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March Birthstone: Your Complete Guide to Aquamarine & Bloodstone (2025)
March Birthstone: Your Complete Guide to Aquamarine & Bloodstone (2025)
on Dec 05 2025
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:
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Clear and transparent
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Medium to deep blue color
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Free from visible marks or cracks
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Well-cut to show their sparkle
Where Does Aquamarine Come From?
Brazil produces the most aquamarine in the world. Other sources include:
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Pakistan
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Madagascar
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Nigeria
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Mozambique
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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:
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Courage - It helps people be brave
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Calm - It brings peaceful feelings
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Clear communication - It helps people speak their truth
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Youth - Ancient Romans thought it kept people looking young
Aquamarine Healing Properties
Many people believe aquamarine has special powers:
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Reduces stress and anxiety
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Helps with clear thinking
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Soothes throat problems
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Balances emotions
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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:
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Use warm water and mild soap
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Scrub gently with a soft brush
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Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth
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Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone has cracks
Storage:
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Keep away from harder gems like diamonds
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Store in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box
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Avoid direct sunlight for long periods
Bloodstone: The Alternative March Birthstone

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:
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India
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Brazil
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Australia
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United States
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Germany
Meaning and Symbolism of Bloodstone
Bloodstone has been valued for thousands of years. Ancient warriors carried bloodstone into battle. They believed it:
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Stopped bleeding from wounds
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Gave courage and strength
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Protected them from enemies
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Brought victory
Today, bloodstone represents:
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Vitality - Life energy and strength
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Protection - Safety from harm
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Grounding - Connection to earth
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Purification - Cleansing negative energy
Bloodstone Healing Properties
Traditional beliefs about bloodstone include:
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Boosts energy levels
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Purifies blood
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Strengthens the immune system
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Reduces anger and frustration
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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:
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Wash with warm soapy water
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Use a soft cloth to dry
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Avoid harsh chemicals
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Don't use steam or ultrasonic cleaners
Storage:
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Keep separate from other jewelry
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Store in a fabric-lined box
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Avoid extreme temperature changes
Aquamarine vs Bloodstone: Which Should You Choose?

Both March birthstones have unique qualities.
Choose aquamarine if you want:
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Light, elegant jewelry
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A stone that matches many outfits
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Higher value and investment
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Modern, feminine style
Choose bloodstone if you want:
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Bold, earthy jewelry
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Affordable gemstone option
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Historical and spiritual meaning
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Masculine or unisex style
Many March-born people own both stones for different occasions.
Popular March Birthstone Jewelry
Aquamarine Jewelry Styles
Rings:
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Solitaire engagement rings
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Three-stone designs
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Vintage-inspired settings
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Halo designs with diamonds
Necklaces:
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Pendant necklaces
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Layered chains
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Statement pieces
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Delicate everyday wear
Earrings:
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Stud earrings
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Drop earrings
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Chandelier styles
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Hoop designs
Bloodstone Jewelry Styles
Rings:
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Men's signet rings
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Cabochon settings
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Celtic designs
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Band rings
Pendants:
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Round or oval cabochons
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Carved designs
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Raw stone pendants
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Spiritual symbols
Bracelets:
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Beaded bracelets
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Cuff bracelets
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Healing stone bracelets
How to Buy March Birthstone Jewelry
Quality factors:
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Color: Look for pure blue without too much green
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Clarity: Choose eye-clean stones (no visible flaws)
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Cut: Well-cut stones show better sparkle
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Size: Larger stones are more affordable than diamonds
Price range:
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Small stones (1-2 carats): $50-$300
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Medium stones (3-5 carats): $300-$1,000
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Large stones (5+ carats): $1,000-$5,000+
Shopping for Bloodstone
Quality factors:
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Color contrast: Deep green with bright red spots
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Pattern: Even distribution of red markings
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Polish: Smooth, glossy surface
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Size: Available in all sizes at affordable prices
Price range:
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Small stones: $10-$50
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Medium stones: $50-$150
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Large stones: $150-$400
Where to Buy
Trusted sources:
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Local jewelry stores with certifications
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Online retailers (Blue Nile, James Allen, Brilliant Earth)
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Estate jewelry shops
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Gem and mineral shows
What to ask:
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Is the stone natural or treated?
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Can I see a certificate?
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What is the return policy?
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Does it come with a warranty?
March Birthstone Gift Ideas
For Her
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Aquamarine pendant necklace
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Stud earrings with diamonds
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Delicate aquamarine bracelet
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Birthstone ring
For Him
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Bloodstone signet ring
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Cufflinks with bloodstone
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Beaded bracelet
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Tie clip or money clip
For Children
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Small aquamarine pendant
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Birthstone charm bracelet
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Simple stud earrings
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Protection stone for the pocket
Celebrities Born in March
Many famous people wear their March birthstone:
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Eva Mendes (March 5) - Often wears aquamarine jewelry
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Jessica Biel (March 3) - Received an aquamarine engagement ring
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Reese Witherspoon (March 22) - Loves blue gemstones
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Lady Gaga (March 28) - Wears dramatic aquamarine pieces
Facts About March Birthstones
Aquamarine Facts
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Santa Maria aquamarine is the most valuable type (deep blue from Brazil)
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The largest cut aquamarine weighs 10,363 carats
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Ancient Greeks and Romans used aquamarine in jewelry
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It's the state gemstone of Colorado
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Aquamarine can fade in direct sunlight over time
Bloodstone Facts
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Ancient Egyptians wore bloodstone amulets for protection
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It was used to make seals and signet rings in the Middle Ages
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Some bloodstone has yellow spots instead of red
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It's sometimes called "martyr's stone" in Christianity
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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:
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Personal jewelry collections
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Family heirlooms
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Birthstone gifts
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Alternative engagement rings
How to Verify Your March Birthstone Is Real

Testing Aquamarine
Real aquamarine:
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Feels cool to touch
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Has natural inclusions under magnification
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Shows consistent color throughout
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Doesn't scratch easily
Fake aquamarine:
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Feels warm quickly
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Looks too perfect (glass or synthetic)
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Has air bubbles
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Scratches with a knife
Testing Bloodstone

Real bloodstone:
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Has natural color variation
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Feels heavy for its size
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Shows irregular red spots
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Cannot be scratched with a fingernail
Fake bloodstone:
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Looks too uniform
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Feels light (plastic)
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Has painted red spots
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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
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Small aquamarine charms
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Protective bloodstone
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Simple jewelry pieces
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Keepsake items
For Teenagers
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Trendy aquamarine jewelry
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Beaded bloodstone bracelets
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Birthstone rings
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Fashion pieces
For Adults
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Investment-quality aquamarine
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Heirloom pieces
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Custom designs
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Engagement rings
For Seniors
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Classic styles
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Comfort-fit settings
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Meaningful pieces
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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.
Read Our Other Birthstone Guide:
