The month of March is uniquely distinguished in the gemological calendar by its association with two distinct and contrasting birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone. Unlike months with a single gem, March offers a choice between a serene, ocean-blue beryl and a dark, earthy chalcedony speckled with red. These stones, Aquamarine and Bloodstone, represent the duality of March itself—the transition from the harshness of winter to the renewal of spring. While Aquamarine has risen as the modern standard, Bloodstone holds a deep, traditional significance that spans centuries. Together, they provide a rich narrative of history, geology, and symbolism.
This article explores the full scope of March’s birthstones, delving into their historical origins, geological formation, gemological properties, and the cultural beliefs that have surrounded them. From the ancient mariners who relied on Aquamarine for safe passage to the warriors who carried Bloodstone into battle, these gems have been woven into the fabric of human history. For the gemstone enthusiast, jewelry buyer, or student of gemology, understanding these two stones offers a comprehensive look at the diversity and depth of birthstone traditions.
History and Lore
The tradition of assigning gemstones to specific months is a practice with ancient roots, though the specific assignments have evolved over time. The modern list of birthstones, which includes Aquamarine for March, is largely based on standards established in the early 20th century. However, the historical narrative of March’s gems begins much earlier, primarily with Bloodstone.
Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope, was the original and sole birthstone for March in ancient lists. Its history is steeped in powerful symbolism and lore. The stone’s appearance—a deep green chalcedony splashed with red iron oxide inclusions resembling drops of blood—directly fueled its legends. Early Christian tradition held that the red spots were created by the blood of Christ falling on the stone at the foot of the cross. This association imbued the stone with immense religious significance, making it a powerful symbol of martyrdom and sacrifice. Throughout the Middle Ages, Bloodstone was not only a religious talisman but also a stone of great power in the secular world. It was widely believed to possess the ability to stop bleeding, both from wounds and from nosebleeds, and was often carried as an amulet for health and strength. The stone was also associated with justice and was thought to ensure victory in legal disputes.
The inclusion of Aquamarine into the March birthstone list is a more recent development, reflecting a shift in aesthetic tastes and the growing prominence of the gem in the jewelry trade. While Aquamarine has been prized since antiquity, its formal recognition as a March birthstone came in 1912, when the National Association of Jewelers (now the Jewelers of America) standardized the modern birthstone list. This list designated Aquamarine as the primary stone, though Bloodstone was retained as a traditional alternative.
Aquamarine’s own history is equally compelling. Its name, derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea), directly points to its most celebrated attribute: its resemblance to the ocean. Ancient mariners were among its most fervent admirers. They believed the gem was a treasure of mermaids and that it possessed the power to calm waves and protect them from the perils of the sea. Carrying a piece of Aquamarine was thought to ensure a safe voyage. Beyond its connection to the water, Aquamarine was also believed to be a stone of love and happiness, making it a popular gift for newlyweds. It was also thought to quicken the intellect and make the wearer unconquerable and amiable in battle or litigation. In 1936, the government of Brazil presented a magnificent 1,298-carat dark blue Aquamarine to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, a testament to the stone’s enduring appeal and status.
The journey of these two stones from ancient talismans to modern birthstones illustrates a fascinating evolution. Bloodstone represents the ancient, mystical, and protective traditions of gemology, while Aquamarine symbolizes a more modern appreciation for clarity, color, and elegance.
Geological Formation and Sources
The two March birthstones originate from entirely different mineral families, which accounts for their starkly different appearances and properties. Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, while Bloodstone is a variety of the mineral chalcedony, which itself is a microcrystalline form of quartz.
Aquamarine: A Beryl of the Pegmatites
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family, which also includes other famous gems like emerald (green), morganite (pink), and heliodor (yellow). For Aquamarine to form, specific geological conditions are required. It crystallizes from hot, watery fluids that are rich in beryllium and aluminum. These fluids travel through fractures and cavities in the Earth's crust, often in association with granite pegmatites. As the fluids cool, beryl crystals begin to grow. The signature blue-to-blue-green color of Aquamarine is caused by trace amounts of ferrous iron (Fe2+) substituting for aluminum within the crystal lattice.
Brazil is the world’s leading producer of Aquamarine, renowned for yielding large, high-quality crystals. The discovery of a 243-pound crystal in Brazil in 1910 highlights the scale of deposits found there. However, significant sources are not limited to South America. Other important mining locations mentioned in the sources include Pakistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Mozambique, all of which are known for producing fine Aquamarine specimens. Within the United States, Colorado has a history of Aquamarine production, with the state designating it as a semi-precious gemstone.
Bloodstone: A Variety of Chalcedony
Bloodstone, or Heliotrope, is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz. It forms in volcanic or metamorphic rocks where silica-rich solutions deposit microcrystalline quartz into nodules or veins. The primary composition is silicon dioxide (SiO2). Its characteristic dark green color comes from the presence of hornblende or actinolite inclusions, while the distinctive red spots are caused by iron oxide, specifically hematite or jasper.
Unlike the large, faceted crystals of Aquamarine, Bloodstone is typically found as massive, nodular formations and is almost always cut en cabochon (a smooth, polished dome) to best display its speckled inclusions. The sources do not specify particular countries for Bloodstone mining, but it is known to be sourced from various locations around the world, including India, Australia, Brazil, China, and parts of Africa and Europe.
Gemological Properties
The fundamental differences in mineralogy between Aquamarine and Bloodstone are clearly reflected in their gemological properties. Aquamarine is prized for its clarity and hardness, making it suitable for all types of jewelry, while Bloodstone’s appeal lies in its opaque character and unique pattern.
Aquamarine Properties
As a member of the beryl family, Aquamarine is a relatively hard and durable gemstone, making it an excellent choice for rings, earrings, and pendants that see daily wear.
- Hardness: Aquamarine registers between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This high rating means it is resistant to scratching from most other materials, including steel.
- Chemical Formula: Its chemical composition is Be3Al2(SiO3)6, the standard formula for beryl.
- Crystal System: It crystallizes in the hexagonal system.
- Color: The color range is one of Aquamarine's most defining features. It spans from a pale, almost colorless blue to a rich, deep blue, sometimes with hints of green. The most prized colors are often described as "Santa Maria," a deep, pure blue. The sources note that the best stones are clear and transparent, free from visible inclusions.
- Refractive Index: As a beryl, it has a refractive index typically ranging from 1.577 to 1.583.
- Clarity: High-quality Aquamarine is known for being "eye-clean," meaning it lacks visible inclusions to the naked eye, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul.
Bloodstone Properties
Bloodstone’s properties are those of a hard, opaque microcrystalline quartz. Its value is not determined by transparency but by the intensity of its green color and the distinctness of its red spotting.
- Hardness: Bloodstone has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. While durable, it is slightly softer than Aquamarine and can be scratched by materials with a higher hardness.
- Chemical Formula: Its chemical formula is SiO2, identical to all other forms of quartz.
- Crystal System: It crystallizes in the trigonal system.
- Color: The stone is characterized by a deep, dark green base color, which is punctuated by vibrant red or brownish-red spots of iron oxide.
- Luster: When polished, Bloodstone exhibits a waxy to vitreous (glass-like) luster.
- Transparency: It is opaque, meaning light does not pass through it. It is exclusively cut into cabochons or used for intricate carvings.
Comparative Gemological Properties Table
| Property | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Beryl | Chalcedony (Quartz) |
| Chemical Formula | Be3Al2(SiO3)6 | SiO2 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7.5 - 8 | 6.5 - 7 |
| Color | Blue to blue-green, pale to deep | Dark green with red spots |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Opaque |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal | Trigonal |
| Typical Cut | Faceted (brilliant, step cuts) | Cabochon, Carvings |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, both March birthstones are rich in symbolism and are believed by many to possess metaphysical properties.
Aquamarine: The Stone of Courage and Serenity
Aquamarine is overwhelmingly associated with water, the sea, and the emotional qualities they represent. Its primary symbolic meaning is calmness and serenity. It is believed to soothe fears, reduce stress, and quiet the mind, making it a popular stone for meditation. Ancient lore credited it with the power to courage; sailors wore it for protection, and it was thought to make warriors unconquerable.
In modern crystal healing, Aquamarine is known as a stone of communication. It is believed to help its wearer express themselves clearly and truthfully, making it a powerful tool for public speakers, teachers, and anyone needing to convey a message with clarity and compassion. Its connection to the throat chakra reinforces this association. It is also linked to the idea of "going with the flow," encouraging a release of control and an acceptance of life's natural currents.
Bloodstone: The Stone of Vitality and Strength
Bloodstone’s symbolism is far more terrestrial and visceral. Its very appearance evokes life force, making it a powerful symbol of strength, vitality, and health. The "blood" in its name connects it directly to life-giving energy. It was historically considered a powerful healing stone, believed to purify the blood and support the circulatory system.
Bloodstone is also a stone of courage and endurance. It was carried by ancient warriors as a talisman to protect against injury and to grant them the fortitude to persevere through hardship. Its association with justice and victory in legal battles positions it as a stone for the brave and the righteous. In a metaphysical sense, Bloodstone is thought to ground its user, providing a sense of stability and resilience in the face of adversity.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. Due to their different hardness levels and clarity characteristics, Aquamarine and Bloodstone require slightly different approaches to cleaning and storage.
Caring for Aquamarine
With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, Aquamarine is a durable gemstone suitable for most jewelry applications. However, like all gemstones, it can be damaged by sharp blows and extreme temperatures.
- Cleaning: The safest way to clean Aquamarine is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap residue that could dull its luster. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for Aquamarine, but only if the stone has no fractures or significant inclusions. Steam cleaning is also an option, but caution is advised as sudden temperature changes can potentially damage the stone if it has been fracture-filled.
- Storage: Store Aquamarine jewelry separately from other gems and metals to prevent scratching. A soft cloth pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal.
Caring for Bloodstone
Bloodstone, at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, is slightly more susceptible to scratching than Aquamarine. As an opaque stone, it is typically cut into cabochons, which have a smooth, rounded surface.
- Cleaning: Clean Bloodstone with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals and acids, which can damage the stone’s surface or affect its color. A soft brush can be used to clean around the setting.
- Storage: Due to its relative softness, Bloodstone should be stored carefully to avoid contact with harder materials. It is also best to keep it away from extreme heat, which can alter its color.
Conclusion
The March birthstones, Aquamarine and Bloodstone, offer a compelling study in contrasts. One is a transparent, oceanic beryl symbolizing calm, clarity, and courage; the other is an opaque, earthy chalcedony representing strength, vitality, and endurance. Their dual status provides those born in March with a choice that reflects both the tranquil and the resilient aspects of their character.
From the ancient mariners who placed their faith in Aquamarine to the medieval warriors who carried Bloodstone, these gems have been integral to human culture for millennia. Their geological origins are as diverse as their appearances, with Aquamarine forming in the great granite pegmatites of the world and Bloodstone emerging from silica-rich deposits. Today, they remain highly valued, not only for their beauty and durability in jewelry but also for the rich history and deep symbolism they carry. Whether drawn to the serene blue of the sea or the vibrant lifeblood of the earth, the birthstones of March are a testament to the enduring power and allure of the mineral kingdom.