Month 03 · gemstone almanac
March
birthstone
Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl. Its color evokes the tranquil ocean, and it ranges from pale sky blue to deep sea blue. The finest specimens come from Brazil.
Share the March birthstone guide
Immediate answer
Aquamarine and Bloodstone
- Modern list
- Aquamarine · Bloodstone
- Traditional list
- BloodstoneA different stone from the modern list
- Hardness
- 7.5-8 on Mohs scale
- Reference policy
- Primary sources over folklore summariesAlternatives remain visible when a source lists them
Which list are you being given?
March has two defensible answers
Most pages that answer “what is the march birthstone” quote one list without saying which. There are two in common use: the modern American list standardised by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and revised since, and the older traditional list that preceded it.
| List | Stone(s) for March | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Modern | Aquamarine, Bloodstone | Standardised in 1912 and maintained since; used by current gemological guidesThe list this site leads with |
| Traditional | Bloodstone | Older lists predating the 1912 standardisationStill widely quoted, especially outside the United States |
What changed: Older lists give bloodstone for March. The 1912 American list made the transparent aquamarine the primary stone, and current gemological guides list both.
The modern list was designed around transparent, faceted gems so that jewellers could set several children's stones in one ring. That commercial motive, not a gemological discovery, is why some months changed. Later revisions added alexandrite and citrine in 1952, tanzanite in 2002, and spinel in 2016.
Neither list is more “correct”: a birthstone assignment is a published convention, not a property of the gem or of the month. If a gift matters, ask which list the recipient grew up with.
Gem facts
Identity, color, and durability
Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl. Its color evokes the tranquil ocean, and it ranges from pale sky blue to deep sea blue. The finest specimens come from Brazil.
- Names in use
- Blue Beryl
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5-8 on Mohs scale
Typical color palette
- #7FFFD4
- #00CED1
- #87CEEB
- #4169E1
Symbolic tradition
Meanings and crystal traditions
Aquamarine symbolizes serenity, courage, and clear communication. Its connection to the sea makes it a talisman for sailors and represents the calming energy of water.
- Crystal traditions associate aquamarine with calm reflection
- Symbolic readings connect aquamarine with clear communication
- Sailors historically carried aquamarine as a protective talisman
- Modern traditions link its sea color with courage and renewal
- These interpretations are traditions, not scientific effects
Interpretation label: Personality words such as calm, articulate, courageous, youthful, honest belong to symbolic birthstone readings. They are not traits caused by a gemstone or birth month.
Context
History and cultural variations
The name comes from Latin 'aqua marina' meaning 'sea water.' Ancient sailors used aquamarine as a talisman for safe voyages. Romans believed it could reconcile enemies and promote friendship.
Stone of eternal youth and happiness
Oracle stone for fortune telling
National gemstone and major source
Lucky stone for sailors
Variation note: Historical beliefs are presented as beliefs. A source can document a tradition without proving a physical or medical effect.
Practical guide
Jewelry care and gift ideas
- Clean with warm soapy water and soft brush
- Ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe
- Avoid exposure to heat
- Store separately from harder stones
- Protect from scratches and impacts
Care note: Treatments, inclusions, and settings can change safe cleaning methods. Ask a qualified jeweler when a stone's treatment history is unknown.
Budget ideas
Aquamarine chip bracelet · Small aquamarine pendant · Aquamarine tumbled stone
Mid-range ideas
Aquamarine ring · Aquamarine earrings · Aquamarine tennis bracelet
Premium ideas
Deep blue aquamarine pendant · Custom aquamarine ring · Large aquamarine statement piece