Current:Home > ContactWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -Capitatum
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
TrendPulse View
Date:2025-04-05 23:44:09
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! (6831)
Related
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Apple releases urgent update to fix iOS 17 security issues
- Handcuffed and sent to the ER – for misbehavior: Schools are sending more kids to the hospital
- Putin plans to visit UAE and Saudi Arabia this week, according to Russian media reports
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Disinformation researcher says Harvard pushed her out to protect Meta
- Putin plans to visit UAE and Saudi Arabia this week, according to Russian media reports
- Illinois halts construction of Chicago winter migrant camp while it reviews soil testing at site
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Mackenzie Phillips Addresses Alleged 10-Year Incestuous Relationship With Her Dad John
Ranking
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Older Voters Are Second Only to Young People in Share of ’Climate Voters,’ New Study Shows
- Ford, Jeep, and Jaguar among 79,000 vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
- Man featured in ‘S-Town’ podcast shot and killed by police during standoff, authorities say
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- French lawmakers approve bill to ban disposable e-cigarettes to protect youth drawn to their flavors
- YouTuber who staged California plane crash gets 6 months in prison for obstructing investigation
- NFL official injured in Saints vs. Lions game suffered fractured fibula, to have surgery
Recommendation
San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
Proof You Might Be Pronouncing Anya Taylor-Joy's Name Wrong
California man charged in killings of 3 homeless people in Los Angeles
76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. scoffs at questions about legitimacy of his injury, calls hit-and-run serious
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
Elon Musk's X platform fueled far-right riots in Ireland, experts say
Macaulay Culkin Shares What His and Brenda Song's Son Can't Stop Doing After His Public Debut
Arkansas rules online news personality Cenk Uygur won’t qualify for Democratic presidential primary