not considered rare in the strictest sense, however, high-quality specimens can be quite valuable and sought after.
A: Both white and yellow gold can complement the light blue hue of aquamarine. White gold can provide a modern, sleek look while yellow gold can offer a warm classic appearance. It’s best to choose based on your style and what you feel complements the aquamarine best.
A: Yes, you can wear aquamarine every day. It is a member of the Beryl family and has a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means it’s considerably durable and will be able to bear the brunt of daily wear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, aquamarine, the serene gemstone of March, is more than just a stunning adornment. Its calming hues and deep-rooted symbolism make it the perfect gift, both for those born in this month and for anyone seeking tranquility and elegance.
Whether it’s an aquamarine bracelet, earrings, ring, necklace, or charm, the unique beauty of this gem holds a profound connection to its wearers, reflecting their identity and aspirations.
As a symbol of serenity and deep-seated meaning, aquamarine jewelry carries an enduring charm, making it a thoughtful and cherished gift that resonates with the heart and soul of the recipient.
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