March Birthstone
Aquamarine
The birthstone of courage, serenity, and honesty — treasured by sailors for centuries
Quick answer: The birthstone for March is Aquamarine.
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March (with bloodstone as the traditional alternative), celebrated for its serene blue color, excellent clarity, and ancient connection to the sea.
What Is the Birthstone for March?
The March birthstone is aquamarine. This breathtaking member of the beryl family — the same mineral group as emerald — captivates with its tranquil blue tones that range from the palest sky blue to the deep blue of a tropical sea. It is one of the most popular and wearable gemstones in the world.
The name "aquamarine" comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning "water of the sea." Ancient mariners carried aquamarine talismans to ensure safe passage across stormy waters, believing the stone was a gift from Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. This maritime heritage makes aquamarine one of the most storied gemstones in history.
Today aquamarine is prized for its exceptional clarity, hardness, and versatility. Large, flawless crystals are relatively common, making aquamarine available in impressive sizes that are rare for other gemstones — and at accessible price points.
Aquamarine Meaning & Symbolism
Across cultures and centuries, aquamarine has carried powerful meanings that resonate with those born in March.
Courage & Bravery
Named after the sea, aquamarine has always been a stone of courage — empowering sailors, soldiers, and anyone facing life's storms.
Serenity & Calm
Aquamarine's soothing blue promotes inner peace, reduces stress, and helps the wearer find tranquility amid chaos.
Honesty & Truth
Known as the "stone of truth," aquamarine encourages open communication, sincere expression, and authentic relationships.
Loyalty & Commitment
Aquamarine strengthens bonds of trust and faithfulness, making it a meaningful gift between partners and close friends.
Protection
Ancient sailors believed aquamarine would protect them from shipwrecks. Today it is still carried as a protective travel talisman.
Healing & Renewal
Connected to the throat chakra, aquamarine is believed to support the respiratory system, soothe sore throats, and promote emotional healing.
Aquamarine Colors & Varieties
While aquamarine is defined by its blue color, the shade and character vary across several sought-after varieties:
Santa Maria
Intense Deep Blue
The most prized variety, named after the Brazilian mine. Rich, saturated blue with no green tint — commanding premium prices.
Espirito Santo
Medium Blue
Named after the Brazilian state, these stones offer a beautiful medium blue that balances depth and transparency.
Maxixe
Rare Deep Blue
An unusually deep blue variety caused by natural radiation. Unfortunately, this striking color fades with light exposure.
Cat's Eye
Blue with Chatoyancy
A rare variety displaying the cat's eye effect when cut as a cabochon, caused by parallel needle-like inclusions.
Moss Aquamarine
Blue-Green with Inclusions
Features moss-like inclusions that create unique internal patterns — prized by collectors for their natural artistry.
Pale Aquamarine
Light Sky Blue
The most common and affordable variety, with a delicate, icy blue that is perfect for everyday jewelry and large statement pieces.
Why Is Aquamarine the March Birthstone?
The connection between aquamarine and March is rooted in the ancient rhythm of the seasons. March heralds the arrival of spring — ice melts, rivers flow, and the sea begins to calm after winter storms. Aquamarine, with its water-inspired blue, perfectly captures this moment of renewal and awakening.
The modern birthstone list was officially standardized in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America). They designated aquamarine as the modern March birthstone alongside the traditional bloodstone. Aquamarine's beauty, durability, and rich maritime symbolism made it an ideal choice to represent the month when winter gives way to spring.
Aquamarine connects to both March zodiac signs: Pisces, the water sign, resonates deeply with aquamarine's oceanic energy and intuitive qualities, while Aries appreciates its association with courage and bold new beginnings.
The History of Aquamarine
Aquamarine has been treasured since at least 480 BCE in ancient Greece. Roman fishermen called it the "sailor's stone" and carried it for protection and bountiful catches. They believed aquamarine was formed from sea water that had been blessed by Neptune, and that its power was strongest when submerged in ocean water beneath the light of a full moon.
During the Middle Ages, aquamarine was thought to be an effective antidote to poison — a serious concern for royalty and nobility. Crusaders wore aquamarine amulets for protection during battle and safe passage across stormy seas. It was also believed to reawaken the love of married couples and make the wearer invulnerable in legal disputes.
The Renaissance brought aquamarine into the courts of European kings and queens. One of the most famous aquamarines in history is the Dom Pedro, weighing approximately 10,363 carats — the largest faceted aquamarine in the world. This spectacular obelisk-shaped gem is now housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Brazil has been the world's dominant source of fine aquamarine since the 18th century, particularly from the state of Minas Gerais. The discovery of exceptionally blue stones at the Santa Maria de Itabira mine established the "Santa Maria" designation for the finest, most intensely blue aquamarines.
Aquamarine Properties
⚛Physical Properties
- Mineral
- Beryl
- Hardness
- 7.5-8 on Mohs scale
- Crystal System
- Hexagonal
- Refractive Index
- 1.567-1.590
- Chemistry
- Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
- Color Range
- Light blue to blue-green
🌎Where Aquamarine Is Found
Aquamarine is found across the globe, with each region producing stones of distinct character:
How to Care for Aquamarine Jewelry
Aquamarine is durable and well-suited for everyday wear, but a few precautions will keep it sparkling for generations:
Clean aquamarine jewelry with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush.
Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for aquamarine unless the stone has liquid inclusions or fractures.
Steam cleaning is not recommended as sudden temperature changes can potentially damage the stone.
Store aquamarine jewelry separately from harder gemstones like diamonds to prevent scratching.
Remove aquamarine jewelry before using household chemicals or engaging in rough activities.
How to Choose Aquamarine Jewelry
When shopping for aquamarine jewelry, color is the most important factor. The most desirable stones display a medium-to-deep blue without noticeable green or gray tints. Because aquamarine often forms in large, clean crystals, you can find impressive sizes at reasonable prices — making it ideal for statement pieces.
- 1. Color first: Medium-deep blue with no visible green tint is the most valued. Deeper blues (Santa Maria quality) command higher prices.
- 2. Clarity: Fine aquamarine should be eye-clean. The gem naturally forms with excellent transparency.
- 3. Cut: Emerald cuts are classic for aquamarine and showcase its clarity. Oval and cushion cuts also work beautifully.
- 4. Setting: White gold, platinum, and silver complement aquamarine's cool blue tones. Yellow gold creates a striking contrast.
Fascinating Facts About Aquamarine
Aquamarine and emerald are actually varieties of the same mineral (beryl), with their different colors caused by different trace elements.
Unlike many gemstones, aquamarine often occurs in large, flawless crystals, allowing for sizable cut gems. The largest cut aquamarine is the Dom Pedro, weighing approximately 10,363 carats (4.6 pounds).
Aquamarine's color typically becomes more intense with larger stones, which is unusual among gemstones.
In Medieval times, aquamarine was thought to reawaken the love of married couples and make the wearer invulnerable in battles or legal disputes.
March Birthstone by Date
No matter which day in March you were born, aquamarine is your birthstone. Here's how each part of the month connects to aquamarine's energy:
March 1–10
Pisces
Early March births channel aquamarine's intuitive clarity and the fresh energy of approaching spring.
March 11–20
Pisces
Mid-March connects to aquamarine's themes of emotional depth, creative flow, and spiritual awareness.
March 21–31
Aries
Late March harnesses aquamarine's courage, boldness, and the transformative power of the spring equinox.
View All March Dates
March Birth Flower: Daffodil & Jonquil
March's birth flowers — the daffodil and jonquil — share aquamarine's themes of renewal, hope, and new beginnings. Both the cheerful daffodil heralding spring and aquamarine's refreshing blue celebrate the optimism of the season.
Explore March's Birth Flowers
