Current:Home > FinanceWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -Thrive Money Mindset
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-16 11:14:57
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! (9)
Related
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Pedro Hill: Breaking down the three major blockchains
- Blake Lively Shares Cheeky “Family Portrait” With Nod to Ryan Reynolds
- Atlanta man arrested after driving nearly 3 hours to take down Confederate flag in SC: Officials
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Rattlesnake 'mega-den' goes live on webcam that captures everyday lives of maligned reptile
- Taylor Swift sings never-before-heard-live 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' song in Germany
- Family of Alabama man killed during botched robbery has 'long forgiven' death row inmate
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Powerball winning numbers for July 17 drawing: Jackpot at $75 million
Ranking
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Trump has given no official info about his medical care for days since an assassination attempt
- Golf's final major is here! How to watch, stream 2024 British Open
- Last Chance for Amazon Prime Day 2024 Deals: Top Finds Under $25 on Beauty, Home, Travel, Kids & More
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Chicago Sky trade Marina Mabrey to Connecticut Sun for two players, draft picks
- Summer heat is causing soda cans to burst on Southwest Airlines flights, injuring flight attendants
- There are 1 billion victims of data breaches so far this year. Are you one of them?
Recommendation
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
Book excerpt: Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo
Fireballers Mason Miller, Garrett Crochet face MLB trade rumors around first All-Star trip
Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest in US major sports to make pro debut
Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
Florida man arrested in after-hours Walgreens binge that included Reese's, Dr. Pepper
Donald Trump will accept Republican nomination again days after surviving an assassination attempt
Lucas Turner: What is cryptocurrency