Current:Home > StocksWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -MoneyTrend
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-23 06:48:01
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! (3519)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- SISTAR19 is back: Members reflect on first new music in a decade, creating 'NO MORE (MA BOY)'
- IIHF says Israel can play in an upcoming tournament after initially barring it for security concerns
- Sales of Apple’s premium watches banned again by court over blood-oxygen sensor patent dispute
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Bush is hitting the road for greatest hits tour. Fans will get to see 1994 rock band for $19.94
- Gisele Bündchen Reveals She's Getting Pushback From Her and Tom Brady's Kids Amid Divorce Adjustment
- Extreme cold is dangerous for your pets. Here's what you need to do to keep them safe.
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Capitol rioter who assaulted at least 6 police officers is sentenced to 5 years in prison
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević, 46, dies in Salt Lake City after heart attack
- The Silver Jewelry Trend Is Back in 2024: Shop the Pieces You Need
- Samsung vies to make AI more mainstream by baking in more of the technology in its new Galaxy phones
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Man accused in murder of missing Montana woman Megan Stedman after motorhome found: Police
- Montana man pleads guilty to possessing homemade bombs in school threat case
- SpaceX readies Falcon 9 for commercial flight to International Space Station
Recommendation
From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
Louisiana lawmakers advance bill that would shift the state’s open ‘jungle’ primary to a closed one
China and Ireland seek stronger ties during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit
Jenna Dewan is expecting her third child, second with fiancé Steve Kazee
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Iowa Republicans will use an app to transmit caucus results. Sound familiar?
States expand low-interest loan programs for farms, businesses and new housing
Kendra Wilkinson Thought She Was Going to Die Amid Depression Battle