Current:Home > StocksWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -AssetBase
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-18 13:46:11
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! (222)
Related
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- St. Jude's arm is going on tour: Catholic church announces relic's first-ever tour of US
- Iga Swiatek’s US Open title defense ends with loss to Jelena Ostapenko in fourth round
- Selena Gomez, Prince Harry part of star-studded crowd that sees Messi, Miami defeat LAFC
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- France’s waning influence in coup-hit Africa appears clear while few remember their former colonizer
- What to stream this week: Olivia Rodrigo, LaKeith Stanfield, NBA 2K14 and ‘The Little Mermaid’
- Largest wildfire in Louisiana history was caused by arson, state officials say
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Top 5 storylines to watch in US Open's second week: Alcaraz-Djokovic final still on track
Ranking
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Lions, tigers, taxidermy, arsenic, political squabbling and the Endangered Species Act. Oh my.
- Living It Up With Blue Ivy, Rumi and Sir Carter: The Unusual World of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's 3 Kids
- Alka-Seltzer is the most commonly recommended medication for heartburn. Here's why.
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Who are the highest-paid NHL players? A complete ranking of how much the hockey stars make
- Is the stock market open on Labor Day? What to know about Monday, Sept. 4 hours
- Teen shot dead by police after allegedly killing police dog, firing gun at officers
Recommendation
Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
In the pivotal South Carolina primary, Republican candidates search for a path against Donald Trump
West Virginia University crisis looms as GOP leaders focus on economic development, jobs
Thousands still stuck in the muck at Burning Man festival; 1 death reported: Live updates
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
Up First briefing: A Labor Day look at union fights, wins and close calls
As G20 leaders prepare to meet in recently flooded New Delhi, climate policy issues are unresolved
Alabama drops sales tax on groceries to 3%