March Birthstone: Aquamarine & Bloodstone Guide

March's two birthstones are connected by contrast: aquamarine's pure, transparent blue evoking clear ocean water, and bloodstone's dark green opacity marked with red that has been linked to sacrifice, strength, and healing since antiquity. Together they give March one of the most historically rich and visually interesting birthstone pairings. This guide covers the full science and story of both — from the crystal chemistry of aquamarine's blue to the remarkable history of bloodstone in Christian iconography.

At AJLuxe, our birthstone necklaces use genuine semi-precious stones set in 925 sterling silver — not glass or synthetic substitutes.

What Are March's Birthstones?

Aquamarine — The Sea Water Stone

What Is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl — the same silicate mineral that produces emerald (green from chromium), heliodor (yellow from iron), morganite (pink from manganese), and goshenite (colorless). Beryl's chemical formula is Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ — a beryllium aluminum silicate that crystallizes in a hexagonal structure. In aquamarine, trace iron (Fe²⁺) in the crystal causes the blue color; Fe³⁺ causes a yellow component, so natural aquamarine is often slightly green-blue (both iron states present).

The name comes from the Latin aqua marina — "sea water" — and the comparison is apt: fine aquamarine has the clear, transparent blue of shallow tropical ocean water. Pliny the Elder wrote in the 1st century CE that aquamarine is "most valued in a sea-green color."

Aquamarine crystallizes in large, clean hexagonal prisms. This is unusual for colored gemstones: while emerald (also beryl) is typically small and heavily included, aquamarine routinely produces large, eye-clean crystals — which is why aquamarine can be cut in very large sizes without the quality compromises that affect emerald. The Dom Pedro aquamarine — the largest cut aquamarine in existence at 10,363 carats — is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

Aquamarine Sources

Aquamarine Heat Treatment

Most commercial aquamarine has been gently heat-treated. The reason: natural aquamarine often has a greenish component from Fe³⁺ iron. Heating to 400–450°C converts the Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺, removing the yellow-green component and producing a purer, more saturated blue. This treatment is permanent, stable, undetectable even by gemological labs, and fully accepted in the gem trade. Unlike some other gem treatments (glass filling, fracture filling), heat treatment of aquamarine enhances the stone's natural color without adding foreign material.

Aquamarine vs Sapphire — How to Tell Them Apart

The Emerald Cut — Why It Suits Aquamarine Perfectly

Aquamarine is one of the few colored gemstones that looks exceptional in an emerald cut (step cut rectangle). The reason: aquamarine's natural clarity and rich color depth look stunning when viewed through the parallel, step-cut facets that create long windows into the stone. An emerald-cut aquamarine shows a pleasing depth of color and an architectural elegance that round brilliant cuts don't achieve as effectively. The large, flat facets also show off aquamarine's excellent transparency.

Aquamarine History and Meaning

Aquamarine's association with the sea is ancient. Roman fishermen carried aquamarine as a protective amulet against shipwreck and drowning. Medieval scholars called it the "sailor's gem" and believed it could calm storms when thrown into the ocean. The stone was also said to sharpen the intelligence and cure idleness — an early productivity gem.

In modern symbolism, aquamarine represents clarity, calm, and courage. It's associated with the throat chakra — communication, truth-telling, and clear expression. It's one of the most frequently recommended stones for reducing anxiety before an important conversation or presentation. Its blue-green color links it to water, flowing energy, and adaptability.

For the complete history and healing properties of aquamarine, see our aquamarine meaning guide.

Bloodstone — The Ancient Warrior's Stone

What Is Bloodstone?

Bloodstone (also called heliotrope) is dark green chalcedony — microcrystalline quartz — spotted with red, orange, or yellow inclusions of iron oxide (hematite or jasper). The green color comes from chlorite or amphibole mineral inclusions. The red spots from iron oxide are what give the stone its name. Bloodstone has a waxy luster, is opaque, and is relatively hard at Mohs 6.5–7.

The finest bloodstone has a deep, vivid forest green body with well-defined, bright red spots. The spots should be clearly visible against the green background. Low-grade bloodstone has muddy brown spots or pale greenish-gray body color. India is the primary modern source of gem-quality bloodstone.

Bloodstone History — From Babylon to Medieval Christianity

Bloodstone has one of the longest continuous histories of any gemstone. Carved bloodstone seals have been found in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) dated to around 3000 BCE. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans carved bloodstone into intaglios — engraved seal rings — because the stone holds fine detail when carved and the dark green body makes an excellent impression in wax.

The most powerful cultural layer on bloodstone is medieval Christian tradition. The stone was called the "martyr's stone" and "blood of Christ" — the red spots were said to represent drops of Christ's blood that fell on green jasper at the crucifixion, creating bloodstone. Medieval artists carved the Passion of Christ — scenes from the crucifixion — in bloodstone specifically because of this association. These carvings survive in museum collections across Europe, including the Louvre in Paris.

Because of its blood association, bloodstone was used in medieval medicine to stop bleeding, heal wounds, and treat blood diseases — one of the earliest examples of sympathetic (like-treats-like) medicine in Western tradition.

Bloodstone Meaning

Bloodstone's traditional meanings connect to its history: vitality, strength, courage, and purification. It was the warrior's stone — worn in battle for protection, carried by soldiers to stop bleeding. In the crystal healing tradition, bloodstone is associated with the root and heart chakras, and is said to promote physical stamina, remove energy blocks, and support detoxification. It's considered a grounding stone — connecting the wearer to physical reality and practical action.

What Color Is the March Birthstone?

March's two birthstones express their colors very differently. Aquamarine is transparent blue to blue-green — a color associated with sky, ocean, and clarity. The dominant March birthstone color in popular culture is aquamarine's clear, sky-to-sea blue. Bloodstone is the opposite: opaque dark green with red spots — earthy, ancient, and dramatic.

For birthstone jewelry purposes, aquamarine is by far the more popular March birthstone choice for its wearability, clarity, and universally appealing blue color. Bloodstone is the historic and traditional March birthstone for those who want to connect with the stone's deep cultural roots.

How to Choose March Birthstone Jewelry

How to Care for March Birthstone Jewelry

Aquamarine:

• Clean with warm soapy water and soft brush; ultrasonic cleaner is safe for untreated and heat-treated aquamarine
• Avoid: Steam cleaners; hard impact (brittle along some cleavage directions)
• Store away from harder gems (sapphire, diamond) that can scratch the surface
• Suitable for everyday wear — Mohs 7.5–8 is excellent durability for all jewelry types

Bloodstone:

• Clean with warm soapy water and soft cloth — no ultrasonic, no steam
• Polish occasionally with a soft cloth to maintain the waxy luster
• Mohs 6.5–7 — suitable for pendants, earrings, and rings, but softer than aquamarine

Gifting March Birthstone Jewelry

Frequently Asked Questions About the March Birthstone

What is the March birthstone?
March has two birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is the modern primary birthstone — a blue variety of beryl (same mineral family as emerald) with a sea-water color. Bloodstone is the traditional birthstone — dark green chalcedony with red iron oxide spots, one of the oldest carved gemstones in human history.

What color is the March birthstone?
The primary March birthstone color is aquamarine's clear blue to blue-green, from pale sky blue to the intense "Santa Maria" deep blue. Bloodstone is dark forest green with red spots. In popular culture, aquamarine's blue is the dominant March birthstone color.

Is aquamarine related to emerald?
Yes — both aquamarine and emerald are beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈). The color difference is entirely from different trace elements: iron creates aquamarine's blue; chromium and/or vanadium create emerald's green. They have the same crystal structure and similar hardness (both Mohs 7.5–8). Aquamarine is typically much cleaner (fewer inclusions) than emerald.

What is "Santa Maria" aquamarine?
Santa Maria is a color designation for deep, intensely saturated blue aquamarine — named after the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil, which produced the stones that set this color standard. True Santa Maria aquamarine has a pure, rich blue with no greenish component. Similar-quality stones from Mozambique are sometimes called "Santa Maria Africana."

What is the largest aquamarine ever found?
The Dom Pedro aquamarine (named for Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro II) is the largest faceted aquamarine in the world at 10,363 carats. It was carved into a large obelisk form by gem artist Bernd Munsteiner and is on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.

Why is bloodstone called bloodstone?
Bloodstone gets its name from the red spots on its dark green body — the spots resemble drops of blood. A Christian legend says the spots are the blood of Christ, which fell on green jasper at the crucifixion, creating bloodstone. This association made bloodstone a sacred stone in medieval Christianity, used for carvings of the Passion of Christ.

Is aquamarine heat-treated?
Most commercial aquamarine has been heat-treated. Natural aquamarine often contains both Fe²⁺ (blue) and Fe³⁺ (yellow) iron, making the stone appear greenish-blue. Heating converts the Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺, removing the green component and producing a purer blue. This treatment is permanent, undetectable by labs, and fully accepted in the gem trade.

What metal looks best with aquamarine?
White gold and sterling silver are the most classic and complementary metals for aquamarine — the cool white tones enhance the blue-green color. Yellow gold creates a warm vintage look with aquamarine's blue. Rose gold is a fashionable modern pairing. The emerald cut (step-cut rectangle) is the most flattering cut for aquamarine in any metal.

Is aquamarine suitable for everyday wear?
Yes — aquamarine's Mohs 7.5–8 hardness makes it one of the better colored gemstones for regular wear. It's significantly more durable than tanzanite, opal, or turquoise. Pendants and earrings are ideal for daily use; rings are suitable but may show surface scratches over many years.

How do I tell aquamarine from blue topaz?
Both are transparent blue stones, but with different properties. Aquamarine tends toward blue-green; blue topaz is a purer sky blue to deep navy. Blue topaz is harder (Mohs 8) but has perfect cleavage (can split cleanly if struck). The refractive index differs and can be measured with a refractometer — aquamarine RI 1.577–1.583 vs blue topaz RI 1.619–1.627. Price is often a clue: equivalent-looking blue topaz is much cheaper than aquamarine.

Shop at AJLuxe: Aquamarine Pendant Necklace — genuine aquamarine teardrop, 925 sterling silver ($34.99) · March Birthstone Necklace — aquamarine infinity pendant ($42.99)

If you're a Pisces (February 19 – March 20), see our dedicated Pisces birthstone guide for the full aquamarine, bloodstone, and jade stone profile for this water sign.

If you're an Aries (March 21 – April 19), our Aries birthstone guide covers the diamond and bloodstone combination for this fire sign.

Final Thoughts — Choosing Your March Birthstone

March offers two gemstones that couldn't be more different — and both are extraordinary in their own way. Aquamarine's clarity, color, and hardness make it one of the best colored gemstones for everyday jewelry: beautiful, durable, and universally flattering. Bloodstone's deep history — from Mesopotamian carved seals to medieval Christian art — gives it a weight of meaning that few other stones can match.

For a March birthday gift, aquamarine is almost always the right choice for modern, wearable jewelry. For someone who values history, symbolism, and the ancient layers of human meaning embedded in gemstones, bloodstone is a deeply thoughtful and unusual gift.

Browse our March birthstone aquamarine necklaces in sterling silver — and explore our complete aquamarine meaning and history guide.

Written by Vaishakhi Ajmera — founder of AJLuxe, specialists in personalized sterling silver jewelry. Last updated: May 2026. | Sources: GIA Aquamarine · American Gem Society · Jewelers of America