The March Birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone

Here at Sennen Jewellery, we have a passion for gemstones and the fascinating stories behind them. March's birthstones, Aquamarine and Bloodstone, are two of the most intriguing birthstones, each offering something special for those born in this month.

Aquamarine, with its tranquil blue-green hues, has long been associated with the ocean, honesty, and protection, while Bloodstone, with its dark green body and red flecks, symbolizes strength, vitality, and courage. Aquamarine is also traditionally given at 19th Wedding anniversaries.

In this article, I'll take you through the history, significance, and beauty of these two birthstones, exploring why they remain such meaningful choices for a March birthday.

March Birthstone: Key Takeaways

The March birthstones are Aquamarine and Bloodstone, which offer a striking contrast of qualities.
The aquamarine birthstone, known for its pale blue to slightly greenish blue hues, symbolizes serenity and loyalty and is a durable choice for jewellery.
The bloodstone birthstone, a traditional March birthstone, is associated with protection, strength, and vitality, often worn as a talisman.
Both of these traditional birthstones have historic connections, from Roman gods to mariners who believed in their protective powers.
Whether used in rings or birthstone jewelry, these two stones offer a unique way to celebrate a birthday in March.

The Birthstones of March

Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March, and Bloodstone is the traditional March birthstone. These two stones embody different yet complementary energies—one representing the calm waves of the sea, the other the bold resilience of warriors.

Zodiac Signs and the March Birthstone

Both March birthstones are linked to the zodiac signs Pisces (February 19 – March 20) and Aries (March 21 – April 19). Pisces, a water sign, is known for its intuition and emotional depth, aligning perfectly with the calm and protective nature of Aquamarine.

Aries, a fire sign, is bold and dynamic—qualities that resonate with the strength and vitality of Bloodstone. Whether you connect with the soothing energy of Aquamarine or the warrior-like protection of Bloodstone, these March birthstones reflect the powerful traits of those born under these zodiac signs.

Aquamarine Birthstone: The Sea’s Gemstone

The name Aquamarine comes from the Latin words aqua (water) and mare (sea), perfectly capturing its connection to the ocean. As a gem-quality form of the mineral beryl, Aquamarine belongs to the same beryl family as Emerald, another of the world’s most prized precious stones.

Aquamarine’s color spectrum ranges from pale blue to light green, with the most sought-after being deep blue varieties like the famous Santa Maria Aquamarine found in Brazil. Unlike cryptocrystalline quartz, which consists of microscopic crystals, beryl gems like Aquamarine and Emerald form in well-defined hexagonal crystals, making them highly desirable for birthstone jewelry.

Aquamarine: Durability and Hardness

Aquamarine ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear.

This hardness means it is resistant to scratches from most materials, though it should still be handled with care to avoid damage from harder gemstones like diamonds.

Aquamarine jewelry, especially in engagement rings, should be stored properly to maintain its clarity and brilliance over time.

Fun Fact: Liquid Inclusions in Aquamarine

Some Aquamarines contain liquid inclusions, tiny water pockets trapped inside the gemstone during formation. These inclusions can provide clues about the gemstone’s geological history and origin, making each piece unique.

The Historical Significance of Aquamarines

Ancient mariners claimed that an Aquamarine gemstone talisman could calm stormy seas and keep sailors safe during voyages.
In ancient Greek mythology, Aquamarine was considered sacred to Poseidon, the Roman god of the sea.
The ancient Romans believed owning an Aquamarine stone could promote honesty and clarity, making it a popular stone for orators and travelers.
During the Middle Ages, it was thought to cure ailments, protect against poisoning, and enhance intelligence.
Today, Aquamarine jewelry remains a timeless choice for those who love its serene hues and historical significance.

Notable Aquamarines in History

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt received one of the largest aquamarines ever gifted, now housed at the Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park.
The Dom Pedro Aquamarine, weighing over 10,000 carats, is one of the world’s most famous stones faceted.
Queen Elizabeth II commissioned an Aquamarine tiara, highlighting its royal appeal.
Prince Harry gifted Meghan Markle an Aquamarine ring, once owned by Princess Diana.
Justin Timberlake proposed to Jessica Biel with an Aquamarine engagement ring, making it a standout choice for modern brides.

Choosing and Caring for Aquamarine Jewellery

Look for well-cut aquamarines with pure light blue or greenish blue hues.
Store Aquamarine jewellery in a soft fabric pouch and clean it using a soft cloth and mild soap.

Bloodstone Birthstone: The Warrior’s Stone

Known as Heliotrope, Bloodstone birthstone is a striking dark green stone with red inclusions of iron oxide, giving it a dramatic, battle-worn look. Unlike other gemstones that sparkle, this stone's appeal lies in its earthy, mysterious appearance.

Bloodstone Symbolism and History

In ancient times, Bloodstone was believed to make the wearer unconquerable.
The Romans used Bloodstone in seals and amulets for wearer protection.
In Christian symbolism, the red flecks in the stone were linked to the blood of Christ.
Ancient warriors carried Bloodstone jewelry into battle for strength and endurance.
Used in ancient calendars, Bloodstone was considered a state gem for protection and prosperity.
Some ancient healers believed Bloodstone could treat blood disorders, further strengthening its connection to vitality and strength.

Bloodstone Sources and Availability

Bloodstone is found in the US, Brazil, Australia, China, although most bloodstone comes from India.
Often cut into cabochons or carved into intaglios, Bloodstone birthstone is favoured for artisan and antique jewelry.

Bloodstone Jewellery

Bloodstone is not as commonly used in fine jewellery like aquamarine, but it does have a niche appeal, especially in artisan, antique, and symbolic jewellery. It has historically been carved into signet rings, pendants, and amulets, particularly in Victorian and medieval designs. Due to its dark green color with red flecks, bloodstone is often used in cabochon cuts rather than faceted settings, giving it a more organic look.

While it's not a mainstream choice for modern fine jewellery, it remains a popular gem for masculine, gothic, and spiritual jewellery. It's also used in (engraved gemstones) and sometimes paired with sterling silver for a bold, earthy aesthetic.

March Birthstones

The March birthstone color spectrum ranges from the calming blue-green of Aquamarine to the dark green and sun-red flecks of Bloodstone. These two gems offer a balance of peace and power, making them meaningful choices for March babies who seek both tranquility and resilience.

The March birthstones each have unique properties—one of serene oceanic beauty, the other of resilience and protection. Aquamarine, a traditional birthstone, has long been admired for its calming blue-green hues and connection to the sea, making it a timeless choice for elegant, jewellery. Meanwhile, Bloodstone, the historical birthstone for March, has been revered for centuries as a warrior’s talisman, symbolizing strength and vitality.

At Sennen Jewellery, we offer a stunning collection of Aquamarine jewellery, from delicate pendants and earrings to beautifully crafted rings featuring Aquamarine rough and faceted stones. Whether you're drawn to the tranquil energy of Aquamarine or the bold symbolism of Bloodstone, these March birthstones make a meaningful addition to any collection.

Some people also choose Blue Topaz as a substitute for Aquamarine, as it shares similar cool blue tones.

Explore our selection of Aquamarine and March birthstone jewelry today!