What is March's Birthstone? - Jewelry By Designs

For those of you born in March, you are fortunate to have not one, but two birthstone options!

The birthstones for March are the soothing aquamarine and the enigmatic bloodstone.

GO TO AQUAMARINE

GO TO BLOODSTONE

All About Aquamarine

AQUAMARINE PROFILE

COLOR	Light blue to dark blue, blue-green (caused by trace amounts of iron impurities)
HARDNESS	7.5-8 on Mohs scale
TOUGHNESS	Fair to Good
ETYMOLOGY	From Latin meaning “sea water”
ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE	19th Anniversary Gemstone Gift
ORIGIN	Brazil is the largest producer, but can be found worldwide
COMMON TREATMENTS	Can be heat-treated; helps remove the greenish/yellowish color to make the blue more prominent
Family	Beryl; same family as Morganite and Emerald
CARE RECOMMENDATIONS	Use soapy water and a soft cloth, rinse well, and avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steamers.
SETTING RECOMMENDATIONS	Since aquamarines are prone to breakage due to their toughness rating, it’s recommended to choose smooth-edged stones, like round or oval, and a highly protective setting, such as a bezel.
CHEMICAL REACTIONS	Aquamarine can be damaged by hydrofluoric acid, a chemical found in home rust removers and strong cleaners.
ULTRASONIC JEWELRY CLEANERS	These, along with the solution bath used, are generally safe for aquamarines. However, the vibrations generated can cause damage to stones with liquid inclusions or fractures. For this reason, it’s recommended to always consult with a certified gemologist.
LIGHT EXPOSURE	Aquamarines remain stable under all light sources, including sunlight, artificial light, and ultraviolet light. The exception is the Maxxie beryl, a dark blue variety that very rarely naturally occurs.
RANDOM FACT	Aquamarine has retained the title of Colorado’s State Gem since 1971.

The World’s Largest Aquamarine: The Dom Pedro

The largest known aquamarine resides in the Smithsonian Institute’s National Gem and Mineral Collection and is named The Dom Pedro. Discovered in Brazil in the 1980s, it is named after the two Brazilian emperors from the 1800s who helped establish Brazilian independence from Portugal.

The Dom Pedro was originally three feet long and weighed more than 100 lbs, but was dropped by the prospectors, splitting into three pieces. Two pieces were sold for jewelry making, while the third piece is what we know today as the largest aquamarine in the world, standing at 14” tall and weighing approximately 10,000 carats.

After Brazil, the gem eventually made its way to the workshop of Bernd Munsteiner, a German gem artist who was tasked with cutting it. A graduate of a design school who studied painting, metal sculpture, and jewelry design, the aquamarine came to him at a time when he was exploring gemstones as art rather than adornment, leaving him “fascinated and impressed” by the opportunity and challenge.

After four months of study and hundreds of concept sketches, followed by another six months of cutting, Munsteiner eventually cut the aquamarine into the obelisk shape it holds today. Munsteiner made use of the natural inclusions in the design, a concept that allows The Dom Pedro to achieve an exceptional level of brightness and sparkle under the right conditions.

Munsteiner is widely considered one of the most talented gem artists of the 20th century and is credited with being the “Father of the Fantasy Cut,” which contributed to the modernization of gem cutting.

The Dom Pedro can now be viewed at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., alongside the Hope Diamond, Logan Sapphire, and Rosser Reeves star ruby.

Aquamarine Historical Uses & Spiritual Correspondences

Egypt

Associated with the goddess Isis
Protection for sailors during sea voyages
Enhances youth
Represents eternal life and was placed in tombs and burial sites to accompany the deceased in the afterlife

Ancient Greece & Rome

Believed to have fallen from the treasure chest of a mermaid
Associated with Poseidon/Neptune, the god of the sea
Provides protection during travel, particularly by sea
Grants sailors esoteric knowledge of the sea and its secrets
Associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty
- Aphrodite adorned her mermaid daughters’ hair with aquamarine
Nymphs wept tears of joy in the form of aquamarine at the approach of Dionysus in his panther-drawn chariot
In Rome, aquamarine was believed to guard against spite and envy. Matrons would regularly wear them to deter ill-willed spirits
Believed to bring tranquility and accord into marriage relationships
Believed to cure ailments related to the throat and respiratory system

Medieval Times

Enhances mental and emotional well-being: reduces stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil
Soothes the mind
Promotes mental clarity
Enhances tranquility
Divination gemstone – used as a pendulum
Believed to reveal hidden truths
Protection from malevolent forces
Favored among clergy members and used in religious artifacts
Purity & Fidelity
- Medieval couples exchanged rings as a symbol of commitment

Renaissance

Represents:
- Sophistication
- Royalty
- Wealth
- Connection to the mystical
- Love and Commitment

India

Associated with Varuna, the goddess of the cosmic ocean (Hindu)
Enhances spiritual awareness and meditation practices

China

Associated with water; a symbol of clarity and purity
Attracts good fortune
Protects against negativity
Enhances harmony in relationships

Victorian Era

Represents:
- Love
- Tranquility
- Deep emotions

Modern Gemology

Associated with the throat chakra
Clear communication
Self-expression
Emotional healing
Release negative emotions
Experience inner peace
Calmness
Clarity
Spiritual Connection
Protection
Rejuvenation

Christianity

The Virgin Mary and her purity
Protection against temptation and impurity
Possibly used in past religious artifacts, such as rosary beads

Modern Astrology

Pisces and Aries, the two zodiac signs that fall within the month of March. Symbolically, it probably aligns more with Pisces.

All About Bloodstone

BLOODSTONE PROFILE

COLOR	Green, ranging from dark, almost black green to mossy green, with specks of red (specks caused by inclusions of iron oxide)
HARDNESS	6.5-7 on Mohs scale
TOUGHNESS	Good
ETYMOLOGY	The name “Bloodstone” derives from the belief that the stone’s red specks represent the sacred blood of Jesus Christ in Christianity. Bloodstone is also known as “heliotrope,” which comes from the Greek “helio,” meaning “sun,” and “tropen,” meaning “to turn.” This reflected an ancient Greek belief that placing bloodstone in water would turn the sun red.
ORIGIN	India is the largest producer, but it is also found in Brazil, Australia, China, and the U.S., among other countries.
COMMON TREATMENTS	Not typically treated
FAMILY	Chalcedony; same family as Agate, Carnelian, Chrysoprase, Jasper, and Onyx
CARE RECOMMENDATIONS	No specific care instructions. Warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush are recommended. Caution should be used in the mechanical cleaning of bloodstone (ultrasonic and steam cleaning), and it is always recommended to consult with a gemologist for your specific stone(s). Avoid exposure to intense heat.
SETTING RECOMMENDATIONS	Bloodstone is considered an excellent gemstone choice for jewelry. With no cleavage and a relatively good hardness and toughness rating, bloodstone is considered suitable for any type of jewelry. Bloodstones are sometimes polished, but are most often found in cabochon or carved form in jewelry and decor.
CHEMICAL REACTIONS	Like most gemstones, it is recommended to keep them away from harsh chemicals, sometimes found in household cleaners and gardening solutions.
ULTRASONIC JEWELRY CLEANERS	Caution is advised when considering ultrasonic cleaners for bloodstone care. While typically safe, it’s recommended to consult a certified gemologist for your specific stone(s).
LIGHT EXPOSURE	Typically safe.
RANDOM FACT	While heliotrope may be the most common type of bloodstone found in modern jewelry, there is another type of bloodstone called “plasma,” which is more opaque and has fewer red spots than heliotrope.

Bloodstone Lore and Myths

While bloodstone is not especially popular these days, it was a pretty hot topic in antiquity, with several myths and lore surrounding it. Probably the most well-known myth is that the red spots in the stone were caused by the blood of Christ. It was said that the fallen blood landed on green stones at his feet, and thereafter, what we know as bloodstone came into existence. Interestingly, the traditional Christmas colors of red and green are also attributed to aspects of Christ: green for everlasting life and red for Christ’s blood.

Myths and the use of bloodstone date back even further than Christianity. Take a look at our list of usages throughout history to gain a deeper understanding of the profound cultural and spiritual relevance bloodstone has held: