Those born in March are blessed with the serene, tranquil and majestic Aquamarine as their birth gemstone. The deep sea green color of aquamarine is believed to keep one calm and peaceful, allowing the bearer to remain stoic and in control despite any provocation. Aquamarine has a pale, deep green-blue cool color that works perfectly with spring and summer wardrobes. The alternative March birthstone is Heliotrope.

March Birthstone – Meaning, Significance and Symbolism

The lovely aquamarine gemstone is associated with courage, loyalty, fealty and friendship. Aquamarine is said to heighten awareness, communication skills and quick response. This gemstone symbolizes honesty, faithfulness and beauty.

Interesting Facts About Aquamarine

Aquamarines were considered sacred to Neptune, Roman God of the Sea. The association with the sea has made this stone a sacred gem for sailors, promising a prosperous and safe voyage for all those at sea. The stone was believed to have promised a safe and prosperous voyage, as well as provide sailors protection against the perils and monsters of the sea. The Greeks wore amulets made of aquamarine engraved with Poseidon (The Lord of the Sea) on a chariot.

Etymology of Aquamarine

The word Aquamarine is made up of two Latin words:  ‘aqua’ or water and ‘marina’, the sea.

Scientific Make Up -Composition Of The March Birthstone

Aquamarines vary in color from deep blue to bluish-green, with differing intensities due to the varying quantities of iron in the beryl crystal. Naturally occurring deep blue aquamarine stones are rare, expensive and in high demand. A trick commonly followed is to heat yellow Beryl stones to change their color to deep blue. Jasper Microcrystalline Quartz That Makes Up This March Birthstone

Characteristics of March Birthstone

This is a unique gemstone as it never has inclusions. Aquamarines are flawless and available in various cuts similar to diamonds. Premium quality aquamarine stones do not have inclusions visible to the naked eye. In rare cases, inclusions visible through magnification are minute.

Color of Aquamarine: Aquamarine is often light colored, transparent and ranges from greenish-blue hues to deep blue or blue-green. The color is more intense in larger stones. The deep blue stones are the most valuable with the darker shades of the stone more popular than the lighter shades.

Origin Of The Aquamarine

The aquamarine, or the March birthstone, is mined in Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan, Brazil, Mozambique and Madagascar, with Brazil being the largest source.

Healing Power Of March Birthstone

The aquamarine is believed to have healing powers, effective in curing ailments of the liver, jaws, stomach and throat. For several years the stone has been used by many to heal and alleviate pain and other symptoms related to stomach and liver disorders.

Value Of Aquamarines

Aquamarines were thought to be the source of power for soothsayers, called the ‘Magic Mirror’, stones used for telling fortunes and answering questions about the future.  Transparent aquamarine was used for the manufacture of eyeglasses and lenses.

 

The March Birthstone –  Heliotrope

Heliotrope is the traditional birthstone for those born in the month of March. It is believed to improve the quality of one’s life by increasing self-confidence. The Heliotrope is also believed to attract wealth and ensure clarity of thought in major business and domestic decisions, in addition to promoting love and success in legal matters. The stone has long been associated with longevity and a sunny disposition.

Meaning, Significance and Symbolism Of The March Birthstone

The Heliotrope signifies strength and healing, vitality and warmth, balance and harmony, strength and success, stimulation and fertility. Those inclined towards the spiritual realm believe that if the stone turns blood red, it is indicative or portends imminent danger to the wearer. According to the ancient Greeks, the Heliotrope was the connecting stone between the Gods, the Earth and the Men. Calmness Of The Sea As Seen In An Aquamarine.What Exactly Is A Heliotrope?

Etymology Of The March Birthstone

The name Heliotrope is derived from the Greek word ‘Helios’ meaning Sun and ‘Trepien’ to turn.  The stone has been christened to honor a rare and desirable quality, the manner in which the mineral reflects light. The red inclusions in the stone are believed to resemble spots of blood, christening it the ‘Bloodstone’.

Scientific Make Up – Composition Of The March Birthstone

The Bloodstone is a variant of silicon dioxide crystal or the chalcedony, a form of cryptocrystalline quartz. Heliotropes are dark green peppered with spots of red. The gemstone is actually a mixture of Green Jasper and iron oxide, the latter giving the stone it’s unique, eerie yet revered red spots. The stone is a deep, enchanting green owing to Chlorite masses in the gem.

Characteristics Of The Heliotrope

Colors Of The Heliotrope

There are two types of bloodstone, the heliotrope and the plasma. Plasma stones are deep green, opaque, with very little red, and some stones have yellow spots. The Heliotrope is translucent, with lighter hues and deep red spots.

Origin Of The March Birthstone

India is a major source of the Heliotrope with large deposits also found in China, Germany, Brazil, America, Australia and Madagascar.

Healing Powers Of The March Birthstone

This March birthstone purifies the liver, kidneys, spleen and intestines, regulates blood flow and has been known to reduce aggressiveness, impatience and irritability. The heliotrope is popular in bangles, rings, beads, necklaces and earrings. The stone is easily affordable and can be found in most stores.

Value Of The March Birthstone

The stone is believed to fight evil, avoid jealousy and envy; stop bleeding, cure blood poisoning, aid in blood circulation and draw poison from stings and bites. The stone is ideal for anemic patients and is believed to purify blood.