Current:Home > reviewsWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -TradeSphere
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-14 01:25:19
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! (5)
Related
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- 'Error 321': Chicago QR code mural links to 'Tortured Poets' and Taylor Swift
- Former Arkansas officer pleads guilty to civil rights violation in violent arrest caught on video
- Caitlin Clark WNBA salary, contract terms: How much will she earn as No. 1 pick?
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- The Best Coachella Festival Fashion Trends You’ll Want To Recreate for Weekend Two
- Powerball winning numbers for April 15 drawing with $63 million jackpot at stake
- West Virginia transgender sports ban discriminates against teen athlete, appeals court says
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Crop-rich California region may fall under state monitoring to preserve groundwater flow
Ranking
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- NPR suspends editor who criticized his employer for what he calls an unquestioned liberal worldview
- How to get rid of hiccups. Your guide to what hiccups are and if they can be deadly.
- Texas fined $100,000 per day for failing to act on foster care abuse allegations
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Alexa and Carlos PenaVega reveal stillbirth of daughter: 'It has been a painful journey'
- Texas inmate Melissa Lucio’s death sentence should be overturned, judge says
- IRS reprieve: Places granted tax relief due to natural disasters
Recommendation
Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
NASA: Space junk that crashed through Florida home came from ISS, 'survived re-entry'
Katy Perry Reveals Amazing Singer She Wants to Replace Her on American Idol
Supreme Court won’t hear election denier Mike Lindell’s challenge over FBI seizure of cellphone
Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
Spotify builds library pop-up in Los Angeles to promote Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poets'
Changing course, Florida prosecutor suspended by DeSantis to seek reelection
Michigan attorney general to announce charges in investigation of former top lawmaker