March is a month of transition, marking the arrival of spring and new beginnings. For those born in this vibrant month, the choice of a birthstone is remarkably diverse, reflecting a rich tapestry of geological wonder, historical lore, and cultural significance. While aquamarine and bloodstone are the two official traditional birthstones, the options extend far beyond these, encompassing mystical, zodiacal, and high-priest alternatives. This guide delves into the full spectrum of March birthstones, from the serene blue of aquamarine to the protective crimson splashes of bloodstone, and explores the compelling histories and properties of other gems like jade, emerald, and ruby associated with this month.
The Official Stones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
The modern standard for birthstones in the United States and Britain lists two primary gems for March: aquamarine and bloodstone. These stones offer a stark contrast in appearance and lore, yet both are deeply rooted in history.
Aquamarine: The Serene Blue Beryl Aquamarine, with its tranquil sea-green to sky-blue hues, is a variety of the mineral beryl. Its name is derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea), a fitting moniker for a gem long associated with the ocean. Historically, sailors wore aquamarine as a talisman for protection and good fortune on their voyages, believing it would ensure a safe passage and calm stormy seas. Ancient lore also held that the stone was a treasure of mermaids and could be used to rekindle the love of a married couple.
Geologically, aquamarine forms in pegmatites, large igneous rock formations that allow for the growth of sizable crystals. It is prized for its excellent clarity and durability, ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it suitable for all types of jewelry. The most valued color is a deep, pure blue, often referred to as "Santa Maria," though lighter shades are more common. In energy healing traditions, aquamarine is associated with the throat chakra, promoting clear communication and self-empowerment. Astrologically, its gentle water energy aligns perfectly with the sensitive nature of Pisces (born February 19 to March 20).
Bloodstone: The Warrior's Gem In contrast to the transparent serenity of aquamarine stands the opaque and dramatic bloodstone. This dark green chalcedony (a variety of quartz) is flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide, which gave rise to its name and legendary lore. Also known as heliotrope, bloodstone was the original and sole March birthstone in early lists.
Its history is one of strength and sacrifice. Ancient warriors carried bloodstone into battle, believing it would staunch bleeding and protect them from injury. The stone is also steeped in Christian legend, where it is said to have been formed from the blood of Christ falling upon the green earth at the foot of the cross. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it is durable enough for jewelry, though often cut as a cabochon to highlight its unique inclusions. Metaphysically, bloodstone is considered a powerful grounding stone, linked to the root chakra. It is believed to instill courage, vitality, and the fortitude to overcome obstacles. For the zodiac, its fiery, ambitious nature resonates with the Aries sign (born March 21 to April 19).
The Journey to a Standardized List
The tradition of associating specific gemstones with birth months has ancient origins, tracing back to the 1st century AD and the biblical breastplate of Aaron, which held twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Early historical lists, such as those attributed to the historian Josephus and the scholar St. Jerome, designated bloodstone as the birthstone for March.
The practice of individuals wearing their own birthstone jewelry, however, did not become popular until around the 1500s in Germany or Poland. The lists remained somewhat fluid for centuries due to challenges in gem identification and varying regional traditions. The modern, standardized birthstone lists began to take shape in the 1800s, largely influenced by Tiffany & Co. and other industry groups. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelry Industry Council of America) formalized a list for the United States, which added aquamarine as an alternative to bloodstone. The list was updated again in 1952, and today, both stones are recognized, with aquamarine often taking precedence as the more popular choice.
Beyond the Traditional: A Myriad of Choices
For March-born individuals seeking a gem that more closely aligns with their personality, heritage, or aesthetic preference, a wide array of alternative birthstones exists, each with a unique story.
Mystical and Tibetan Alternatives Ancient Tibetan astrology offers a mystical birthstone for March: Jade. Revered for its durability and beauty, jade captures the essence of spring and is believed to bring sweetness and protection to the wearer.
Zodiacal Birthstones The zodiac provides another layer of choice, assigning specific stones to each astrological sign. For March, this creates a distinct division: * Pisces (February 19 - March 20): The traditional zodiacal birthstone for this water sign is Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz known for its properties of calm, clarity, and spiritual wisdom. * Aries (March 21 - April 19): The fiery ram of Aries is associated with Bloodstone, linking the zodiacal choice back to one of the traditional March stones and reinforcing its themes of strength and courage.
Guardian Angel and Apostle Stones Further diversifying the options are stones linked to guardian angels and apostles, based on interpretations of ancient texts. * Guardian Angel Birthstone: Ruby. For those born in March, the powerful and passionate ruby is designated as the guardian angel birthstone. As one of the most prized gems in history, ruby symbolizes vitality, passion, and protection. * Special Apostle Birthstone: Emerald. The radiant green emerald is associated with March as a special apostle birth gem. Long considered a symbol of rebirth and eternal youth, emerald is the traditional birthstone for the month of May but finds a place in the March pantheon for those seeking its vibrant energy.
High Priest and Other Alternatives The list of alternatives also includes Amazonite, identified as a high priest birthstone for March. This opaque variety of microcline feldspar is known for its captivating greenish-blue color and is believed to soothe the spirit and filter out stress.
Other green stones also present themselves as alternatives. Jasper, a chalcedony like bloodstone, offers a similar earthy aesthetic but with a wider variety of patterns and colors. Emerald, the quintessential green gem, is also cited as a "birthstone of spring," making it a natural thematic fit for March.
Comparative Properties of March Birthstones
To better understand the physical characteristics of these gems, the following table outlines their key gemological properties based on the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Typical Color(s) | Transparency | Key Lore / Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquamarine | Beryl | 7.5 - 8 | Sea-green, sky-blue | Transparent | Protection at sea, courage, communication |
| Bloodstone | Chalcedony (Quartz) | 6.5 - 7 | Deep green with red spots | Opaque | Strength, endurance, sacrifice, protection |
| Jade | Nephrite / Jadeite | 6.5 - 7 | Various greens | Opaque to translucent | Sweetness, durability, spring |
| Amethyst (Pisces) | Quartz | 7 | Purple | Transparent | Calm, clarity, spirituality |
| Ruby (Guardian) | Corundum | 9 | Red | Transparent | Passion, vitality, protection |
| Emerald (Apostle) | Beryl | 7.5 - 8 | Vibrant green | Transparent | Rebirth, youth, eternal love |
| Amazonite | Feldspar | 6 - 6.5 | Greenish-blue | Opaque | Soothing, stress relief |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs Across the Spectrum
The symbolism attached to March birthstones is as varied as the gems themselves. While aquamarine and bloodstone have distinct meanings, some themes overlap, creating a cohesive energetic profile for the month.
Courage and Protection: Both aquamarine and bloodstone are linked to courage. Aquamarine fosters the bravery to speak one's truth and assert oneself, while bloodstone provides the physical fortitude to pursue goals and protect oneself from harm. This theme extends to ruby, the guardian stone, which embodies a fierce, protective passion.
Cleansing and Renewal: The green hues prevalent among many March stones—aquamarine, bloodstone, emerald, amazonite, and jade—connect them to themes of cleansing, renewal, and growth. They are believed to purify negativity, remove obstacles, and help the wearer start fresh, aligning perfectly with the symbolism of March as a month of rebirth and the arrival of spring.
Emotional vs. Physical Strength: A notable distinction lies in the focus of their power. Aquamarine is often seen as a stone for emotional healing, helping to tackle internal obstacles like fear and poor communication. In contrast, bloodstone is more grounded, focusing on physical strength, endurance, and tangible protection in the material world.
Care and Maintenance for March Gems
Given the varied hardness and composition of March birthstones, proper care is essential to maintain their beauty.
- Aquamarine and Emerald: With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, these beryl gems are quite durable but can still be chipped by a hard blow. They are generally safe to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, especially for emeralds which often have internal fractures that have been treated with oils.
- Bloodstone and Jasper: As varieties of chalcedony (quartz), these stones have a hardness of 6.5 to 7, making them relatively durable. They can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Amethyst and Ruby: Amethyst (hardness 7) and ruby (hardness 9) are very tough. They can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for these stones, provided they are not fractured.
- Jade: With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, jade requires gentle care. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding any abrasive materials that could scratch its surface.
- Amazonite: As a feldspar with a hardness of 6 to 6.5, amazonite is more susceptible to scratches. It should be cleaned gently with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners.
Conclusion
The birthstones of March offer a remarkable range of choices, reflecting the month's dynamic shift from winter to spring. From the universally beloved aquamarine and the ancient warrior's bloodstone to the zodiacal amethyst and the guardian ruby, each gem provides a unique connection to history, nature, and personal identity. Whether one is drawn to the serene blue of the sea, the protective crimson of the battlefield, or the vibrant green of new growth, there is a March stone to suit every individual. This rich diversity ensures that anyone born in March can select a gem that is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful, serving as a personal talisman for the year ahead.