Current:Home > ScamsWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -WealthRoots Academy
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-13 08:10:27
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! (86)
Related
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Biden pardons potentially thousands of ex-service members convicted under now-repealed gay sex ban
- Keira Knightley recalls Donald Sutherland wearing gas mask to party: 'Unbelievably intimidated'
- Nevada judge denies release of ex-gang leader ahead of trial in 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- Starting your first post-graduation job? Here’s how to organize your finances
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. didn’t make the debate stage. He faces hurdles to stay relevant
- Francia Raísa Shares New Reproductive Diagnosis After Health Took a “Serious Turn”
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- North Carolina legislators consider vetoes, constitution changes as work session winds down
Ranking
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- CBS News 24/7 debuts its flagship show with immersive AR/VR format
- New Jersey police officer honored for rescuing pair from burning building
- These cities have 'impossibly unaffordable' housing, report finds
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Wisconsin youth prison staff member is declared brain-dead after inmate assault
- Texas man executed for 2001 abduction and killing of 18-year-old woman
- Who will make US gymnastics team at Olympic trials? Simone, Suni Lee and what to watch
Recommendation
'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
Djimon Hounsou and Alex Wolff embrace silence in A Quiet Place: Day One
Simon Cowell raves over 10-year-old's heavy metal performance on 'America's Got Talent': Watch
Biden pardons potentially thousands of ex-service members convicted under now-repealed gay sex ban
Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
Illinois police officers won’t be charged in fatal shooting of an unarmed suburban Chicago man
Jessica Biel Supports Justin Timberlake at NYC Concert One Week After His Arrest
Walgreens to take a hard look at underperforming stores, could shutter hundreds more