March Birthstone: Everything You Need to Know
If you were born in March, you're lucky enough to claim the March birthstone as your birthstone. Your birthstone, aquamarine, isn’t just easy on the eyes; it’s steeped in stories, legends, and a little bit of magic. For centuries, this cool-toned gem has been prized for its sea-like colors and calm energy.
It’s not just “another pretty stone.” Aquamarine has sailed through history, from ancient Roman fishing boats to royal crowns. It is known for its reputation for courage, clarity, and protection. From ancient Roman times to modern red carpets, this stunning stone continues to capture hearts and imaginations around the world.
In this guide, we will explore the essentials, including the history, the meaning, the science, and the care tips.
What Is the March Birthstone?
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is March birthstone?” The answer is aquamarine, a gemstone from the beryl family whose very name is a nod to the sea. It comes from the Latin “aqua marina,” meaning “water of the sea,” and one look at its color makes the name feel inevitable. Its shimmering shades, which range from the palest, almost transparent blue to a rich blue-green, are like snapshots of calm ocean waters.
Aquamarine is formed at depths underground through the growth of beryl crystals within granite pegmatites. The chemistry behind aquamarine's color includes ions of iron trapped in the beryl lattice, which provide the beautiful color options we so admire today. Aquamarine aficionados often prefer the pure, vibrant blues that are devoid of the green hue, while many people are attracted to the soft sea-green tones, which possess a quiet mystery akin to the oceans when the sun is hidden behind a bank of clouds.
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of aquamarine is its transparency. Not many precious gemstones are "eye-clean," featuring no visible inclusions or flaws directly seen by the naked eye. A high-grade aquamarine that is truly eye-clean is certainly an extraordinary find. This clarity, combined with a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, contributes to aquamarine being full of brilliance as well as durability, the perfect stone for jewelry you will wear with frequency.
For reference, the largest aquamarine gem ever found weighed a massive 243 pounds in Brazil in 1910. Surely you are not likely to encounter a stone that weighs so much; however, aquamarine will range from tiny accent gemstones to prime collectibles.
The Fascinating History and Folklore of the March Birthstone
Aquamarine has a long history with the sea. Ancient sailors carried aquamarine as a talisman, believing it would keep them safe from sea monsters and calm storms. The Romans called it "the sailor's gem," and the Greeks had a connection to it as well through Poseidon and Neptune, both gods of the ocean.
In medieval Europe, it was believed by nobles that aquamarine could counteract poison, and many would use aquamarine cups as a fail-safe to drink from. Folklore in Brazil includes a romantic legend that aquamarine is formed from the tears of the sea goddesses. When the tears hit the ocean, they crystallize.
All along the way, aquamarine has symbolized:
- Courage, which aided sailors before the open sea.
- Clear communication is associated with the throat chakra.
- Emotional healing is bringing balance and calm.
While the beliefs surrounding aquamarine have changed throughout the centuries, the ultimate belief regarding peace and protection has been preserved.
March Birthstone Jewelry: Timeless Elegance in Various Forms
Aquamarine can appear fragile, but because of its lucid colors, the March birthstone can be surprisingly versatile. It pairs just as easily with jeans and a button-up shirt as it does with formal wear. Its cool, neutral/light colors give you dozens of combinations from your wardrobe instead of requiring a good matching plan like other more powerfully colored gemstones.
Here are just a few of the most popular ways you will find aquamarine in jewelry:
Aquamarine Rings: Aquamarine rings will add a great punch of color to your hand and they could range from delicate and minimalistic to elaborate or vintage-inspired. They are durable enough for everyday wear, so you could even choose to use one as an engagement ring, as they are not as hard as diamonds. With a little extra care, aquamarine rings would wear great for years.
Aquamarine Necklaces: Whether it is a simple pendant and chain that just sits below your collarbone or a multi-stone necklace, aquamarines truly come alive in necklace form. The light shines off of the stones, and depending on the aquamarine stones' clarity, they can glow from their interior! When it is worn against the skin, an aquamarine necklace creates a bright, dreamy, fantastical effect!
Aquamarine Earrings: From studs to chandeliers, aquamarine earrings bring a whole new elegance to the face. The icy tones of the stone are especially flattering, literally making blue and green eyes pop and bringing a brighter and fresher contrast to warmer skin tones.
Aquamarine Bracelets: In a tennis bracelet, aquamarine is an understated sophistication; in a chunky cuff, it's a bold artistic statement. Fashioning larger stones in bracelets typically allows for the greatest visibility of the watery beauty of aquamarine.
March Birthstone Benefits: Beyond What You See
Beyond its undeniable beauty, many people are drawn to the March birthstone benefits that have been celebrated for centuries. While these metaphysical properties aren't scientifically proven, they've been cherished by believers across cultures and generations.
The March birthstone benefits traditionally include:
Enhanced Communication: Aquamarine is known as the stone of courage and communication. Many believe it helps the wearer express themselves clearly and speak their truth with confidence. Public speakers and performers have long favored aquamarine for its supposed ability to calm nerves and improve vocal clarity.
Emotional Healing: The stone is thought to promote emotional balance and healing, particularly for those dealing with grief, trauma, or relationship issues. Its connection to water makes it a natural choice for emotional cleansing and renewal.
Mental Clarity: Aquamarine is believed to clear mental fog and enhance intellectual reasoning. Students and professionals often choose aquamarine jewelry when they need to focus on important projects or make crucial decisions.
Stress Relief: The stone's peaceful energy is said to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility. Many people find that wearing aquamarine helps them maintain composure during challenging situations.
Spiritual Protection: Traditional beliefs hold that aquamarine provides spiritual protection, particularly during travel over water. Modern interpretations extend this to protection during any kind of journey, physical or metaphorical.
Throat Chakra Activation: In chakra healing practices, aquamarine is associated with the throat chakra, which governs communication, self-expression, and truth. Wearing aquamarine is thought to balance this energy center and improve one's ability to communicate effectively.
Caring for Your March Birthstone Jewelry
Aquamarine is a pretty tough stone, but it still needs some tender loving care to keep it looking gorgeous for years to come. Here are the ways to keep it:
Keep it clean the gentle way: Clean your aquamarine piece with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Do not use anything abrasive or harsh chemicals or use ultrasonic cleaners or steam, as they can damage the stone and the setting.
Store it safely: Keep your aquamarine jewelry separate from harder stones like diamonds to prevent scratches. A soft pouch or a lined jewelry box works perfectly.
Keep it cool: Avoid exposing aquamarine to high heat, as it can change the stone’s color. Do not leave it exposed to high heat or anywhere that the temperature can change dramatically.
Remove it for “dangerous” activities: Take off your jewelry when playing sports, cleaning, gardening, or doing anything that may knock your jewelry or expose it to chemicals.
Get it checked: Have a jeweler check and clean your aquamarine piece once or twice a year!
They’ll spot loose settings or worn prongs before they turn into bigger problems.
How to Choose the Right March Gemstone
First, start by assessing your taste and requirements. If you are a dynamic, active person who plans to wear your aquamarine for everyday occasions, you will want to choose a protected setting.
Color is really about your personal preferences. You can choose from pale winter-sky blues to vibrant tropical blue-greens. Choose the shade and style that is best for you.
No matter what, unless you are a gemologist, there really is not "wrong" aquamarine; the best aquamarine is the one that resonates with you on a personal level.
Also, you should consider the overall meaning of the March birthstone that resonates the most with you. If you're attracted to aquamarine as a stone of communication, you may want to go with a pendant piece, where it may rest near the throat chakra. If you agree aquamarine is a protective stone, perhaps a ring that you constantly see throughout the day is more suitable.
Although size and budget will come into play when deciding, always remember that the clarity of aquamarine is so exceptional that even small stones can deliver impressive size and brilliance. A nice contemporary one-carat-cut aquamarine can appear to be much larger and more brilliant than other poorly cut aquamarines that have more carats.
Conclusion
As the March birthstone, aquamarine can be a soothing beauty as well as thousands of years of symbolism, ranging from ancient sailors looking for safe harbor to contemporary jewelry customers looking for a timeless piece.
It is more than a stone or a gemstone; it is a bit of history that you can wear and experience, a tangible piece of our interest in the wonders that nature has to offer. You choose the style that resonates with you and enjoy your birthstone both as a personal talisman and an enduring piece of jewelry.
FAQs
1. What is March's birthstone?
The March birthstone is aquamarine, that stunning blue-green stone that resembles ocean water captured in a gem. It embodies tranquility, which is a common attribute of aquamarine jewelry, and is very hard and durable for day-to-day wear for a piece of March birthstone jewelry. There is something elegant and ethereal about aquamarine that is perfect for people born in the month of March.
2. Why does March have 2 birthstones?
Aquamarine is the primary birthstone for the month of March, but bloodstone does come up; bloodstone is sometimes considered the secondary birthstone. While this is awesome and two choices are cool, pick what resonates with you as a person. Aquamarine gives you the property of flow and calming properties of water, and bloodstone gives you strength and courage.
3. Who should not wear amethyst?
We think pretty much anyone can wear amethyst if they want; there may be some people who think its mellow energy might not align for people looking for more motivation, but that is a personal choice.
