March Birthstone - Aquamarine

The serene blue gemstone symbolizing courage, honesty, and loyalty

About March's Birthstone

Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is a beautiful blue variety of the mineral beryl. Its name comes from the Latin words "aqua" (water) and "marina" (of the sea), which perfectly describes its serene blue to blue-green color that evokes the tranquility of clear ocean waters.

Throughout history, aquamarine has been associated with the sea. Ancient sailors believed that aquamarine would protect them on voyages and ensure safe passage across stormy waters. The gemstone was often carried as a talisman against the dangers of the ocean.

As the March birthstone, aquamarine is believed to bring courage, clarity, and calmness to those born in this month. It's also traditionally given as a gift for the 19th wedding anniversary, symbolizing the enduring nature of a long marriage.

March Birthstone - Aquamarine

Aquamarine Properties

Physical Properties

  • Mineral: Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈)
  • Color: Light blue to blue-green
  • Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale
  • Transparency: Transparent to translucent
  • Refractive Index: 1.57-1.58
  • Crystal System: Hexagonal
  • Cleavage: Imperfect

Symbolic Meaning

  • Courage: Instills bravery and fortitude
  • Honesty: Promotes truthfulness in communication
  • Loyalty: Strengthens commitment in relationships
  • Calmness: Soothes emotions and reduces stress
  • Clarity: Enhances clear thinking and self-expression
  • Protection: Traditionally used to protect travelers, especially at sea

Sources & Origins

  • Major Sources: Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, Madagascar
  • Other Sources: Nigeria, Pakistan, Mozambique, United States
  • Historical Sources: Russia (Ural Mountains), India
  • Notable Deposits: Minas Gerais (Brazil), Santa Maria (Brazil)
  • Mining Methods: Both open-pit and underground mining
  • Formation: Typically in granite pegmatites and alpine-type fissures

Care & Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Warm, soapy water and soft brush
  • Ultrasonic: Generally safe unless stone has liquid inclusions or fractures
  • Steam Cleaning: Not recommended
  • Chemicals: Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals
  • Heat Sensitivity: Can fade with prolonged heat exposure
  • Storage: Store separately to prevent scratching other gemstones

The Rich History of Aquamarine

Aquamarine has been treasured as a gemstone for thousands of years. The ancient Romans believed that aquamarine absorbed the atmosphere of young love, making it an ideal gift for brides. They also carved aquamarine into talismans depicting the sea god Neptune, believing these would protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage.

In the Middle Ages, aquamarine was thought to have magical properties that could protect against poisoning. It was said that if poison was put in a cup containing aquamarine, the stone would change color to warn the wearer. Seers and mystics used aquamarine as a divination tool, believing it helped them see into the future.

During the Renaissance, aquamarine became popular among European royalty. In 1936, the government of Brazil gave First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt a 1,298-carat aquamarine, now displayed at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in New York.

Today, aquamarine remains a popular gemstone, prized for its beautiful color and excellent clarity. The largest gem-quality aquamarine ever mined was found in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1910, weighing over 240 pounds (110 kg) in its rough form.

Historical Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine Varieties

While aquamarine is known for its beautiful blue color, there are several varieties and quality factors that distinguish different types of this gemstone:

Santa Maria Aquamarine

Named after the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil, this variety is known for its intense deep blue color. It's the most valuable type of aquamarine and is increasingly rare.

Santa Maria Africana

Similar in color to the Brazilian Santa Maria, this variety comes from Mozambique and other African countries. It has a deep blue color that rivals the Brazilian stones.

Espirito Santo

Named after the Brazilian state where it's found, this variety typically has a lighter blue color than Santa Maria aquamarines but is still highly valued.

Maxixe Aquamarine

A rare dark blue variety that unfortunately fades with exposure to light. The color is caused by natural radiation and is not stable over time.

Cat's Eye Aquamarine

A rare variety that exhibits chatoyancy (the cat's eye effect). These stones are usually cut as cabochons to showcase the moving light band across the surface.

Star Aquamarine

Extremely rare, star aquamarines display asterism, showing a star-like pattern when viewed under proper lighting. These are among the most collectible aquamarines.

Fascinating Facts About Aquamarine

Color Enhancement

Most aquamarines are heat-treated to enhance their blue color. In their natural state, many aquamarines have a greenish tint, but heating removes the yellow component, resulting in a purer blue.

Beryl Family

Aquamarine belongs to the same mineral family (beryl) as emerald, morganite, and heliodor. The different colors are caused by different trace elements in the crystal structure.

Dom Pedro

The largest cut aquamarine in the world is the Dom Pedro, a 10,363-carat obelisk-shaped sculpture currently housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Royal Connection

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, wore Princess Diana's aquamarine ring as her "something blue" at her wedding reception in 2018, bringing renewed popularity to the gemstone.

Aquamarine in Jewelry

Aquamarine's beautiful blue color and excellent durability make it a versatile gemstone for various jewelry styles. Here are some popular ways aquamarine is used in jewelry:

Popular Settings

  • Rings: Aquamarine makes an excellent center stone for engagement rings and statement rings, especially in vintage-inspired settings.
  • Earrings: The light blue color of aquamarine creates elegant earrings that complement most skin tones and hair colors.
  • Necklaces: Aquamarine pendants and beaded necklaces showcase the stone's clarity and color, with larger stones often used as focal points.
  • Bracelets: Tennis bracelets and bangles featuring aquamarine create sophisticated accessories suitable for both casual and formal wear.

Styling Tips

  • Aquamarine pairs beautifully with white metals like white gold, platinum, and silver, which enhance its cool blue tones.
  • For a complementary color scheme, pair aquamarine with peach-colored morganite or pink tourmaline.
  • Aquamarine looks stunning against navy blue, white, or pastel-colored clothing.
  • For a modern twist, look for aquamarine in geometric settings or minimalist designs that showcase the stone's natural beauty.

Care Tips for Aquamarine Jewelry

  • Clean aquamarine jewelry with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or heat, which can fade the color over time.
  • Remove aquamarine jewelry before using household chemicals or before activities like swimming in chlorinated pools.
  • While aquamarine is relatively durable (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale), it can still be scratched by harder gemstones, so store it separately.

Explore Other Birthstones

January Birthstone - Garnet

January: Garnet

 February Birthstone - Amethyst

February: Amethyst

 April Birthstone - Diamond

April: Diamond

 May Birthstone - Emerald

May: Emerald
View All Birthstones

Monthly Birthstone Chart

Looking for a quick reference to all birthstones? Check out our printable birthstone chart featuring all 12 months and their corresponding gemstones.

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Monthly Birthstone Chart