Current:Home > reviewsWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -Momentum Wealth Path
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-16 18:19:44
From St. Patrick's Day to Easter to the first day of spring, March hosts many celebrations throughout its 31 days.
March babies can bear one of two astrological signs: Pisces (born between March 1-20) or Aries (March 21-31). Two varieties of daffodil flowers also represent those born in March.
Each month has at least one gemstone. So, what about March's birthstone? It has two. Here's what to know about March birthstones, including their colors and symbolism.
March birthstone
Aquamarine and bloodstone are the two birthstones for March.
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl that ranges from pale blue to light green. The stone's name derives from the Latin "aqua" and "marina," meaning "seawater," according to the American Gem Society. Some faceted, or cut, aquamarines can be as clear as water.
This is not the only connection the gem has to the sea. Mariners once believed aquamarine could calm waves and protect sailors during their aquatic voyages, the Geological Institute of America reports.
The world's largest faceted aquamarine can be found at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The Dom Pedro aquamarine weighs approximately 4.6 pounds and was cut from a 100-pound stone in the late 1980s, Smithsonian Magazine reports.
The second largest cut of aquamarine belonged to former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She was gifted the 1,298-carat, 2.86-pound gem by Brazilian president Getúlio Vargas in 1936, according to the International Gem Society. It is currently on display at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York.
Minas Gerais in Brazil has been a major producer of aquamarine for the last two centuries, the Geological Institute of America reports. Other mining spots include Pakistan, Madagascar, Myanmar, Ukraine, Colorado and California.
Aquamarine is believed to symbolize "purity of spirit and soul." It is said to bring happiness in marriage, according to the Geological Institute of America, and is a traditional gift for the nineteenth wedding anniversary.
Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony, usually dark green with splotches of red hematite. The stone comes in two forms: transparent or opaque.
The name "bloodstone" has religious origins, with some believing the gem's pattern represents the blood of Jesus Christ, the Geological Institute of America reports. Its alternate name "heliotrope" derives from the ancient Greek for "to turn the sun." It was believed the stone, when placed in water, could turn the sun red, according to the American Gem Society.
Throughout history, bloodstone was associated with the Roman god of war, Mars. So, it is natural that the stone came to represent March, the month named after the god, the International Gem Society reports.
It was also believed that bloodstone would bring strength and health to those who wear it. Some see the birthstone as a good luck charm, according to the Geological Institute of America.
India is a prime source of bloodstone, but it can also be found in Brazil, Australia, China and the U.S., the Geological Institute of America reports.
What color is my birthstone?Learn which gemstone represents each month and what it means.
Want to learn more about other month's birthstones?
January | February | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What are angel numbers?" to "What is my Zodiac sign?" to "How common is my birthday?"− we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.
veryGood! (86)
Related
- Sam Taylor
- Who did Nick Saban pick to make the College Football Playoff on 'College GameDay'?
- Isabella Strahan Poses in Bikini While Celebrating Simple Pleasures After Cancer Battle
- The surprising story behind how the Beatles went viral in 1964
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Rapper Enchanting's Cause of Death Revealed
- Horoscopes Today, August 23, 2024
- Ohtani hits grand slam in 9th inning, becomes fastest player in MLB history to join 40-40 club
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Chargers players rescued from 'inoperable elevator' by Dallas Fire-Rescue
Ranking
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Kourtney Kardashian Twins With Baby Rocky Barker in Matchy Matchy Outfits
- You Won’t Believe These Designer Michael Kors Bags Are on Sale Starting at $29 and Under $100
- Ronda Rousey's apology for sharing Sandy Hook conspiracy overdue but still timely
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Inside the Villa: Love Island USA Stars Reveal What Viewers Don’t See on TV
- Illinois Supreme Court upholds unconstitutionality of Democrats’ law banning slating of candidates
- Illinois Supreme Court upholds unconstitutionality of Democrats’ law banning slating of candidates
Recommendation
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
Dump truck leaves hole in covered bridge when it crashes into river in Maine
Under sea and over land, the Paris Paralympics flame is beginning an exceptional journey
Where is College GameDay this week? Location, what to know for ESPN show on Week 0
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
Georgia sheriff’s deputy dies days after being shot while serving a search warrant
Christina Hall's Ex Ant Anstead Calls Himself Lucky Boy While Praising Girlfriend Renée Zellweger
Anna Menon of Polaris Dawn wrote a book for her children. She'll read it to them in orbit