March Birthstones: Aquamarine & Bloodstone
Many people are curious about March birthstones. Those born during the month might have an affinity for March birthstone jewelry while friends and family members of March babies might think a birthstone gift is ideal for birthdays. Since every month is associated with a unique set of stones, it’s important to find the right ones based on when the person was born. If you want to learn about March birthstones, here’s what you need to know.
What is the March Birthstone?
While the National Association of Jewelers created the first formal list of modern birthstones in 1912, the birthstone concept is much older than that. In fact, the exact origin isn’t even known, and there’s debate whether the idea of birthstones came about in the 8th century or the 1st.
March has two birthstones. Aquamarine is considered the modern birthstone for March. But the month also has a second stone that predates the National Association of Jewelers list, the older bloodstone birthstone connection that is still recognized today.
The aquamarine March birthstone is technically a mineral. Like emeralds, it’s a type of beryl, and it usually grows as six-sided crystals. It’s relatively widely available as well. While it’s mainly mined in Brazil, you can also find aquamarine in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Zambia.
Bloodstone is a chalcedony, a form of cryptocrystalline quartz. Also known as blood jasper, there are two versions of bloodstone, one that’s more transparent and the other that’s opaquer. It’s typically mined in Australia, Brazil, and India.
As for the March birthstone meaning, it’s essential to understand there is no proof wearing or possessing a stone is beneficial. However, certain spiritual practices or folk beliefs do think that specific stones help the owner.
For example, aquamarine is believed by some to be calming. Some folklore also suggests it was used by sailors for protection and good luck thanks to its connection with the sea.
Bloodstone is thought by some to be aligned with courage, vitality, passion, and strength. In specific belief systems, blood jasper is even connected to the crucifixion. The legend suggests that bloodstone was created when Jesus’ wounds bled onto the green earth below, making it a particularly meaningful to some.
What is the March Birthstone Color?
Instead of one March stone colour, there are technically two. To put it simply, aquamarine and bloodstone look nothing alike.
In most cases, the colouring of aquamarine is usually considered the primary March birthstone colour. The stone’s name breaks down to “water” and “sea,” and the range of lighter blue to green colours of the stone fits the name perfectly. You might find a sky blue aquamarine, one that looks more like pale seafoam green, or anything in between.
Aquamarines are also essentially transparent. Light passes easily through the stone, and you can usually see right through it if there aren’t any significant inclusions or flaws.
Bloodstone, on the other hand, is a deep, moody, opaque stone. When it’s used in jewelry, it is typically an intense, dramatic green. Plus, it commonly has vibrant red spots, veining, or a combination of the two.
However, some pieces of bloodstone also have other colours, such as earthy yellows and oranges. At times, stones with additional colours are classified as fancy jaspers instead of bloodstones, though that isn’t always the case.
March Birthstone Jewelry
You can find plenty of March birthstone jewelry options. Aquamarine is an excellent gemstone for cutting and polishing. Plus, it isn’t overly challenging to find it in relatively large pieces. As a result, aquamarine is often used for bold statement jewelry, such as dramatic rings and show-stopper necklaces, as well as more delicate designs featuring smaller stones.
Aquamarine also pairs well with gold- or silver-toned metals and often makes appearances in multi-stoned jewelry designs. It’s light blue to green colouring makes it a popular choice, even by those who weren’t born in March.
Bloodstones aren’t used in jewelry as often as aquamarine, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t available. Good-quality blood jasper is usually cut or used to create cabochons, and may even be turned into beads. At times, it is simply tumbled, allowing its final shape to be a bit organic.
Blood jasper can make an appearance in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. While it may be easier to find with silver-toned metals than gold-toned metals, it’s possible to find both.
Stones Similar to the March Birthstones
There are a few stones that can look similar to aquamarine. Blue Apatite is a reasonably close match, while blue zircon and blue topaz can resemble aquamarine if it’s on the lighter-hued side. On occasion, you might find blue tourmaline gemstones that have similar colouring, though they tend to be darker and greener than the March birthstone.
On the spendy end of the spectrum, blue diamonds may have a look similar to aquamarine. However, due to their rarity, they are incredibly expensive.
Bloodstone doesn’t have as many close matches. While some other pieces of jasper can have a similar look, that’s commonly about it. Amazonite, aventurine, jade, and malachite can have the right deep green colouring, but don’t have the red spots or veining. The veining in gaspeite can look red, but the green colour of the stone is usually too bright, coming in closer to an apple or lime green.
Luckily, while bloodstone isn’t as widely used in jewelry as aquamarine, pieces featuring the stone aren’t usually overly expensive. As a result, getting the genuine article is affordable for many shoppers.