March Birthstone: Your Complete Guide to Aquamarine & Bloodstone (2025)

on Dec 05 2025
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    The March birthstone is aquamarine, a beautiful blue-green gem that symbolizes courage and calm. March also has a secondary birthstone called bloodstone, a dark green stone with red spots.

    This guide covers everything you need to know about March birthstones. You'll discover their meanings, origins, healing properties, and how to choose the perfect piece for yourself or as a gift.

    What Is the March Birthstone?

    People born in March have two special birthstones to choose from. Aquamarine is the main March birthstone. It has a cool blue color that looks like ocean water. The name comes from Latin words meaning "water of the sea."

    Bloodstone is the second March birthstone. It is dark green with red spots that look like drops of blood. Both stones are beautiful and meaningful for March-born people.

    Aquamarine: The Primary March Birthstone

    Aquamarine is part of the beryl mineral family. It has a light to medium blue color. Some stones are greenish-blue.

    The best aquamarine stones are:

    • Clear and transparent

    • Medium to deep blue color

    • Free from visible marks or cracks

    • Well-cut to show their sparkle

    Where Does Aquamarine Come From?

    Brazil produces the most aquamarine in the world. Other sources include:

    • Pakistan

    • Madagascar

    • Nigeria

    • Mozambique

    • United States (Colorado)

    The largest aquamarine crystal ever found weighed 243 pounds. It was discovered in Brazil in 1910.

    Meaning and Symbolism of Aquamarine

    Ancient sailors believed aquamarine kept them safe on the ocean. They thought it calmed the waves and protected against sea dangers.

    Today, aquamarine symbolizes:

    • Courage - It helps people be brave

    • Calm - It brings peaceful feelings

    • Clear communication - It helps people speak their truth

    • Youth - Ancient Romans thought it kept people looking young

    Aquamarine Healing Properties

    Many people believe aquamarine has special powers:

    • Reduces stress and anxiety

    • Helps with clear thinking

    • Soothes throat problems

    • Balances emotions

    • Protects during travel

    Disclaimer: These are traditional beliefs. Gemstones should not replace medical treatment.

    How to Care for Aquamarine

    Aquamarine is durable but needs proper care:

    Hardness: 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale

    Cleaning tips:

    • Use warm water and mild soap

    • Scrub gently with a soft brush

    • Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth

    • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone has cracks

    Storage:

    • Keep away from harder gems like diamonds

    • Store in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box

    • Avoid direct sunlight for long periods

    Bloodstone: The Alternative March Birthstone

    A minimalist crystal information card with a large emerald-green Bloodstone crystal photographed against a black background. The crystal has a polished, smooth surface with variations in color from deep forest green to lighter teal tones, with subtle red and brown inclusions. The text "BLOODSTONE" is in large black serif font at the top of the image. Below the crystal are three bullet points with white text describing properties: "IT OFFERS EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE, COURAGE AND STRENGTH", "IT PROMOTES CALMNESS, BOOSTS CONFIDENCE AND ALSO REDUCES ANXIETY", and "IT IS KNOWN FOR HEALING PROPERTIES, IMPROVE BLOOD CIRCULATION AND PURIFICATION".  The image has a clean, professional layout with subtle geometric shapes in light blue-grey tones in the background corners. The crystal photograph shows natural surface variations and inclusions in the stone.

    Bloodstone is also called heliotrope. It is dark green with red or brown spots. The stone gets its name from the red spots that look like blood drops. Ancient people thought these spots were drops of Christ's blood.

    Where Does Bloodstone Come From?

    Major sources of bloodstone include:

    • India

    • Brazil

    • Australia

    • United States

    • Germany

    Meaning and Symbolism of Bloodstone

    Bloodstone has been valued for thousands of years. Ancient warriors carried bloodstone into battle. They believed it:

    • Stopped bleeding from wounds

    • Gave courage and strength

    • Protected them from enemies

    • Brought victory

    Today, bloodstone represents:

    • Vitality - Life energy and strength

    • Protection - Safety from harm

    • Grounding - Connection to earth

    • Purification - Cleansing negative energy

    Bloodstone Healing Properties

    Traditional beliefs about bloodstone include:

    • Boosts energy levels

    • Purifies blood

    • Strengthens the immune system

    • Reduces anger and frustration

    • Improves decision-making

    Disclaimer: These are folk beliefs. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical issues.

    How to Care for Bloodstone

    Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale

    Cleaning tips:

    • Wash with warm soapy water

    • Use a soft cloth to dry

    • Avoid harsh chemicals

    • Don't use steam or ultrasonic cleaners

    Storage:

    • Keep separate from other jewelry

    • Store in a fabric-lined box

    • Avoid extreme temperature changes

    Aquamarine vs Bloodstone: Which Should You Choose?

    A product guide image for March birthstones featuring two crystals against a light blue gradient background. The left crystal is a light blue-green aquamarine with internal striations, labeled "Aquamarine - The Ocean's Gem" and has three annotations: "Calming Energy" in 6DC3BB , "Relationship Stone" in 6DC3BB, and "Traveler's Talisman" in6DC3BB. The right crystal is a deep red-brown bloodstone with natural surface markings and inclusions, labeled "Bloodstone - The Bold Protector" and has three annotations: "Grounding Stone" in red, "Energy Booster" in red, and "Protection Shield" in red. The image has decorative black star elements in the corners and a thin black line accent in the bottom left. The title "AQUAMARINE  OR BLOODSTONE " is at the top in black text. The crystals are photographed against a soft, ethereal background with a subtle gradient from light blue to white.

    Both March birthstones have unique qualities.

    Choose aquamarine if you want:

    • Light, elegant jewelry

    • A stone that matches many outfits

    • Higher value and investment

    • Modern, feminine style

    Choose bloodstone if you want:

    • Bold, earthy jewelry

    • Affordable gemstone option

    • Historical and spiritual meaning

    • Masculine or unisex style

    Many March-born people own both stones for different occasions.

    Popular March Birthstone Jewelry

    Aquamarine Jewelry Styles

    Rings:

    • Solitaire engagement rings

    • Three-stone designs

    • Vintage-inspired settings

    • Halo designs with diamonds

    Necklaces:

    • Pendant necklaces

    • Layered chains

    • Statement pieces

    • Delicate everyday wear

    Earrings:

    • Stud earrings

    • Drop earrings

    • Chandelier styles

    • Hoop designs

    Bloodstone Jewelry Styles

    Rings:

    • Men's signet rings

    • Cabochon settings

    • Celtic designs

    • Band rings

    Pendants:

    • Round or oval cabochons

    • Carved designs

    • Raw stone pendants

    • Spiritual symbols

    Bracelets:

    • Beaded bracelets

    • Cuff bracelets

    • Healing stone bracelets

    How to Buy March Birthstone Jewelry

    Quality factors:

    • Color: Look for pure blue without too much green

    • Clarity: Choose eye-clean stones (no visible flaws)

    • Cut: Well-cut stones show better sparkle

    • Size: Larger stones are more affordable than diamonds

    Price range:

    • Small stones (1-2 carats): $50-$300

    • Medium stones (3-5 carats): $300-$1,000

    • Large stones (5+ carats): $1,000-$5,000+

    Shopping for Bloodstone

    Quality factors:

    • Color contrast: Deep green with bright red spots

    • Pattern: Even distribution of red markings

    • Polish: Smooth, glossy surface

    • Size: Available in all sizes at affordable prices

    Price range:

    • Small stones: $10-$50

    • Medium stones: $50-$150

    • Large stones: $150-$400

    Where to Buy

    Trusted sources:

    • Local jewelry stores with certifications

    • Online retailers (Blue Nile, James Allen, Brilliant Earth)

    • Estate jewelry shops

    • Gem and mineral shows

    What to ask:

    • Is the stone natural or treated?

    • Can I see a certificate?

    • What is the return policy?

    • Does it come with a warranty?

    March Birthstone Gift Ideas

    For Her

    • Aquamarine pendant necklace

    • Stud earrings with diamonds

    • Delicate aquamarine bracelet

    • Birthstone ring

    For Him

    • Bloodstone signet ring

    • Cufflinks with bloodstone

    • Beaded bracelet

    • Tie clip or money clip

    For Children

    • Small aquamarine pendant

    • Birthstone charm bracelet

    • Simple stud earrings

    • Protection stone for the pocket

    Celebrities Born in March

    Many famous people wear their March birthstone:

    • Eva Mendes (March 5) - Often wears aquamarine jewelry

    • Jessica Biel (March 3) - Received an aquamarine engagement ring

    • Reese Witherspoon (March 22) - Loves blue gemstones

    • Lady Gaga (March 28) - Wears dramatic aquamarine pieces

    Facts About March Birthstones

    Aquamarine Facts

    1. Santa Maria aquamarine is the most valuable type (deep blue from Brazil)

    2. The largest cut aquamarine weighs 10,363 carats

    3. Ancient Greeks and Romans used aquamarine in jewelry

    4. It's the state gemstone of Colorado

    5. Aquamarine can fade in direct sunlight over time

    Bloodstone Facts

    1. Ancient Egyptians wore bloodstone amulets for protection

    2. It was used to make seals and signet rings in the Middle Ages

    3. Some bloodstone has yellow spots instead of red

    4. It's sometimes called "martyr's stone" in Christianity

    5. India produces the finest quality bloodstone

    Are March Birthstones Valuable?

    Aquamarine is moderately valuable. Large, deep blue stones with excellent clarity can cost thousands of dollars per carat. Bloodstone is affordable. Even high-quality pieces cost less than $100 for most sizes.

    Both stones make great investments for:

    • Personal jewelry collections

    • Family heirlooms

    • Birthstone gifts

    • Alternative engagement rings

    How to Verify Your March Birthstone Is Real

    A comparison image showing real and fake bloodstone gemstones. The image is split diagonally by a blue line. On the left side labeled "Real" are four aquamarine of varying sizes with natural color variation . On the right side labeled "Fake" are two aquamarines  of round shape, both showing a more uniform pattern . The gemstones are photographed on a white background with soft lighting. The image has a clean, professional product photography style with sharp focus and high detail resolution. The contrast between the natural inclusions of the real stones and the more manufactured appearance of the fake stones is clearly visible.

    Testing Aquamarine

    Real aquamarine:

    • Feels cool to touch

    • Has natural inclusions under magnification

    • Shows consistent color throughout

    • Doesn't scratch easily

    Fake aquamarine:

    • Feels warm quickly

    • Looks too perfect (glass or synthetic)

    • Has air bubbles

    • Scratches with a knife

    Testing Bloodstone

    A comparison image showing real and fake bloodstone gemstones. The image is split diagonally by a red line. On the left side labeled "Real" are four bloodstones of varying sizes with natural color variation . On the right side labeled "Fake" are two bloodstones  of round shape, both showing a more uniform lining pattern . The gemstones are photographed on a white background with soft lighting. The image has a clean, professional product photography style with sharp focus and high detail resolution. The contrast between the natural inclusions of the real stones and the more manufactured appearance of the fake stones is clearly visible.

    Real bloodstone:

    • Has natural color variation

    • Feels heavy for its size

    • Shows irregular red spots

    • Cannot be scratched with a fingernail

    Fake bloodstone:

    • Looks too uniform

    • Feels light (plastic)

    • Has painted red spots

    • Scratches easily

    Always buy from reputable dealers and ask for certificates.

    March Birthstone Around the World

    Different cultures view March birthstones differently:

    • United States: Aquamarine is most popular.
    • United Kingdom: Both stones are equally recognized.
    • India: Bloodstone has strong spiritual significance.
    • Brazil: Aquamarine is a source of national pride
    • Middle East: Bloodstone is used in traditional jewelry

    Choosing the March Birthstone for Different Ages

    For Babies and Children

    • Small aquamarine charms

    • Protective bloodstone

    • Simple jewelry pieces

    • Keepsake items

    For Teenagers

    • Trendy aquamarine jewelry

    • Beaded bloodstone bracelets

    • Birthstone rings

    • Fashion pieces

    For Adults

    • Investment-quality aquamarine

    • Heirloom pieces

    • Custom designs

    • Engagement rings

    For Seniors

    • Classic styles

    • Comfort-fit settings

    • Meaningful pieces

    • Family heirlooms to pass down

    Final Thoughts on March Birthstones

    March-born people are lucky to have two beautiful birthstones. Aquamarine brings ocean-like calm and elegance. Bloodstone offers earthy strength and protection. Whether you prefer the soft blue of aquamarine or the bold green of bloodstone, both gems carry deep meaning and beauty.

    Choose the stone that speaks to your heart. Wear it with pride as a symbol of your March birth month. Which March birthstone do you prefer - aquamarine or bloodstone? Share your favorite in the comments below!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the main birthstone for March?

    Aquamarine is the primary March birthstone, known for its beautiful blue color.

    Can I wear both March birthstones together?

    Yes, many people wear both aquamarine and bloodstone in different jewelry pieces.

    Is aquamarine expensive?

    Aquamarine is moderately priced. Small stones cost $50-$300, while larger stones can cost thousands.

    What does aquamarine symbolize?

    Aquamarine symbolizes courage, calm, clear communication, and protection during travel.

    Is bloodstone rare?

    No, bloodstone is common and affordable compared to other gemstones.

    How do I clean my March birthstone jewelry?

    Use warm ,soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

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