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March Birthstone: A Complete Guide + Alternative Stones
3月3日誕生石-海藍寶石和雞血石
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For birthdays that kick off the spring season, March babies have two official birthstones. The two March birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone, both with contrasting appearances but equally rich lore.

The month of March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war, because this was when Roman soldiers would resume campaigns after their postponement for winter. Technically, March (or Martius) was the first month in the Roman calendar before January and February were added to align better with the lunar year.

Besides returning to battles, ancients also returned to farming and traveling, with the spring equinox on March 20 (or autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere). Many festivals occurred, most celebrating Mars or the new year.

Today, March symbolizes new beginnings, rebirth, and hope for the future. Additionally, the month celebrates equality as Women’s History Month, plus International Women’s Day on the 8th.

With March’s meaning established, we’ll dive into the meanings, history, and properties of the two March birthstones, bloodstone and aquamarine.

aquamarine march birthstonebloodstone march birthstonePictured above: Faceted aquamarine gemstone (top), bloodstone cabochon (bottom)

What Are the March Birthstones?

March has two traditional birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. These semi-precious gemstones are equally legendary but with stark contrasts:

  1. Color: Aquamarine has soft, sea-green to sky blue hues; bloodstone has deep forest green coloring with crimson splashes.

  2. Transparency: Aquamarine gems are usually transparent; bloodstones are usually opaque.

  3. Gemstone Shapes: Aquamarines are usually faceted; bloodstones are usually cut into cabochons.

  4. Wedding Anniversaries: Aquamarine is the traditional 18th wedding anniversary gem, and bloodstone is an alternate 14th anniversary gem.

But why are there two birthstones for March? In short: history!

Origins of March Birthstones

Birthstone traditions go back to the 1st century AD, when historians connected Biblical lists of 12 stones to the 12 months of the year and 12 zodiac signs.

In early birthstone lists, bloodstone was the only March birthstone.

However, accurate gem identification didn’t come around for a long time, so the actual stones in ancient texts are debated. Plus, people didn’t start wearing the birthstones of their own personal birth month until jewelers in Germany or Poland started selling birthstone jewelry around the 1500s.

The standardized lists we know today started around the 1800s, with Tiffany & Co. publishing birthstone poems in 1870, credited to an anonymous Gregorian author.

Here’s the March poem from that pamphlet:

“By her who in March was born

No gem save Bloodstone shall be worn

They will ensure her constancy

True friendship and fidelity.”

The National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America) created a standardized birthstone list in 1912. The Jewelry Industry Council of America updated the list in 1952, and other (largely similar) lists emerged.

On these lists, aquamarine was given as an alternative to bloodstone.

Today, the British and American birthstone lists prioritize aquamarine over bloodstone, but still list both.

So, is the March birthstone aquamarine or bloodstone? It’s both! You might call bloodstone the “traditional” birthstone and aquamarine the “modern” birthstone.

Speaking of traditions, let’s look at these two gemstones’ histories.

ancient aquamarine carving of empressPictured above: Ancient art, head of an empress in aquamarine, perhaps Matidia, restored in gold at the base; Dated 2nd century (description translated from Italian)| Image credit: Sailko, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Historical & Cultural Context of March Birthstones

One quality the two March birthstones share is rich, expansive history full of legends and lore!

Historical Uses of Aquamarine

Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin terms aqua, for “water” and marine, for “sea,” for its resemblance to seawater. Although this moniker came in 1609, the formerly named “sea-green beryl” was known for centuries.

Ancients believed the March birthstone provided protection at sea, often carving it into talismans. Legends about aquamarine’s origins ranged from being lost treasure of mermaids to being created by the sea god Poseidon (or Neptune).

Many ancients associated aquamarine with the joy of youth and the passion of young love.

During the Middle Ages, aquamarine was believed to protect from poisoning (making it popular among royalty) and facilitate psychic abilities.

Christians associated aquamarine with St. Thomas, the patron of sailors. Some also believed the gem encouraged happy marriages.

Buddhists similarly believed aquamarine signified love. One tradition in India involves gifting aquamarine jewelry to newlyweds.

ancient roman bloodstone intaglio with cock headed anguipes creaturePictured above: Roman Imperial heliotrope intaglio of cock-headed anguipes (divinity with serpents for legs), dated 3rd century AD, displayed at Metropolitan Museum of Art | Image credit: Met Museum, Public domain

Bloodstone in Historical and Mystical Contexts

The name “bloodstone” refers to its typical blood-red, drop-like patterns.

However, the ancient Greek name was “heliotrope,” derived from the terms helios, meaning “sun,” and trepo, meaning “turn,” because the stone looked entirely red under the setting sun or when placed underwater in direct sunlight.

Ancients used bloodstone for practical and mystical purposes.

Babylonians created bloodstone seals, and noblemen wore bloodstone signet rings for stamping important documents. Mesopotamians and Babylonians also used bloodstone for scrying, while Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks believed the March birthstone made them stronger in battle or sports.

Ancient Roman scholar Pliny the Elder wrote that bloodstones were mirrors of the sun, allowing one to see solar eclipses. Another ancient Roman author, Damigeron, wrote that bloodstones foretold the future and, “if it is put in a silver basin full of water and placed against the sun, it turns to it and makes it as if bloody and cloudy.”

Bloodstones engraved with suns or torches were often worn by freed slaves to signify their liberation.

A common nickname was “martyr’s stone,” which eventually led to the name “bloodstone.”

A Christian legend arose about bloodstone originating at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The story goes that the stone formed when Christ’s blood fell onto either the green earth or a green jasper below the cross (tellings differ). As such, some believed the stone healed issues related to blood circulation.

By the Middle Ages, the martyr connection persisted with bloodstone sculptures depicting acts of martyrdom and amulets believed to represent Christ’s sacrifice.

Medieval Europeans made bloodstone elixirs for treating hemorrhages, tumors, and snake bites. In India, powdered bloodstone was used as an aphrodisiac.

Nowadays, India is one of the top sources for bloodstone, which brings us to the origins of these March crystals!

rough aquamarine crystal specimenPictured above: Aquamarine rough

Geological Origins & Properties of March Birthstones

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl. Beryl stones are pretty durable, ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. These minerals usually form in granite pegmatites that are beryl-bearing.

Impurities present lead to the range of colors, like the ferrous or ferric iron behind aquamarine’s blue to green hues. Meanwhile, parallel or perpendicular bunches of hollow tube inclusions can allow for slight chatoyancy (the “cat’s eye” effect) or asterism (the “star” effect). Some of the best aquamarines come from Siberia and Brazil.

Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony, or microcrystalline quartz. Some classify bloodstone as a type of jasper, a chalcedony subcategory for opaque, patterned stones.

The formation of this March birthstone is similar to other quartz stones, but the red splotches come from inclusions of hematite. Most gem-quality bloodstones come from India.

faceted santa maria blue aquamarine gemstonePictured above: Faceted Santa Maria blue aquamarine

Shades of Blue and Green: Aquamarine's Delicate Palette

Despite only ranging from blue to green, aquamarine’s color palette is surprisingly varied. Higher values go to purer, more saturated blue hues, but usually, these March birthstones’ colors are pale greenish-blue.

Certain colors have distinct trade names:

  • Santa Maria: Medium-dark, high-saturation blue; Discovered in Brazil’s Santa Maria de Itabira mine

  • Espirito Santo: Lower saturation of blue than Santa Maria but unique brilliance and deep color

  • Maxixe: Very dark blue color; Rarely found naturally in Brazil’s Maxixe mine; Usually produced by unstable irradiation treatment (prone to fading)

  • Nampula: Robin’s egg blue; Found in Mozambique’s Nampula province

  • Pedra Azul: Icy blue; Found in Brazil’s Pedra Azul district

Since purer blue colors are more valuable, many aquamarine gems are heat treated to remove green undertones.

Now, what does a bloodstone look like?

bloodstone beaded bracelet

Bloodstone's Mystique: Deep Green and Red Speckles

Bloodstone is technically considered a type of plasma, a semi-translucent to opaque green chalcedony variety with yellow, white, or red speckling.

The classic bloodstone birthstone appearance is forest green with red specks. The spots and sometimes streaks on bloodstone can also be orange, brown, white, yellow, or a combination of these earthy hues.

Besides the red hematite inclusions, other mineral inclusions behind bloodstone’s coloring include amphibole, chlorite, and pyroxene.

Some classify “heliotrope” bloodstones as translucent with red speckles and “plasma” bloodstone as opaque with very few red spots.

Some variations with trade names:

  • Blood Jasper: Spotted reddish-black with white veining

  • Fancy Jasper: Predominant colors besides green and red, or varied color combinations

Besides appearances, another contrast between aquamarine and bloodstone is their spiritual meanings and uses as healing stones.

green and red bloodstone healing sphere on wooden standPictured above: Bloodstone healing ball

Spiritual & Metaphysical Significance

The aquamarine birthstone’s meaning is one of cleansing, serenity, and youth. Meanwhile, bloodstone symbolizes strength, endurance, and sacrifice.

In energy healing, aquamarine is a chakra stone for the throat chakra, while bloodstone opens the root (base) chakra.

However, some of the March birthstones’ meanings overlap:

  • Courage: Both stones are said to boost courage, with aquamarine focusing on self-empowerment to bravely speak your truth and bloodstone focusing on physical courage to go after your dreams.

  • Cleansing: Each stone may offer cleansing and purifying properties, removing negativity and helping you start fresh.

  • Overcoming Obstacles: Aquamarine is believed to help you tackle emotional obstacles, like communication in a relationship. Bloodstone is said to be protective and help you overcome obstacles to your success.

Astrologically, aquamarine perfectly matches the sensitive water energy of Pisces (born February 19 to March 20). Meanwhile, bloodstone reflects the fiery, ambitious Aries (born March 21 to April 19) ruled by Mars.

alternative march birthstone jade earrings with square shapePictured above: Carved jade earrings

Exploring Alternative March Birthstones

Are aquamarine and bloodstone not your vibe? You have other options!

The mystical March birthstone, rooted in ancient Tibetan astrology, is jade, which captures the sweetness of spring with the durability of Mars.

A second alternative March birthstone is jasper — similar to bloodstone but more variety.

Another green option is emerald, the birthstone of spring. The beryl sister of aquamarine, emerald has a deeper green coloring and also represents new growth.

Price-wise, bloodstone is much more accessible, and aquamarine can be pricey for some.

Some more affordable aquamarine birthstone alternatives:

You can also opt for a synthetic aquamarine, which is created in a lab but has all the same chemical and physical properties of natural aquamarine.

aquamarine tiara worn by queen elizabeth ii in 2006Pictured above: Queen Elizabeth II wearing her aquamarine tiara (described below) at the Brazilian State Banquet on March 7, 2006 | Image credit: Agência Brasil, CC-BY-SA-3.0 | Original file

Contemporary & Famous Jewelry Designs

Both aquamarine and bloodstone have been featured in many unique jewelry designs in modern times.

Aquamarine

As a March birthstone or simply a gorgeous accessory, faceted aquamarine gemstones shine with soft coloring but powerful radiance.

Aquamarine birthstone rings — or engagement rings – are quite popular, often set beside white or light-colored accent stones like white diamonds.

Some famous examples of aquamarine jewelry include:

  • Queen Elizabeth’s Aquamarine Tiara: Commissioned by Queen Elizabeth of Britain in 1957, Garrard created this platinum tiara featuring Brazilian aquamarines and diamonds given to her by Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas in 1953. The Governor of Sao Paulo donated a larger aquamarine to replace the centerstone in 1971.

  • Hirsch Aquamarine Pendant: This emerald-cut, 109.92-carat aquamarine is set in a white gold pendant with 118 micro pavé-set diamonds. It was formerly owned by French Emperor Louis XV, who reportedly harnessed its calming properties.

  • Meghan Markle’s Engagement Ring: This yellow gold ring has an emerald-cut, light blue, 13-carat aquamarine centerstone with smaller accent diamonds. The ring was made by Asprey and given to Diana by Lucia Flecha de Lima around 1996. Diana’s son Prince Harry gave the ring to Meghan Markle, who wore it on their wedding day in 2018.

Bloodstone

Unlike aquamarine, bloodstone is a rich, earthy, and weighted stone with colors that reflect these traits.

The March birthstone is usually cut into cabochons or carvings, so many bloodstone jewelry pieces are pendants or beaded bracelets. However, carved or cabbed bloodstone rings reminiscent of ancient styles are gaining popularity, especially in gorgeous gold settings.

Bloodstone doesn’t appear in much royal jewelry, but one royal bloodstone (arguably the most famous bloodstone) is the seal of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II (1552 to 1612). On display at the Louvre Museum in Paris, the emperor’s seal is carved into this bloodstone.

faceted blue aquamarine march birthstone silver ring

Which March Birthstone Matches You?

Are you tempted by the soft, ethereal aquamarine or the rich, earthy bloodstone? Both March birthstones offer courage and healing, while matching the month’s associations with new beginnings. Regardless, either stone in March birthstone jewelry has timeless appeal!

Find traditional and alternative March birthstones from our hundreds of gemstones available!

三月誕生石-海藍寶石和雞血石說到三月的誕生石,主題就像水和血液一樣誘人。感興趣嗎?我們以為您會的,因為這兩塊3月的誕生石可能是一對奇怪的夫婦,但這就是它們如此吸引人的原因。

海藍寶石和雞血石是三月份的兩枚誕生石,它們的外觀和象徵意義再無二致。兩種寶石之間有共同點,最明顯的是它們提供保護。準備進一步了解兩枚三月誕生石嗎?

三月的誕生石:水與血的關係

當我們探索這兩個寶石時,您會注意到一系列驚人的對比:
  • 海藍寶石是完美切面的淺藍色寶石,讓人聯想到小溪的柔和漣漪
  • 雞血石是圓形的,具有深色和明亮的紅色圖案
  • 一個代表純潔;其他的力量和激情。

從液體,淡藍色到深綠色和紅色,讓我們潛入三月誕生石,海藍寶石和雞血石的迷人水域。
三月誕生石海藍寶石和雞血石

海藍寶石誕生石

乍一看這閃閃發光的三月誕生石,您會立刻被迷住。難怪這種淡藍色寶石被稱為海藍寶石。在拉丁語中,水是指水和海洋代表海洋。正當如此,這顆珠寶像加勒比海一樣晶瑩剔透。

藍寶石寶石來自巴西,尼日利亞,贊比亞,莫桑比克,馬達加斯加和巴基斯坦。那麼,這個引人注目的寶石意味著什麼呢?

海藍寶石誕生石的象徵意義

海藍寶石不僅看起來像水,而且具有為駛入七海的水手提供保護的歷史。海上有很多地方會出問題⁠–冒著一個人身亡,沉船,荒島,威脅暴風雨,走木板和海盜的危險。海員在海藍寶石的保護中找到庇護所不足為奇。

而這並不是三月誕生石所提供的全部。海藍寶石提供寧靜,寧靜和平靜的氛圍,讓人聯想到靜水。寧靜非常適合涼爽的夏日和清新的春風。聽起來像是完美的配件?我們完全同意!

海藍寶石首飾

將海藍寶石寶石刻面並鑲嵌在珠寶中也就不足為奇了。寶石的淡藍色非常適合項鍊吊墜,耳環和戒指。實際上,海藍寶石已成為皇室的首選寶石。伊麗莎白女王的頭飾以大型海藍寶石中心石為特色。誰能忘記心愛的戴安娜王妃佩戴的著名的祖母綠切割海藍寶石戒指?無論三月是您的出生月份,海藍寶石無疑是珠寶中最引人注目的寶石之一。

海藍寶石寶石通常是淺藍色,但它們也可以具有綠色。當然,寶石的大小和顏色與地球上的水一樣多樣。畢竟,靜止的水流已經深了,海藍寶石就是這種情況。

我們已經被水淹沒了,你能猜得出下一步是什麼嗎?別擔心,雞血石並不像聽起來那樣嚴峻,它實際上是一種強大的癒合石。

雞血石誕生石

如果您三月份出生並且渴望塵土飛揚的誕生石,那麼血腥的名字就遍滿了⁠-伴隨著血腥圖案的飛濺,但是我們很快就會解決。雞血石來自巴西,澳大利亞和印度的河床和基岩。與它的綽號相反,雞血石主要是深綠色的碧玉石。
三月誕生石海藍寶石和雞血石
但是,在石材表面上有鐵夾雜物形成的深紅色圖案。這些紅色斑點是由於氧化鐵沉積在寶石中而產生的。您可以想像,這些紅色標記打開了通往象征世界的大門。

雞血石的意義與象徵

顯然,這些紅色內含物看起來像血濺,但含義比血更深。在希臘語中,“雞血石”的意思是“轉向太陽”,因為古代人們認為,這種行進的誕生石一旦浸入水中,就會使太陽變紅。但是,Blood血石的含義更深,代表了烈士的石頭

在古代巴比倫,紅色包裹體代表耶穌基督的血。這是因為在受難期間,基督的血滴在十字架腳下的碧玉上。從那時起,人們用雞血石製成護身符和小飾品,以表示他們從基督的犧牲中得到的救贖。

雞血石具有強烈的癒合性能,眾所周知可以賦予佩戴者力量,青春,活力,健康和好運。雞血石備受運動員歡迎,是完美的進行曲誕生石和好運的魅力。

雞血石的形狀

與海藍寶石空靈,淺色的調色板不同,雞血石是泥土,深沉且重的。很少有珠寶鑲嵌刻面,最通常將雞血石切割為凸圓形寶石。當雞血石被用於珠寶時,它可以製造出精美的手鍊寶石和吊墜。這不是使用雞血石的唯一方法。該材料的硬度使其適合用於小飾品和裝飾的複雜雞血石雕刻

三月誕生石的生肖

三月的兩個十二生肖是雙魚座和白羊座,一個是水象星座,另一個是火象。你能猜出是哪個嗎?找出下面!

雙魚座

難怪雙魚座的象徵就是魚。如果您出生於2月19日至3月20日之間,那麼這款水印的完美行軍誕生石就是海藍寶石!

白羊座

就像海藍寶石是雙魚座的理想行軍誕生石一樣,雞血石與白羊座的火象非常漂亮。如果您是3月20日至4月21日之間出生的,那麼您會愛上雞血石誕生石的熱情與激情。

三月誕生石的禮物

當比較兩個三月的誕生石時,這確實是一個偏好問題。如果您是一條魚,並且喜歡水,那麼海藍寶石將補充您輕盈,冒險的精神。如果您充滿力量,力量和激情,那麼雞血石將增強您的活力。

的確,這些迷人的三月誕生石之一都不會錯!誰說您必須選擇?如果您一生中有一個三月生日,請向他們表明,您的愛像一條海藍寶石般的河流流淌!或者,如果您被血液所束縛,則雞血石是代表您關係的完美象徵。要用三月的誕生石來表達對自己的愛⁠–這是血與水的問題。

海藍寶石和血石店


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