An Ultimate Guide for March Birthstones

March is the month that marks the start of spring officially and brings the promise of warmer and sunny days. For the lucky people born in this harbinger of spring month, it isassociated with two birthstones: the Bloodstone and Aquamarine.

Indeed, March has more than one birthstone; it has a traditional birthstone as bloodstone and a modern birthstone as aquamarine. You might be wondering why there is such a traditional and modern birthstone. Let me address that by answering the question of what the difference between modern and traditional birthstones is?

The list for traditional birthstones came from Poland and has been accepted and referenced for the 16th and 18th centuries. But in 1912, the National Association of Jewelers has released a list of "modern birthstones." The notable difference between these lists is that the modern birthstone list includes only transparent gems. This probably came into existence to have more "modern" feature the birthstones of a woman's children that is more suited for modern taste.

The jewelers are currently adding options to the modern birthstone list, such as citrine and tanzanite, its recent additions.

In the United States, people choose freely from either list and pick the stones that seem more appealing. Up to this date, some traditional gems are less expensive and more readily available in the market than their modern counterparts. That is why the traditional birthstones remain popular and of use up to this day.

As mentioned above, March has two accepted birthstones and is very different when it comes to appearance but remain to have the same reputation for protecting one's well-being. Let's dive into the facts of these two intriguing birthstones,  from where their names have derived to the mysteries that cling to their histories. More importantly, their importance and significance throughout the century.

Bloodstone

Bloodstained on the greenstone, creating the traditional birthstone for March, the Bloodstone. This gemstone is an excellent alternative for price point because bloodstone is cheaper than aquamarine. It may not have the overt beauty of aquamarine, but many people value this gemstone for its symbolism and health benefits.

Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony which typically belongs to the quartz family. It is also called "heliotrope."

Its Name

The alternate name for bloodstone is heliotrope or blood jasper from the ancient Greek word meaning "to turn the sun." However, the name bloodstone has come from the belief that the gemstone's color pattern has religious significance, representing the blood of Christ.

Its Appearance

The bloodstone appears to have a semi-translucent to opaque dark green jasper with bright red markings on the surface. The green color tone is caused by the chlorite within the chalcedony matrix that commonly have a range of lighter and darker green tone areas. The red tone spots display is caused by the iron oxide that looks like the planet Mars.

Its Source Location

Most bloodstone available in the market has come from India. However, it can also be sourced from Brazil, Australia, China, Germany, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Scotland, Italy, South Africa, and the United States.

Bloodstone can be found in fractures or cavities in other rocks or pebbles in riverbeds.

Its History, Myths, and Symbolism

Bloodstone has interesting meaning and names that come entangled in fascinating history.

• The Ancient Greeks reputed the bloodstone as a gem with glorious power and called it "Heliotrope," translated as "Sunstone." They believed that it has heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and relates it to heal all things linked to the blood.
•  In the Classical time, it was called "Stone of Babylon" and changed into the "Stone of Martyrs" during the Medieval time. Medieval Christians had carved scenes of the crucifixion of martyrs in the bloodstone. The stone reminds us that a significant change in our life comes with great sacrifice.
• In Middle Ages, the red spots found in bloodstone were believed to be the drops of Christ's blood, responsible for its magical powers. They thought that during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, his blood dripped onto the earth and became the bloodstone.  The bloodstone is believed to be a noble stone that serves as a reminder of the sacrifice and is brought to us to provide healing vibes of strength to those having their darkest days.
• By the 4th century, the bloodstone can aid in making rain, create solar eclipses, and give someone the power to be invisible.
• An Ancient Greek document on Egyptian magic called "The Leyden Papyrus" explicitly states the bloodstone's powers as follows: "The world has no greater thing; if anyone has this with him, he will be given whatever he asks for. It also assuages kings and despots' wrath, and whatever the wearer says will be believed. Whoever bears this stone, which is a gem, and pronounces the name engraved upon it, will find all doors open while bonds and stone walls will be rent asunder.”

Its Mental, Emotional, and  Physical Healing Properties

It is no surprise that the Bloodstones is reputed as a healing crystal in terms of health and well-being related to the blood and circulation. By looking at the blood-red shades combined with a dark green color, you can sense strength course through your veins. Keep on reading to know more about its healing and physical properties about its impressive historical background.

• It can give your immune system a boost when you have trouble with your blood circulation. It is useful in treating blood disorders such as anemia.
• It is a stone used for childbirth because of its ability to bring strength, courage, and vitality for both the mother and baby during birthing.
• It is a stone for balancing out menstrual issues such as getting back your cycle on track and repel problems that may arise due to hormones.
• This stone has been a traditional gift for warriors and heroes on the battlefield because its healing focuses on boosting strength,  courage, and resilience.
• An amulet with a bloodstone is used for anyone who suffers from abandonment, loneliness, and bullying. Leaning on this stone can help you get back on your feet and help you build emotional resilience.
• It is a mood stabilizer and works by boosting your energy and bringing brightness back to your soul.
• The stone grants discernment and encourages you to welcome chaos as a necessary phase in life, leading to new beginnings.
• It is a magical stone that can transform negative energy and purify the space while protecting simultaneously. It is an excellent choice for feng shui at your home.

One of the best ways to make this healing stone more effective and truly grasp its healing capabilities is by wearing it as jewelry. When a bloodstone is pressed against the skin, those healing vibes can lead directly to the most needed healing.

How to Take Care for Birthstone Jewelry

The bloodstone scored 7 on Mohs Hardness Scale, and to keep your bloodstone jewelry luster for a lifetime, kindly take note of the following precautions and advice.

• Clean it at home with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
• Keep it away from harsh chemicals and the extreme environment with hot temperatures.
• Dry it off using a clean and soft cloth.
• Store your bloodstone jewelry in a soft fabric to keep them from getting scratched from your other pieces of jewelry.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine varies in color from deep blue to blue-green caused by traces of iron and belongs to the beryl crystal family.  This gemstone's tranquil blue color has made it a favorite gem among celebrities, royalty, and everyone in between since its discovery up to this date.

Its Name

Aquamarine comes from the Roman words "aqua and mare," translated as "seawater." It is also called aqua Marinus in Latin, which means "seawater."

Its Source Location

The leading source location of the March modern birthstone is Brazil.

You can also find high-quality stones in India's mines, the Ural Mountains of Russia, Pakistan, and Colombia. Other sources include Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, and United States (namely: North Carolina, Maine, and Colorado).

Its History, Myths, and Symbolism

• The Ancient Romans associated the gem as sacred to Neptune, the sea's Roman god. They believed that aquamarine comes from the jewel caskets of sirens washed ashore from the depths of the sea. This association became known as the "sailor's stone" that provides prosperous and safe voyages as a protection stone against the sea's perils and monsters.
• In 480-300 BC, Ancient Greeks wore aquamarine amulets engraved with Poseidon on a chariot. Jenifer Altman, in her book Gem and Stone: Jewels of Earth, Se, and Sky, relays aquamarine legends, which explains why it is widely used for medicinal purposes and as an oracle throughout the Middles Ages.  She wrote that sailors kept small aquamarine pieces in their pockets, and whenever they encounter stormy weather at sea, they will toss the gemstones to calm the waters.
• Emperor Nero used aquamarine as an eyeglass 2,000 years ago.
• Germans also used aquamarine as glasses to correct shortsightedness. Today they refer to it as "brille," derived from its mineral family name, beryl.
• During World War II, the US Navy named one of its patrol yachts as USS Aquamarine, which explicitly invokes the gemstone's protection for its sailors from the sea's danger.
• Today, aquamarine is also known to be the gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary because it symbolizes long-lasting love and unity. It was given as a gift to brides to facilitate long-lasting love and reawaken the love when it grew old.
• Queen Elizabeth of England has gifted a beautiful set of necklace and earrings made of aquamarine by Brazil's president during her coronation in 1953. She loved the jewelry and soon got a matching tiara, brooch, and bracelet to go with her aquamarine earrings and necklace.
• Eleanor Roosevelt received a rectangular step-cut aquamarine in 1936 from the British government. This now can be seen publicly at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in New York.

Its Healing and Health Benefits

Since ancient times, aquamarine's healing properties have been acknowledged by healers and philosophers alike.

• In the 2nd century BC, the author of "The Virtue of Stones," named Damigeron, wrote that aquamarine can heal and cure damage to the eyes by mixing it in water and drink it as a concoction.
• A Roman philosopher named Pliny the Elder wrote Pliny's Natural History that Aquamarine has healing properties for curing severe eye conditions. One has to wash the eye in water filled with aquamarine gemstones to heal eye conditions.
• Aquamarine was once a traditional bridal gift representing life-long love and rekindles lost love.
• Aquamarine is known to instill youth's beauty in whoever wears it with its anti-aging powers taking into account its colorful and vibrant appearance.
• It is referred to as a "calming sone" that helped soothe overactive nerves and help people have a sense of tranquility whenever needed.

(To know more about aquamarine's history, meaning and symbolism, please check our online store, Lotus Fun.)

Aquamarine is a versatile gemstone that is undoubtedly charming and beautiful both in its aesthetics and in the special meanings it carries. It is worn widely across the world due to its fabulous appeal that can match virtually every color and style. The stone has surpassed its primary purpose as the March birthstone and has become so popular that people favor it as an alternative stone for any kind of jewelry.  This is a gemstone that stood the test of time, and it is highly coveted because of its beauty, healing properties, and significant meanings.

Aquamarine is a stunning stone to behold, and its vibrant blue color fills the heart with calmness. One of the best ways of grasping its full potential as a powerful gemstone is to wear it as a piece of jewelry. Moreover, sterling silver is one of the best combinations of aquamarine that enhances its beauty aesthetically.

Here are all the sparkling ways you can have to bring a blue dose of aquamarine into your life that our creative artisans handmade with love for you. With no surprise, these pieces of handmade sterling silver jewelry are the best way of having the healing properties of this ocean-bound stone that connects directly with your inner self.

 Aquamarine Sterling Silver Jewelry

• Blue Mountain Pendant and Earring

BLUE MOUNTAIN PENDANT	BLUE MOUNTAIN EARRING

Aquamarine has always been associated with water due to its ocean-like color. It means “water of the sea” in Latin. This blue gemstone is known for its calming, cleansing, and healing effects.    

The Blue Mountain Earring and Blue Mountain Pendant is unique nature-inspired sterling silver jewelry representing a “water” stone formed like a mountain to create a scenic view. Isn’t that interesting? Where else can you find this perfect meeting of water and earth? Any nature-loving person would undoubtedly fall in love with this handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind pair of earrings and pendants.

• Bright Eyes Dangle Earring

The Bright Eyes Dangle Earring dangles gracefully with Aquamarine stone depicting your eyes pinned in a sterling silver curved shaped line.

As the Aquamarine stone is said to be supporting healthy eyesight and bringing life and vision back to your eyes. Our Bright Eyes Dangle Earring's unique symbolism perfectly suits all ages, from young girls to womanhood.

• Playful Cat Bracelet

The Playful Cat Bracelet is handcrafted to be as adorable as possible. The cat as sterling silver is made as if it is tapping the aquamarine ball with its paw—a stunning handmade sterling silver jewelry that perfect for all ages and best worn every day.

• Candy Gemstone Necklace

Our Candy Gemstone Necklace looks so enticing to eat, but it is more attractive to wear. It will bring you happiness and joy because of its dynamic color. It could also help you reminisce about your happy childhood wherein candy can stop you from crying and give you a smile. The Candy Gemstone necklace will express your sweet personality. A perfect necklace to achieve a charming chic look. 

The Candy Gemstone Necklace is a piece of sterling silver jewelry with an aquamarine gemstone. This is a great gift to remind someone to be confident and courageous in all situations.

• Aquamarine Lotus Bud Series 

The Aquamarine Lotus Bud Series is comprised of:

• Aquamarine Lotus Bud Bracelet
• Aquamarine Lotus Bud Necklace
• Aquamarine Lotus Bud Brooch
• Aquamarine Lotus Bud Bangle
• Aquamarine Lotus Bud Earring

AQUAMARINE LOTUS BUD BANGLE	AQUAMARINE LOTUS BUD BRACELET
AQUAMARINE LOTUS BUD EARRING	AQUAMARINE LOTUS BUD NECKLACE
	AQUAMARINE LOTUS BUD BROOCH

This elegant and delicate nature-inspired sterling silver jewelry set features a stunning aquamarine stone teamed with a detailed golden bud. Each of these pieces gracefully captures the Lotus flower's beauty even before it blooms.

A perfect gift collection for a hardworking lady that is a gemstone of communication encourages anyone with a stressful, high-pressure career to find you a lot calmer.

Aquamarine sterling silver jewelry is set to be chic and stylish. Whether you have a March birthday or just love the appeal of aquamarine as gemstone jewelry, we have plenty of charming options for you.  Check out our collection of handmade Aquamarine sterling silver jewelry at our online shop, Lotus Fun, and have fun shopping.

How to Take Care of Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine is rated between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness. This means aquamarine is hard, but it still needs to be taken care of to have its beauty lasts for a lifetime and to keep it for generations to come.

• Do not store your aquamarine jewelry next to any stone that is harder to prevent some scratching.
• It is not susceptible to fracturing, so it is safe to clean it with ultrasonic machines or steam cleaners.
• Keep it away from harsh chemicals whenever possible.
• The stone can handle prolonged light exposure but keep it away from intense heat, temperature, or environment.

Final Thoughts

As you have read the complexities, mysteries, and significance of the two intriguing March birthstones. It is up to you to choose which one appeals to you the most. The March birthstones aquamarine and bloodstone are beautiful, rich in fascinating history, and exceptionally wearable.

Bloodstone and aquamarine, whichever of the two  March birthstones you choose to wear or carry, we assure you that each one guarantees that your aura will be cleansed and you will be safe and protected. And as a March birthstone, each one has its own appeal and significance to the March babies out there that will set as a perfect gift idea for yourself or for someone you know.