Current:Home > ScamsWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -FinanceMind
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-19 11:34:36
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! (999)
Related
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Kate Beckinsale wears 'tummy troubles survivor' shirt after mysterious hospitalization
- Historic Copenhagen stock exchange, one of the city's oldest buildings, goes up in flames
- When is the Kentucky Derby? Time, how to watch, horses in 150th running at Churchill Downs
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- NFL draft host cities: Where it's been held recently, 2025 location, history
- Attorney general won’t file criminal case against LA officer in 2021 shooting that killed teen
- Father and aunt waited hours to call 911 for 2-year-old who ingested fentanyl, later died, warrant shows
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Bethenny Frankel says she was 'relieved' about 2012 miscarriage amid marriage to Jason Hoppy
Ranking
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark says she hopes the Pacers beat the Bucks in 2024 NBA playoffs
- Zion Williamson out for Pelicans play-in elimination game against Kings
- Horoscopes Today, April 17, 2024
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- House Republicans unveil aid bills for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan as Johnson pushes forward
- After 13 Years, No End in Sight for Caribbean Sargassum Invasion
- Former Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Peter Barca announces new bid for Congress
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
New Hampshire man who brought decades-old youth center abuse scandal to light testifies at trial
US to pay $100 million to survivors of Nassar's abuse. FBI waited months to investigate
Modern Family's Aubrey Anderson-Emmons Shares Why Being a Child Actor Wasn’t as Fun as You Think
From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
Zion Williamson out for Pelicans play-in elimination game against Kings
'Sasquatch Sunset': Jesse Eisenberg is Bigfoot in possibly the strangest movie ever made
Ashanti engaged to Nelly, reveals she's pregnant after rekindling their romance