March Birthstone: Aquamarine’s Meaning, Color & History
If you were born in March, your birthstone shimmers like the sea on a clear day: the cool, serene aquamarine. Named for ocean water and long carried by sailors for safe passage, it’s a calming, elegant gem perfectly suited to the month that ushers in spring. March also has a striking traditional alternative — the deep green, red-flecked bloodstone — so March babies have two very different gems to call their own. At Gems Lore, here’s your complete guide to the March birthstone: meaning, history, color, varieties, quality, and gift ideas.
A quick frame first: birthstone meanings come from tradition and symbolism, not science — and the stories behind these stones are half the pleasure of having one.
What Is the March Birthstone?
The modern birthstone for March is aquamarine, a pale blue to blue-green gem from the beryl family. Its traditional birthstone is bloodstone, a dark green stone speckled with red. Both are valid — modern lists favor aquamarine, while older traditions name bloodstone — so a March baby can happily choose either, or both.
Most of this guide focuses on aquamarine, the more popular modern choice, with a full section on bloodstone further down.
About Aquamarine: The Basics
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl — the same family that gives us emerald (its famous green cousin), morganite (pink), and heliodor (yellow). Where emerald is deep green, aquamarine is the serene blue of shallow seawater, colored by traces of iron.
Quick facts:
- Mineral: Beryl (blue variety)
- Color: Pale sky blue to blue-green; the most prized are a pure, deeper blue
- Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale — very durable and excellent for everyday jewelry (see our gemstone hardness chart)
- Main sources: Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Zambia
- Good to know: it’s hard and water-safe, but can fade with prolonged sun exposure
Aquamarine often forms in large, remarkably clear crystals, which means clean, sizeable faceted gems are more attainable than with many other stones — a happy fact for anyone shopping for one.
The History and Lore of Aquamarine
Aquamarine’s name says it all: it comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea.” Unsurprisingly, its history is tied to the ocean.
Ancient sailors carried aquamarine as a talisman for safe passage, believing it would calm the waves and protect them on long voyages — some legends held it was the treasure of mermaids. The Romans associated it with safe travel and happy marriages, and used it in carvings and amulets. Across cultures it became a stone of calm, courage, and clear communication, valued for its tranquil energy as much as its beauty.
That serene, watery symbolism has carried into the modern day: aquamarine is widely seen as a stone of calm, clarity, and soothing emotional balance — a gem to steady the nerves and cool the temper.
What the March Birthstone Means
Drawing on its sea-faring history, aquamarine traditionally symbolizes:
- Calm and tranquility — a soothing stone said to quiet anxiety and cool strong emotions
- Courage — historically carried for bravery and protection, especially while traveling
- Clear communication — associated with honest, articulate self-expression
- Safe passage and happy unions — a traditional stone for travelers and for marriage
These gentle, reassuring meanings make aquamarine a lovely birthstone to give — a wish for calm seas and a steady heart.
The Colors and Varieties of Aquamarine
Aquamarine’s color is its defining quality, and it spans a lovely range:
- Pale sky blue — the most common and very pretty, light and airy
- Deep “Santa Maria” blue — a prized, intense, pure blue (named after a famous Brazilian mine)
- Blue-green — aquamarine with a touch of its emerald cousin’s green
- Maxixe — a rare, deep blue variety (note: some deep blues are color-enhanced)
Most aquamarine on the market is a soft, light blue; the deeper and purer the blue, the rarer and more valuable the stone. Many aquamarines are gently heat-treated to enhance their blue and reduce green or yellow tones — a common, accepted practice that a good seller will disclose.
What Makes a Fine Aquamarine?
With aquamarine, color is king. The most valuable stones show a deep, pure, saturated blue rather than a pale or greenish tint. Because aquamarine typically forms very clean, fine stones are usually expected to be “eye-clean” (free of visible inclusions), so clarity matters more here than with included stones like emerald. A skilled cut maximizes the stone’s clarity and the depth of its blue.
The good news for buyers: aquamarine offers wonderful value. Its tendency to form large, clean crystals means you can find a generously sized, beautifully clear gem without the premium that a comparable emerald or sapphire would command.
Bloodstone: March’s Traditional Birthstone
March’s older birthstone is bloodstone (also called heliotrope) — a striking dark green variety of chalcedony (a quartz family stone) flecked with spots of red. Those red marks, caused by iron oxide, give the stone its dramatic name.
Bloodstone has a rich history of its own. In the Middle Ages, the red flecks were associated with the blood of Christ, lending it deep spiritual significance, and it was carried as a protective amulet believed to bring courage, vitality, and strength. Traditionally it symbolizes courage, grounding, and vitality — a bolder, earthier counterpart to airy aquamarine.
Quick bloodstone facts:
- Type: Chalcedony (quartz family)
- Color: Dark green with red or orange flecks
- Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale — durable and water-safe
- Symbolism: courage, strength, vitality, protection
For a March baby who prefers a deep, grounding stone to a pale blue one, bloodstone is a meaningful and historic choice.
Famous Aquamarines
Aquamarine’s ability to form huge, clear crystals has produced some legendary gems. The most famous is the Dom Pedro aquamarine — the largest cut aquamarine in the world, an obelisk standing about 14 inches tall, carved from a Brazilian crystal and now on display at the Smithsonian. It’s a breathtaking demonstration of just how clean and blue this stone can be.
Aquamarine has also graced royalty in the modern era. Queen Elizabeth II famously received a stunning aquamarine necklace and earrings from the people of Brazil as a coronation gift in 1953, later expanding the set into a full parure (a matching suite of jewelry). Stories like these are part of why aquamarine, despite its accessibility, still carries an air of quiet luxury.
How to Spot a Genuine Aquamarine
Because aquamarine is popular and pale, a few imitations turn up — so it’s worth knowing the basics before buying a more valuable piece. The most common stand-ins are glass (look for bubbles, a warm feel, and overly perfect color), synthetic spinel colored to mimic aquamarine, and treated blue topaz, which can look similar but is a different stone.
Genuine aquamarine is a hard beryl (7.5–8), feels cool to the touch, and usually shows a soft, natural, slightly uneven blue rather than a flat, candy-bright color. For valuable purchases, buy from sellers who disclose any treatment and, ideally, provide certification. Our how to spot fake crystals guide covers the at-home tests, and our how to buy gemstones online guide explains what to check before you pay.
Who Is the March Birthstone For?
Beyond March birthdays, the month’s stones connect to the zodiac signs that span it: Pisces (February 19 – March 20) and Aries (March 21 – April 19). Aquamarine’s calm, intuitive energy is often considered especially fitting for dreamy Pisces.
Aquamarine is also the traditional 19th wedding anniversary gemstone, making it a meaningful milestone gift — see our anniversary gemstones by year guide.
Gift Ideas for a March Birthday
Aquamarine is an elegant, versatile, and surprisingly affordable birthday gift. A few ideas:
- Aquamarine jewelry — a ring, pendant, or earrings; its 7.5–8 hardness makes it ideal for everyday wear, and its soft blue flatters every skin tone.
- A larger statement stone — because aquamarine forms clean and large, a generous faceted gem is more attainable than with many stones.
- A bloodstone piece — for a March baby who prefers something bold and grounding, a bloodstone cabochon or carving is a historic alternative.
- A raw or tumbled stone — lovely and affordable for crystal lovers, paired with a note about its calming meaning.
- Match the shade — a deep “Santa Maria” blue for someone who loves a rich gem, or a soft sky blue for an airy, understated look.
For more inspiration across stones and budgets, see our crystal gifts for a birthday guide.
Caring for Aquamarine and Bloodstone
Both March stones are durable and easy to care for, with a couple of simple precautions.
Aquamarine (7.5–8) is hard and water-safe, so a gentle wash with mild soap and water is fine. Like many colored stones, however, it can fade with prolonged sun exposure, so avoid sunny windowsills and long sunbathing — see our crystals that fade in sunlight guide. Store it away from harder gems to prevent scratches.
Bloodstone (6.5–7) is also durable and water-safe as a quartz-family stone. A quick rinse and gentle drying keeps it clean.
For general guidance on cleansing either stone, see our how to cleanse crystals guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the March birthstone?
The modern March birthstone is aquamarine, a pale blue to blue-green beryl. Its traditional birthstone is bloodstone, a dark green stone with red flecks. Both are valid, so a March baby can choose either.
What color is the March birthstone?
Aquamarine ranges from pale sky blue to a deeper, pure sea-blue, sometimes with a green tint; the deeper, purer blues are most prized. Bloodstone, the alternative, is dark green speckled with red.
What does the March birthstone mean?
Aquamarine traditionally symbolizes calm, courage, clear communication, and safe passage — fitting for a stone named after seawater and once carried by sailors. Bloodstone symbolizes courage, vitality, and strength.
Is aquamarine good for everyday jewelry?
Yes — at 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is very durable and water-safe, excellent for rings and daily wear. Just keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight to protect its color.
Why does March have two birthstones?
Because both a modern and a traditional list exist. Modern lists name aquamarine, while older traditions named bloodstone. Both remain recognized, giving March babies two very different stones to choose from.
Is aquamarine heat-treated?
Often, yes — much aquamarine is gently heated to deepen its blue and reduce green or yellow tones. This is a common, accepted practice, and a reputable seller will disclose it.
Where to Go From Here
Whether you’re drawn to the calm sea-blue of aquamarine or the bold, grounding green of bloodstone, March offers two beautiful and meaningful birthstones. Aquamarine’s soothing elegance and excellent value make it an easy gem to love — and an easy one to give.
Explore every month in our birthstones by month chart, see the month before in our February birthstone guide, and discover next month’s gem in our April birthstone guide. New to gemstones? Start with our types of gemstones overview. Explore more any time here at Gems Lore.
Are you a March baby? Tell us whether you prefer aquamarine or bloodstone in the comments.
