March is a unique month in the birthstone calendar, distinguished not by a single gem but by two distinct and contrasting stones: aquamarine and bloodstone. While aquamarine, with its tranquil blue hues, is widely recognized as the modern birthstone, bloodstone holds the traditional designation, offering a deep green canvas splashed with dramatic red. Together, these gemstones represent a fascinating duality—capturing the essence of serene waters and resilient earth. Their selection for March is deeply rooted in history, geology, and symbolism, providing a rich narrative for gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and those born in the third month of the year.
The journey of March's birthstones is one of evolution. Aquamarine’s rise to prominence is a relatively modern phenomenon, driven by its aesthetic appeal and increasing availability, while bloodstone’s claim is ancient, tied to historical texts and beliefs. This article will explore the distinct characteristics of both gems, delving into their geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and the symbolism that has made them enduring symbols of strength and calmness.
The Dual Identity of March's Birthstones
The concept of a birthstone for each month has evolved over centuries. For March, this evolution has resulted in a rare pairing of two semi-precious gemstones that differ significantly in appearance and character. Modern birthstone lists, popularized in the 20th century, almost universally name aquamarine as the primary birthstone for March. Its light blue to blue-green color is evocative of the sea and sky, aligning with the themes of renewal and spring that emerge in March in the Northern Hemisphere.
However, the traditional birthstone for March is bloodstone, a member of the quartz family. This opaque gem, characterized by its dark green body color and red iron oxide inclusions, has a much older claim to the month. The dual designation offers those born in March a choice between a transparent, ethereal gem and an opaque, earthy one. This pairing reflects a balance of elements—water and earth, calmness and strength, clarity and vitality. The inclusion of aquamarine alongside bloodstone occurred in 1952, when the modern jewelry industry sought to expand and standardize birthstone lists, adding more commercially desirable and colorful gems to the traditional roster.
Aquamarine: The Serene "Water of the Sea"
Aquamarine is a member of the beryl mineral family, making it a close relative of other well-known gems like emerald (green beryl), morganite (pink beryl), and heliodor (yellow beryl). Its name is derived directly from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (of the sea), a perfect descriptor for its captivating color palette.
Geological Formation and Sources
Aquamarine forms in pegmatites—coarse-grained igneous rocks—where late-stage, water-rich magmatic fluids crystallize. These fluids are rich in elements like beryllium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, which combine to form beryl. The signature blue-to-green color of aquamarine is caused by trace amounts of ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) substituting for aluminum within the beryl crystal structure. The specific shade depends on the iron concentration and the conditions under which the crystal grew.
Major sources of aquamarine are concentrated in a few key regions around the world. Brazil is the world's leading supplier, producing vast quantities of high-quality material, particularly from the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. Other significant sources include: - Pakistan: Known for producing intensely blue, often highly included crystals from the Shigar Valley. - Madagascar: A source of both light and deep blue stones, often found in large crystal sizes. - Nigeria: Produces a range of colors, including some with a greenish-blue tint. - Mozambique and Tanzania: Also contribute to the global supply.
The finest aquamarines are found in large, clean crystals, which allows lapidaries to cut impressive, large faceted stones. A deep, saturated "Santa Maria" blue—a rich, slightly greenish blue—is highly prized, though lighter shades are more common in the market.
Gemological Properties
Aquamarine is prized for its excellent clarity and durability, making it an ideal gemstone for all types of jewelry.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 7.5 - 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.577 - 1.583 |
| Density | 2.68 - 2.80 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is resistant to scratching and can withstand the rigors of daily wear, although it is still advisable to protect it from sharp blows. It typically has good clarity, with inclusions being less common than in its cousin, the emerald. In fact, clean aquamarine is far more typical than heavily included material. Some stones may be heat-treated to remove greenish tones and enhance the blue color, a standard and stable practice in the gem trade.
History and Lore
Aquamarine’s history is steeped in maritime lore. Ancient sailors believed the gem was a treasure from the sirens of the sea, capable of calming waves and protecting them from peril. Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder wrote that the "aquamarine is loveliest of the sapphire family" and that it could be carved into intaglios for use as amulets. It was also believed to be a stone of eternal youth and happiness.
Beyond its protective qualities for travelers, aquamarine has been associated with clarity of mind and spiritual awareness. It was thought to sharpen intuition and provide courage, making it a popular talisman for public speakers and those engaged in debate. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to rekindle the love between married couples and was used as a symbol of hope and health.
Bloodstone: The Resilient "Blood of the Earth"
In stark contrast to the transparent blue of aquamarine, bloodstone is an opaque, dark green variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz. It is also known by its Greek name, heliotrope. Its dramatic appearance is defined by the presence of red or reddish-brown spots or streaks, which are inclusions of iron oxide (typically hematite).
Geological Formation and Sources
Bloodstone forms in volcanic rocks or in large cavities where silica-rich fluids deposit quartz on a massive scale. The red "blood" spots are not part of the original crystal structure but are impurities that became trapped during the stone's formation. The contrast between the deep green jasper and the vibrant red speckles gives the stone its characteristic look.
While bloodstone is found in various locations, the most significant sources include: - India: Traditionally the primary source for high-quality bloodstone. - Australia: A major producer of chalcedony varieties. - Brazil: Also a source for bloodstone, alongside its production of aquamarine. - China, Scotland, and the United States (California and Oregon): Have also produced bloodstone.
Unlike aquamarine, which is valued for its transparency, bloodstone is prized for its opacity and the distinctiveness of its red markings. The best specimens have a rich, deep green background with sharp, well-defined red inclusions.
Gemological Properties
Bloodstone shares the properties of quartz, making it a durable and relatively inexpensive gem.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (microcrystalline) |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.530 - 1.540 |
| Density | 2.58 - 2.64 |
| Luster | Vitreous to waxy |
| Transparency | Opaque |
With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, bloodstone is durable enough for jewelry, though slightly less hard than aquamarine. It is most often cut en cabochon (a smooth, rounded dome) to showcase its opaque nature and the pattern of its inclusions. This cutting style is also practical, as it protects the stone from chipping.
History and Lore
Bloodstone has one of the most dramatic origin legends in gemology. According to Christian lore, the stone was formed at the foot of the cross where the blood of Jesus Christ dripped onto the green earth below, staining the jasper with its sacred marks. This connection made bloodstone a powerful symbol of Christ's passion and sacrifice, and it became known as the "martyr's stone."
Its symbolism, however, predates and extends beyond Christianity. Ancient Babylonians used bloodstone for amulets and talismans, believing it possessed the power to heal and to grant victory in battle. It was associated with strength, resilience, and vitality—attributes befitting its appearance as the "blood of the earth." In ancient times, it was also believed to have the ability to stop bleeding, both literally and metaphorically, and to ward off the evil eye.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The two March birthstones offer complementary symbolic meanings that resonate with the themes of the month.
Aquamarine embodies the element of water. Its symbolism is centered on: - Calm and Serenity: It is known as a "stone of courage," believed to soothe fear and anxiety and bring peace to its wearer. - Clarity and Communication: It is associated with the throat chakra, believed to aid in clear, honest communication and self-expression. - Protection for Travelers: Its ancient lore as a protector for sailors makes it a popular talisman for all forms of travel, especially over water.
Bloodstone embodies the element of earth. Its symbolism is focused on: - Strength and Vitality: It is seen as a stone of renewal and endurance, providing courage and resilience in the face of adversity. - Healing and Purification: It has long been associated with physical healing, blood purification, and the life-giving force of nature. - Grounding and Protection: Its deep connection to the earth is believed to provide grounding energy and protect against negativity.
The pairing of these two stones for March creates a holistic symbolism of balance—gentle flow and solid strength, emotional peace and physical power.
Care and Cleaning for March Birthstones
Given their different hardness and clarity characteristics, aquamarine and bloodstone require slightly different care.
Caring for Aquamarine
Thanks to its good hardness (7.5-8) and excellent clarity, aquamarine is relatively easy to care for. - Cleaning: It can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, especially if the stone has liquid inclusions, which could expand and cause fractures. Steam cleaning is generally not recommended. - Storage: Store it separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching, though its hardness offers good protection. - Handling: While durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow, so avoid wearing it during heavy manual work or sports.
Caring for Bloodstone
Bloodstone, as a member of the quartz family, is also durable but requires some care due to its opacity and potential for surface-reaching fractures. - Cleaning: Like aquamarine, it is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and high-temperature steam cleaners, which could potentially damage the stone or alter the color of the iron oxide inclusions. - Storage: Store it in a soft cloth or jewelry box to prevent it from being scratched by harder stones or scratching softer materials. - Handling: Although it has a hardness of 6.5-7, it is best to remove bloodstone jewelry before activities that could cause impact or abrasion.
Conclusion
The birthstones of March, aquamarine and bloodstone, present a compelling study in contrasts. Aquamarine, the "water of the sea," offers a transparent window into a world of calm, clarity, and courage. Its light blue color, a product of iron within the beryl structure, connects it to the sky and ocean, making it a timeless favorite in modern jewelry. Bloodstone, the "blood of the earth," provides an opaque, powerful counterpoint. Its deep green jasper, marked by the dramatic red of iron oxide, tells a story of resilience, healing, and ancient strength.
The dual designation for March is not a redundancy but an enrichment. It provides a choice that reflects personal style and a connection to different elemental forces. Whether one is drawn to the ethereal blue of aquamarine or the terrestrial power of bloodstone, both gems carry a deep well of history, lore, and significance. They are more than just beautiful minerals; they are symbols of the month they represent, embodying the transition from the last vestiges of winter to the vibrant renewal of spring.