What Is My Birthstone?
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine
March has two birthstones. The modern stone is aquamarine, the pale sea-blue variety of beryl (the same mineral as emerald). The traditional stone is bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony speckled with red iron oxide, also called heliotrope.
Aquamarine gets its name from the Latin for seawater, and sailors carried it as a charm for calm voyages. It is hard (Mohs 7.5–8), usually very clean, and comes in large crystals, so even big aquamarines are affordable compared with emerald.
Bloodstone is the earthier choice, with a long history as a warrior's stone and a favorite for men's signet rings. It is opaque, takes a high polish and costs very little.
March birthstones at a glance
- Modern birthstone: Aquamarine
- Traditional birthstone: Bloodstone
- Color: sea blue (aquamarine) or dark green with red flecks (bloodstone)
- Traditionally associated with courage, calm seas and youthfulness
About Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl, the same mineral family as emerald. Its name means 'water of the sea' in Latin.
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Be3Al2(SiO3)6 |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | Imperfect |
- The largest gem-quality aquamarine weighed over 110 kg
- Sailors believed it calmed waves and kept them safe
- Heat treatment can enhance the blue color
How to tell real Aquamarine at a glance
- Color: Light Blue, Blue-Green, Greenish Blue. Look at a clean, dry surface in daylight. Color zoning, banding or spots are as diagnostic as the hue.
- Luster: Vitreous. Fresh surfaces shine like glass; a dull surface usually means weathering, so chip or wet a corner.
- Transparency: Transparent. Hold a thin edge up to a bright light and note whether light passes through.
- Mohs hardness: 7.5. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
Other stones on this page
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for March?
The modern March birthstone is Aquamarine. The traditional stone is Bloodstone.
What color is the March birthstone?
Aquamarine is sea blue (aquamarine) or dark green with red flecks (bloodstone).
Which March birthstone should I choose?
Aquamarine if you want a transparent, jewelry-grade gem in sea blue; bloodstone if you prefer a bold, opaque stone with history. Both are officially recognized for March.
How do I know my aquamarine is real?
Real aquamarine is cool to the touch, scratches glass easily and often shows a faint blue-to-colorless shift as you turn it. Blue topaz and glass are the common substitutes.
