The March birthstone aquamarine is a stunning gemstone known for its serene blue color reminiscent of the ocean. Ancient sailors accordingly believed the stone to protect them during their voyages. What is March birthstone aquamarine, and how is this blue gem a fitting birthstone for people born in March?
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Origin of March Birthstone Aquamarine
Birthstones are gemstones associated with the months of the year. These stones are often believed to bring good luck, protection and other benefits to those born in their respective months. For March, the widely recognized birthstone is aquamarine.
While the tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years, the designation of aquamarine as the March birthstone is of a relatively recent origin. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) adopted a modern list of birthstones. Jewelers at this convention chose aquamarine as the birthstone for March. Since then, aquamarine has remained the recognized birthstone for the third month of the year.
Physical Characteristics of March Birthstone Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, thus sharing its composition with other well-known gemstones such as emerald. The stone’s physical properties contribute to aquamarine’s beauty and desirability as a gemstone, and make it a popular choice for jewelry.
1. Transparency
Aquamarine is usually transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through. This property enhances the stone’s brilliance when cut and polished.
2. Color
Aquamarine typically exhibits a range of shades from blue to blue-green. The color resembles the clear waters of the sea, which is where the stone’s name originated: aqua for “water” and marina for “sea”.
3. Hardness
On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, aquamarine ranks 7.5 to 8, making it a relatively durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear.
4. Clarity
Aquamarine varies in clarity from almost flawless to included. Inclusions, such as other minerals, are naturally occurring characteristics within the stone, which may also have tiny fractures. Both flaws can affect the appearance of aquamarine, yet may also add to its uniqueness.
5. Luster
Aquamarine has a vitreous or glass-like luster, which contributes to its brilliance and shine when polished.
6. Crystal Structure
Crystalizing in the hexagonal system, aquamarine occurs as a six-sided prism with flat terminations.
Colors of March Birthstone Aquamarine
Aquamarine exhibits a range of blue hues, which come from the presence of iron within the crystal. The exact shade of blue can vary depending on the concentration of iron and the presence of other impurities.
1. Pale Blue
Aquamarine often showcases a delicate, pale blue hue, reminiscent of tranquil waters and clear skies.
2. Blue-Green
Some aquamarines exhibit a slightly deeper blue-green color, evoking images of tropical seas.
3. Deep Blue
In rare cases, aquamarines can display a deep, intense blue color, resembling the depths of the ocean on a sunny day.
4. Teal
Occasionally, aquamarines may lean towards a distinct teal shade, combining elements of blue and green for a unique and vibrant appearance.
Popular Cuts for March Birthstone Aquamarine
The March birthstone aquamarine comes in several popular cuts, which highlight the beauty of the stone while allowing for creativity and personal expression in jewelry.
1. Emerald Cut
This rectangular cut with beveled corners highlights the clarity and color of aquamarine, thus offering a sophisticated and elegant look.
2. Round Cut
Round aquamarines are classic and versatile, offering a balance of brilliance and simplicity that complements various jewelry designs.
3. Pear Cut
Often used in pendant settings, pear-shaped aquamarines, with their teardrop silhouette, offer a unique and eye-catching look.
4. Oval Cut
Oval-shaped aquamarines are versatile and timeless. The cut showcases the gemstone’s color and brilliance while offering a softer, more feminine aesthetic.
5. Marquise Cut
Marquise-cut aquamarines feature a boat-shaped silhouette with pointed ends. This shape maximizes the gemstone’s size, and creates a distinctive, elongated appearance.
6. Cushion Cut
Cushion-cut aquamarines feature rounded corners and larger facets, enhancing the gemstone’s brilliance and giving it a vintage-inspired charm.
7. Trillion Cut
Trillion-cut aquamarines have a triangular shape with curved sides, offering a modern and geometric look that adds a touch of sophistication to jewelry designs.
Historical Use of March Birthstone Aquamarine
Across different cultures, aquamarine has been popular for its beauty, symbolism and perceived mystical properties.
1. Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians valued the aquamarine, which they often carved into amulets and talismans. They wore the stone as a protective charm.
2. Ancient Greece and Rome
In Ancient Greece and Rome, aquamarine was associated with the god of the sea, Poseidon (Neptune in Roman mythology). Aquamarine thus became a favorite talisman for sailors, who kept the gem for protection during their voyages.
From Sailko, CC BY 3.0
3. Medieval Europe
During the Middle Ages, aquamarine regained popularity in Europe. A symbol of purity and fidelity, aquamarine particularly figured in engagement rings.
Metaphysical Properties of March Birthstone Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a gemstone cherished not only for its beauty, but also for its symbolisms and meanings.
1. Clarity and Tranquility
Aquamarine often signifies clarity of mind and inner peace. The stone’s serene blue hues evoke the calmness of the ocean, thus promoting tranquility and relaxation.
2. Communication and Expression
Aquamarine is said to enhance communication skills and promote self-expression. The stone encourages open and honest communication, helping individuals articulate their thoughts and feelings with clarity and confidence.
3. Protection
In ancient times, aquamarine was believed to protect sailors during their voyages at sea. The stone wards off dangers and ensures a safe journey.
4. Spiritual Connection
Aquamarine has a strong connection to the spiritual realm, and thus promotes spiritual growth and enlightenment.
5. Healing and Well-being
Aquamarine is thought to possess healing properties, particularly concerning the throat, respiratory system and immune system. The stone soothes sore throats, alleviates respiratory ailments, and promotes overall well-being.
6. Harmony and Balance
Aquamarine brings harmony and balance to relationships and emotions. The stone encourages understanding, empathy and compromise, fostering harmonious interactions and peaceful resolutions.
7. Renewal and Rebirth
As the birthstone for March, aquamarine symbolizes renewal and rebirth, coinciding with the arrival of spring. The stone represents new beginnings, growth and the awakening of nature after the dormancy of winter.
Modern Uses of March Birthstone Aquamarine
Aquamarine continues to captivate with its serene blue hues and timeless elegance. Its beauty and versatility make this stone a sought-after gemstone in various jewelry.
1. Rings
On account of its beautiful blue hue and durability, aquamarine is a popular choice for rings. Given its symbolism of harmony, trust and communication in relationships, the stone is attractive for engagement rings. A famous example of an aquamarine ring is Princess Diana’s ring — later worn by Meghan Markle — which features a large emerald-cut gem.
2. Necklaces and Pendants
Aquamarine necklaces and pendants are popular for their serene blue color and timeless appeal. They often come as statement pieces, or layered with other necklaces for a trendy look.
3. Earrings
Aquamarine earrings come in various styles, including studs, hoops and dangles. Adding a touch of sophistication to any ensemble, aquamarine earrings are versatile, complementing both casual and formal attire.
4. Bracelets
Aquamarine bracelets are popular accessories, either featuring single gemstones or as part of a gemstone strand. Such a bracelet adds a pop of color to the wrist, and can be worn alone or stacked with other bracelets.
5. Healing and Wellness
Aquamarine is often used in crystal healing sessions, or worn as jewelry close to the skin to benefit from its energies. In such holistic practices, aquamarine is believed to have calming and soothing properties that promote emotional balance and stress relief.
March Birthstone Color
The birthstone color for March is blue, particularly a serene and tranquil pale blue, reminiscent of the clear waters of the sea. The pale blue of aquamarine exudes a sense of calmness and tranquility, making aquamarine an ideal choice for jewelry pieces meant to evoke a sense of serenity.
Although the primary color associated with aquamarine is a pale blue, there can be variations within this range. Some aquamarine gemstones lean towards a pure blue hue, while others exhibit hints of green or teal. In any case, the March birthstone color embodies soft and delicate hues, which contribute to aquamarine’s timeless appeal in jewelry.
Sources of March Birthstone Aquamarine
Aquamarine occurs in various locations around the world. A few examples of notable deposits are found in the following countries.
1. Brazil
Brazil is a major producer of high-quality aquamarine. The stones particularly come from the Santa Maria mine in the state of Minas Gerais. The Santa Maria aquamarine is renowned for its intense blue color, making it highly sought after in the market.
2. Madagascar
Madagascar is another significant producer of aquamarine. Stones from Madagascar often exhibit a range of blue-green hues, and is valued for their transparency and size.
From Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 3.0
3. Pakistan and Afghanistan
The mountainous regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan are known for producing aquamarine of varying colors and qualities. Pakistan’s Shigar Valley in particular is a notable source of aquamarine.
4. Nigeria
Nigeria is emerging as a notable producer of aquamarine. The stones come particularly from the Jos Plateau region. Nigerian aquamarine can exhibit a deep blue color and good clarity.
5. United States
There are also aquamarine deposits in the United States, with notable occurrences in states such as Colorado, California and North Carolina. The Colorado Rockies, in particular, are known for producing many aquamarine crystals.
6. Russia
Russia has significant aquamarine deposits, particularly in the Ural Mountains. Russian aquamarine is known for its light blue to blue-green hues.
7. China
China is a growing producer of aquamarine, with deposits found in several provinces, including Yunnan, Guangdong and Hunan.
Care and Maintenance of March Birthstone Aquamarine
Caring for March birthstone aquamarine requires attention. By following these tips, one can ensure that their aquamarine jewelry remains beautiful and well-maintained for years to come.
1. Gentle Cleaning
Aquamarine is not resistant to all chemicals, and may suffer damage from prolonged exposure to harsh cleaning agents. Thus, when cleaning the stone, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone’s surface. Instead, clean aquamarine jewelry regularly using mild soap and warm water.
2. Protect from Scratches
Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable. However, the stone is still susceptible to scratches from harder materials, so it’s essential to store aquamarine jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching. Store your aquamarine jewelry in a soft pouch or fabric-lined jewelry box.
3. Regular Inspections
Periodically inspect aquamarine jewelry for loose or damaged settings. If you notice any issues, have them repaired by a professional jeweler to prevent further damage.
4. Avoid Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaning
It may not be safe to clean aquamarine using ultrasonic or steam cleaning methods. These can cause thermal shock, which can damage the gemstone, particularly if it contains fractures or inclusions.
The Magic of March Birthstone Aquamarine
Throughout history, March birthstone aquamarine has been popular for its beauty and association with the sea, with which the stone obtained the reputation of bringing protection to sailors. In contemporary society, aquamarine continues to captivate with its ethereal blue hues. The stone remains a beloved gemstone prized for its timeless beauty and symbolic meaning, making it a popular choice for those born in March.
Do you like the March birthstone? Share this article with your friends and spread the word about the beauty of aquamarine!
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Deeper into the March Birthstone
As the author published this article, he was also crafting a book about diamonds. ‘Diamond, its Magic and History’ offers a deep dive into the enchanting history and lore surrounding the king of gems. As this book is still a work in progress, readers can delve into the author’s existing work, ‘Power Birthstone,’ which unveils the intriguing story behind birthstones, including March’s gems and those of the zodiac signs.
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