Current:Home > ContactWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -AssetTrainer
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-12 18:01:06
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! (45)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Meeting Messi is dream come true for 23 Make-A-Wish families
- Are flying, venomous Joro spiders moving north? New England resident captures one on camera
- Kate Middleton's Younger Brother James Middleton Gives Insight on Her Cancer Journey
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Are flying, venomous Joro spiders moving north? New England resident captures one on camera
- Focus on the ‘Forgotten Greenhouse Gas’ Intensifies as All Eyes Are on the U.S. and China to Curb Pollution
- Lana Del Rey Marries Alligator Guide Jeremy Dufrene in Louisiana Swamp Wedding Ceremony
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Savannah Chrisley Speaks Out After Mom Julie Chrisley’s Sentence Is Upheld
Ranking
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- 2024 PCCAs: Brandi Cyrus Reacts to Learning She and Miley Cyrus Are Related to Dolly Parton
- In St. Marks, residents await Hurricane Helene's wrath
- Athletics fans prepare for final game at Oakland Coliseum: 'Everyone’s paying the price'
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Athletics bid emotional farewell to Oakland Coliseum that they called home since 1968
- Maggie Smith, Harry Potter and Downton Abbey Star, Dead at 89
- Chicago White Sox sweep Los Angeles Angels, remain at 120 losses on season
Recommendation
The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
NFL Week 4 picks straight up and against spread: Will Packers stop Vikings from going 4-0?
Florida man files a lawsuit to prevent Ohtani’s 50th HR ball from going to auction
Empowering Investors: The Vision of Dream Builder Wealth Society
Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
Horoscopes Today, September 26, 2024
Woman accused of running a high-end brothel network to plead guilty
Al Michaels laments number of flags in Cowboys vs. Giants game: 'Looks like June 14th'