For individuals born in the month of March, the choice of a birthstone is not a simple one. The month is uniquely associated with two distinct and celebrated gems: Aquamarine, the serene blue-green beryl, and Bloodstone, the dark, earthy chalcedony. While modern birthstone lists often prioritize Aquamarine, traditional charts honor both, offering a fascinating duality that reflects the transition from winter to spring. This guide provides a comprehensive exploration of these two March birthstones, detailing their geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and cultural significance, drawing exclusively from established gemological and historical sources.
The primary March birthstone, Aquamarine, is a member of the beryl family, renowned for its tranquil blue to blue-green hues. Its name, derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea), poetically captures its color and its long-standing association with the ocean. The alternative March birthstone, Bloodstone, is a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz known as heliotrope. It is characterized by a deep green body color speckled with vivid red inclusions, which were historically likened to drops of blood.
This article will delve into the history and lore surrounding both gems, examine their geological formation and primary sources, detail their specific gemological properties, explore their symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, and provide practical advice for their care. By understanding the unique attributes of each stone, one can appreciate the rich heritage they represent for those born in March.
History and Lore
The historical narrative of March's birthstones is steeped in ancient beliefs, particularly those related to the sea and protection.
Aquamarine: The Sailor's Gem
Aquamarine's lore is inextricably linked to the ocean. Its very name evokes images of seawater, and ancient mariners held the gem in high regard. According to historical accounts, sailors believed that Aquamarine, when carried as an amulet, possessed the power to calm waves and protect them from peril during their voyages. This association with safe passage and protection at sea has been a cornerstone of Aquamarine's identity for centuries.
Beyond its maritime connections, Aquamarine has also been a symbol of marital happiness and is often given as a gift to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary. Its calm and peaceful symbolism makes it a meaningful gift for any occasion, particularly for those seeking to promote tranquility and clear communication.
Bloodstone: The Martyr's Stone
Bloodstone's history carries a different but equally powerful narrative. Its alternative name, Heliotrope, comes from the Greek for "sun-turning," a reference to ancient beliefs about how the stone interact with sunlight. However, its more common name, Bloodstone, stems directly from the appearance of its red iron oxide inclusions.
The most prominent Christian legend associated with Bloodstone places it at the crucifixion of Christ. The story holds that the stone was formed when the blood from Jesus' wounds dripped onto the dark green jasper lying at the foot of the cross. This powerful origin story made Bloodstone a symbol of the Passion of Christ and a powerful talisman for Christian martyrs. It was believed that the stone could stop bleeding, both literal and metaphorical, and was often carved into images of the crucifixion or saints.
Geological Formation and Sources
The two March birthstones originate from entirely different geological processes and are mined in distinct locations around the world.
Aquamarine: A Beryl Crystal
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, placing it in the same family as emeralds, morganite, and heliodor. It forms in large, hexagonal crystals within igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly in pegmatites—coarse-grained rocks that allow for the growth of exceptionally large crystals.
The primary source of Aquamarine in the modern era is Brazil, which produces the majority of the world's supply. The country is famous for yielding large, high-quality crystals. Notably, the largest Aquamarine crystal ever discovered was found in Brazil in 1910, weighing an astonishing 243 pounds.
Other significant sources of Aquamarine include: - Pakistan - Madagascar - Nigeria - Mozambique - United States (specifically Colorado)
The gem's color is derived from trace amounts of ferrous iron within its chemical structure. The most prized shades are a medium to deep blue, often referred to as "Santa Maria" after a famous Brazilian source, though many natural crystals are very pale and can be heat-treated to enhance their color.
Bloodstone: A Form of Quartz
In contrast, Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz (silicon dioxide). It is a form of cryptocrystalline quartz, meaning its crystals are too small to be seen without magnification. Its dark green color is due to the presence of hornblende or chlorite minerals, while the characteristic red spots are caused by included iron oxides, typically hematite.
Bloodstone is found in various locations, including: - India - Brazil - Australia - China - United States
Unlike the large, facetable crystals of Aquamarine, Bloodstone is typically found as massive, nodular forms suitable for carving, cabochon polishing, or use in beads. Its opaque nature and unique patterns make it a favorite for intaglios and signet rings.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the scientific characteristics of these gems is crucial for identification, valuation, and care. The following table summarizes their key properties based on gemological data.
| Property | Aquamarine | Bloodstone (Heliotrope) |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Beryl | Chalcedony (Variety of Quartz) |
| Chemical Formula | Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ | SiO₂ (with inclusions) |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal | Trigonal (Microcrystalline) |
| Color | Light blue to blue-green; can be pale to deep blue | Dark green with red (iron oxide) spots |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 7.5 - 8 | 6.5 - 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.577 - 1.583 | 1.535 - 1.539 |
| Luster | Vitreous (Glass-like) | Vitreous to Waxy |
| Transparency | Transparent to Translucent | Opaque |
| Treatments | Commonly heat-treated to remove green tones and enhance blue color | Generally untreated |
Aquamarine Properties
As a member of the beryl family, Aquamarine is a relatively hard and durable gem, scoring between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. Its hardness is comparable to that of topaz and is only surpassed by corundum (ruby and sapphire) and diamond.
Aquamarine is prized for its clarity. High-quality stones are typically "eye-clean," meaning they are free of visible inclusions to the naked eye. Its refractive index, a measure of how much it bends light, is in the range of 1.577 to 1.583, giving it a brilliant, vitreous luster when cut and polished. While natural Aquamarine can range from a very pale, almost transparent blue to a more saturated greenish-blue, the most desirable colors are clear, medium blues. Many stones on the market have been heat-treated to a purer blue by removing traces of green or yellow, a standard and stable industry practice.
Bloodstone Properties
Bloodstone, as a variety of chalcedony, has different physical properties. It is an aggregate of microscopic quartz crystals, which gives it an opaque appearance rather than the transparency of faceted gems like Aquamarine. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 6.5 to 7, making it slightly less hard than Aquamarine but still durable enough for most jewelry applications, especially in protective settings like cabochons or carvings.
Bloodstone's appeal lies in its unique coloration and pattern. The dark green body is caused by dispersed hornblende or chlorite, while the "blood" spots are inclusions of red jasper or iron oxides. It is almost always cut as a cabochon to highlight its opaque nature and the contrast between the green and red, or carved into intricate designs, a practice that dates back to ancient civilizations.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both Aquamarine and Bloodstone are rich in symbolic meaning and are believed by many to possess metaphysical properties that can influence the wearer's well-being.
Aquamarine: Calm, Clarity, and Courage
The symbolism of Aquamarine is directly tied to its oceanic origins. It is widely regarded as a stone of calm, peace, and tranquility. Its soothing blue energy is believed to reduce stress, quiet the mind, and soothe fears. For this reason, it is often associated with the Throat Chakra, the energy center related to communication. It is thought to promote honest and clear expression, making it a valuable stone for public speakers, teachers, and anyone seeking to improve their communication skills.
Metaphysically, Aquamarine is also considered a stone of courage. Ancient lore suggests it provides protection and fortitude to those who wear it, helping them to overcome adversity and embrace new beginnings. It is sometimes referred to as the "stone of eternal youth," believed to revitalize the body and spirit.
Bloodstone: Strength, Vitality, and Protection
Bloodstone's symbolism is one of strength, vitality, and protection. Its name and appearance link it to the life-giving force of blood, and it has long been believed to boost the immune system and improve circulation. It is considered a powerful grounding stone, connected to the Root Chakra, which governs feelings of stability, security, and survival.
Metaphysical practitioners believe Bloodstone is a potent protector, capable of warding off negative energy and physical harm. It was historically used as an amulet to stop bleeding and was believed to draw out toxins from the body. Its energy is seen as both grounding and energizing, providing the stamina and resilience needed to face challenges. It symbolizes perseverance and the ability to endure, making it a fitting stone for the end of winter and the promise of spring.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. The differing properties of Aquamarine and Bloodstone require specific cleaning and storage methods.
Caring for Aquamarine
With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, Aquamarine is a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear. However, like all gemstones, it can still be damaged by sharp blows or extreme temperatures.
- Cleaning: The safest way to clean Aquamarine is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or strong detergents, as they can damage the stone or any settings. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally considered safe for untreated and unheated Aquamarine, but caution is advised if the stone has been fracture-filled, which is rare for this gem.
- Storage: Store Aquamarine jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratching, preferably in a soft cloth or a lined jewelry box. Although it is hard, it can be scratched by diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
Caring for Bloodstone
Bloodstone's composition as cryptocrystalline quartz makes it relatively durable, but its opacity and potential for porosity require more gentle care.
- Cleaning: Bloodstone should be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as the vibrations and high heat can potentially damage the stone or cause existing fractures to worsen, especially if it has been treated or is porous.
- Storage: Like Aquamarine, Bloodstone should be stored separately to avoid being scratched by harder materials. Its opaque nature means that scratches can be more noticeable and harder to polish out than on a transparent gem.
Conclusion
March offers a unique and meaningful choice between two distinct birthstones, each with its own story, scientific makeup, and symbolic power. Aquamarine, the primary modern birthstone, embodies the serenity of the sea with its clear blue hues, representing calm, clarity, and courage. Its durability and brilliant luster make it a timeless favorite for all forms of jewelry. Bloodstone, the traditional alternative, is an earthy and powerful stone, its dark green body and red flecks symbolizing strength, vitality, and protection.
The dual heritage of March's birthstones provides a rich tapestry for those born in this transitional month. Whether one is drawn to the tranquil, oceanic energy of Aquamarine or the grounding, life-affirming power of Bloodstone, both gems offer a profound connection to history, nature, and the enduring human quest for meaning and well-being.