Current:Home > InvestWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -MarketLink
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-12 16:45:51
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! (46183)
Related
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Cheetahs change hunting habits on hot days, increasing odds of unfriendly encounters with other big cats, study finds
- Veteran Spanish conservative politician shot in face in Madrid street
- Melissa Rivers Is Engaged to Attorney Steve Mitchel
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Plastic balloon responsible for death of beached whale found in North Carolina
- Wynonna Judd Reacts to Concern From Fans After 2023 CMAs Performance
- What are the most common Powerball numbers? New study tracks results since 2015
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- CIA chief William Burns heads to Qatar as efforts to contain Israel-Hamas conflict and release hostages continue
Ranking
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Poland’s outgoing minister asks new legislators to seek further war reparations from Germany
- Matt Ulrich's Wife Pens Heartbreaking Message After NFL Alum's Death
- Houston eighth grader dies after suffering brain injury during football game
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Thousands fall ill in eastern Pakistan due to heavy smog, forcing closure of schools, markets, parks
- Officials in Russia-annexed Crimea say private clinics have stopped providing abortions
- CMAs awards Lainey Wilson top honors, Jelly Roll sees success, plus 3 other unforgettable moments
Recommendation
Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
NCAA president Charlie Baker blasts prop bets, citing risk to game integrity in college sports
The Best Gifts For Runners On The Trail, Treadmill & Beyond
'Mean Girls' trailer drops for 2024 musical remake in theaters January: Watch
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
‘Greed and corruption': Federal jury convicts veteran DEA agents in bribery conspiracy
HSN failed to report dangerous defect in 5.4 million steamers
Vinny Slick and Fifi among 16 accused mafia associates arrested in U.S.-Italy takedown