Current:Home > FinanceWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -NextGenWealth
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-18 08:16:09
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! (1181)
Related
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- 30 quotes about stress and anxiety to help bring calm
- Halle Bailey criticizes ex DDG for showing their son on livestream
- Kirk Herbstreit's dog, Ben, dies: Tributes for college football analyst's beloved friend
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Browns GM Andrew Berry on Deshaun Watson: 'Our focus is on making sure he gets healthy'
- 30 quotes about stress and anxiety to help bring calm
- Panthers to start QB Bryce Young Week 10: Former No. 1 pick not traded at the deadline
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Cillian Murphy takes on Catholic Church secrets in new movie 'Small Things Like These'
Ranking
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Democratic incumbent Don Davis wins reelection in North Carolina’s only toss-up congressional race
- Hope is not a plan. Florida decides to keep football coach Billy Napier despite poor results
- Outer Banks Just Killed Off a Major Character During Intense Season 4 Finale
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Rioters who stormed Capitol after Trump’s 2020 defeat toast his White House return
- Liam Payne Death Investigation: 3 People of Interest Detained in Connection to Case
- The 'Survivor' 47 auction returns, but a player goes home. Who was voted out this week?
Recommendation
Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
Democratic incumbent Don Davis wins reelection in North Carolina’s only toss-up congressional race
'Heretic' star Hugh Grant talks his 'evil freaks' era and 'Bridget Jones' return
Giuliani to appear in a NYC court after missing a deadline to surrender assets
'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
Halle Bailey Deletes Social Media Account After Calling Out DDG Over Son Halo
40 monkeys escape from Alpha Genesis research facility in South Carolina
Dexter Quisenberry: AI DataMind Soars because of SWA Token, Ushering in a New Era of Intelligent Investing