Every March, as signs of spring begin to stir, a stunning gemstone takes the spotlight – the serene yet vibrant aquamarine. As the birthstone for this ebullient month, the aquamarine holds a beauty as deep and captivating as the sea itself, from which it derives its name. Plunge through the waves of history and tradition to fully understand the allure and significance of this unique jewel that also serves to mark your birth month if you happen to be a March baby.
The Birthstone for March: Aquamarine
Each month of the year is represented by a unique birthstone, providing a special significance to those born during that period. For those fortunate enough to be born in March, their official birthstone is the beautiful Aquamarine.
History of Aquamarine as March’s Birthstone
Aquamarine birthstone has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Ancient seafarers treasured this gemstone, and legend has it that they believed it originated from the treasure chest of mermaids. They would keep aquamarine on their vessels as a talisman to ensure safe travels over the choppy waters. March’s birthstone was also highly regarded by ancient Romans, who believed it could cure illnesses related to the stomach, liver, and throat.
Significance and Symbolism of Aquamarine
Symbolically, aquamarine is associated with courage, loyalty, honesty, and beauty. It epitomizes lasting relationships and enduring love. Its serene color is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. In essence, this gorgeous gemstone is like a soothing balm for the soul.
Physical Properties of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is not just beautiful; it also possesses fascinating physical properties that contribute to its attractiveness and value.
Color and Appearance
Aquamarine gets its name from the Latin words “aqua” meaning water, and “mare” for sea, with its stunning sea-blue hues aptly reflecting this origin. Often transparent to translucent, it can range from pale blue to deep azure, sometimes exhibiting a slight greenish tint.
Hardness and Durability
Aquamarine’s hardness is another of its attractive features, with a Mohs scale rating of 7.5 to 8. This durability makes it an excellent choice for various types of jewelry, as it can withstand daily wear and tear.
Sources and Locations of Aquamarine Deposits
Aquamarine can be found all around the world, with significant deposits in Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique. This geographic diversity adds to its allure and global appeal.
The Spiritual and Therapeutic Beliefs Surrounding Aquamarine
Aquamarine is not merely a gem to be admired for its physical attributes, but is also steeped in spiritual and therapeutic lore.
Aquamarine in Crystal Healing
Aquamarine has long been a popular choice in crystal healing, with its calming energies believed to reduce stress, quiet the mind, and ease fears. It is also considered to be a powerful cleansing agent for the body and spirit and is thought to stimulate the flow of energy in the body, promoting self-expression and balancing the emotions.
Spiritual Significance of Aquamarine According to Different Cultures
In many cultures, aquamarine holds spiritual significance. It is often used in meditation practices to invoke high levels of consciousness and spiritual awareness. The stone is considered to embody the purity of crystalline waters and the exhilaration and relaxation of the sea. It is also believed to carry the protective power of ancient sea gods and goddesses.
Aquamarine in Jewelry
Aquamarine’s appeal extends beyond its spiritual significance, as it is also a highly desired gemstone in the crafting of jewelry.
Popular Aquamarine Jewelry Styles
Aquamarine is popularly used in various jewelry styles, including rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Its striking sea-blue color complements both silver and gold settings and adds an elegant touch that makes it suitable for both casual and formal attire.
Caring and Maintenance of Aquamarine Jewelry
Despite aquamarine’s relative hardness and durability, it still requires proper care to maintain its luster. Cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush is recommended, while harsh chemicals should be avoided. Also, care should be taken to protect it from harsh blows that could cause chipping or fractures.
Alternative Birthstone for March: Bloodstone
While aquamarine is the most recognized birthstone for March, there is an alternative gemstone associated with this month – the intriguing and equally beautiful bloodstone.
History and Significance of Bloodstone
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, has a historic past steeped in mythology and significance. Dating back to ancient civilizations, it was cherished for its supposed healing powers and was often worn as an amulet to protect against evil. The name ‘bloodstone’ comes from the belief that the red spots were drops of Christ’s blood, making it a powerful symbol in Christian folklore.
Physical Properties of Bloodstone
Bloodstone is a form of chalcedony with a deep green texture interspersed with spots of red jasper that resemble droplets of blood. While not as hard as aquamarine, with a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it is still quite durable and suitable for a variety of jewelry applications.
Spiritual and Therapeutic Beliefs Surrounding Bloodstone
Just like its March counterpart, bloodstone carries its fair share of spiritual and therapeutic signficance.
Bloodstone in Crystal Healing
In crystal healing, bloodstone is said to carry revitalizing energy that promotes health, energy, and strength. It is also believed to increase mental clarity and enhance decision-making abilities.
Spiritual Significance of Bloodstone According to Different Cultures
In various cultures, bloodstone is perceived to intensify the intuition and stimulate dreams. It is believed to cleanse the aura and eliminate negativity, making it a powerful protective stone.
Bloodstone in Jewelry
Despite its dramatic name and serious connotations, bloodstone, with its gorgeous deep green hues dotted with spots of red, is an alluring choice for jewelry.
Popular Bloodstone Jewelry Styles
Bloodstone is regularly used in necklaces, rings, and bracelets as well as ornamental objects. Its striking colour combination lends itself to a bold, captivating aesthetic, demanding attention and intrigue.
Caring and Maintenance of Bloodstone Jewelry
Bloodstone should be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. As with all gemstones, avoid any harsh chemicals, and be sure to store your bloodstone jewelry separately to prevent scratches or damage from harder gemstones.
Buying March Birthstones
When you’re in the market for March birthstones either for yourself or as a gift, there are some things to consider.
Considerations When Buying Aquamarine Stones and Jewelry
The quality of an aquamarine is judged primarily on its color, with the most valuable being a dark blue to slightly greenish blue with a high degree of transparency. Also, note that larger stones tend to have a more intense color. The clarity and cut of the gemstone also play a significant role in its overall appearance and value.
Considerations When Buying Bloodstone Stones and Jewelry
When purchasing bloodstone, look for specimens with well-defined red spots against a solid green background. Genuine bloodstone should feel slightly gritty against the teeth, not glassy. Like any jewelry, always consider the reputation of the seller to ensure authentication.
The Worth of March Birthstones
Understanding the factors that contribute to the value of March birthstones like Aquamarine and Bloodstone is important for both buyers and collectors.
Factors Determining Aquamarine Value
Color and clarity have the biggest impact on an aquamarine’s worth. Deep blue stones with high transparency fetch the highest prices. Larger stones also command a premium, primarily when they maintain a rich, intense color.
Factors Determining Bloodstone Value
Due to the comparative rarity of high-quality bloodstone, its value is largely influenced by the intensity of color – the deeper and more vivid the green, interspersed with clearly defined splashes of red jasper, the more valuable the gemstone.
Celebrating March Birthdays With Birthstone Gifts
What better way to celebrate a loved one’s March birthday than with a beautifully crafted birthstone gift?
Gift Ideas Featuring Aquamarine
From gorgeous aquamarine earrings and necklaces, to stylish bracelets and elegant rings, aquamarine jewelry makes for a truly fabulous gift. Alternatively, a beautifully polished aquamarine can also make an attractive decorative ornament or paperweight.
Gift Ideas Featuring Bloodstone
A bloodstone pendant, encased in silver or gold, makes for a touching and unique gift. Alternatively, a set of polished bloodstone cufflinks or a stylish ring might be the choice for those seeking something more unusual.
By understanding what drives the allure and value of these gorgeous gemstones, you can celebrate March birthdays in a way that honors their historical and spiritual significance – whether that be the tranquil hues of aquamarine or the mysterious beauty of bloodstone. Humans have been enchanted by these stones for millennia, and their appeal continues unabated in the modern age.
