Current:Home > MarketsWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -消息
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
View
Date:2025-04-28 01:01:30
From St. Patrick's Day to Easter to the first day of spring, March hosts many celebrations throughout its 31 days.
March babies can bear one of two astrological signs: Pisces (born between March 1-20) or Aries (March 21-31). Two varieties of daffodil flowers also represent those born in March.
Each month has at least one gemstone. So, what about March's birthstone? It has two. Here's what to know about March birthstones, including their colors and symbolism.
March birthstone
Aquamarine and bloodstone are the two birthstones for March.
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl that ranges from pale blue to light green. The stone's name derives from the Latin "aqua" and "marina," meaning "seawater," according to the American Gem Society. Some faceted, or cut, aquamarines can be as clear as water.
This is not the only connection the gem has to the sea. Mariners once believed aquamarine could calm waves and protect sailors during their aquatic voyages, the Geological Institute of America reports.
The world's largest faceted aquamarine can be found at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The Dom Pedro aquamarine weighs approximately 4.6 pounds and was cut from a 100-pound stone in the late 1980s, Smithsonian Magazine reports.
The second largest cut of aquamarine belonged to former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She was gifted the 1,298-carat, 2.86-pound gem by Brazilian president Getúlio Vargas in 1936, according to the International Gem Society. It is currently on display at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York.
Minas Gerais in Brazil has been a major producer of aquamarine for the last two centuries, the Geological Institute of America reports. Other mining spots include Pakistan, Madagascar, Myanmar, Ukraine, Colorado and California.
Aquamarine is believed to symbolize "purity of spirit and soul." It is said to bring happiness in marriage, according to the Geological Institute of America, and is a traditional gift for the nineteenth wedding anniversary.
Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony, usually dark green with splotches of red hematite. The stone comes in two forms: transparent or opaque.
The name "bloodstone" has religious origins, with some believing the gem's pattern represents the blood of Jesus Christ, the Geological Institute of America reports. Its alternate name "heliotrope" derives from the ancient Greek for "to turn the sun." It was believed the stone, when placed in water, could turn the sun red, according to the American Gem Society.
Throughout history, bloodstone was associated with the Roman god of war, Mars. So, it is natural that the stone came to represent March, the month named after the god, the International Gem Society reports.
It was also believed that bloodstone would bring strength and health to those who wear it. Some see the birthstone as a good luck charm, according to the Geological Institute of America.
India is a prime source of bloodstone, but it can also be found in Brazil, Australia, China and the U.S., the Geological Institute of America reports.
What color is my birthstone?Learn which gemstone represents each month and what it means.
Want to learn more about other month's birthstones?
January | February | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What are angel numbers?" to "What is my Zodiac sign?" to "How common is my birthday?"− we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.
veryGood! (34552)
Related
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- KC mom accused of decapitating 6-year-old son is competent to stand trial, judge rules
- Reports: Philadelphia 76ers plan to file complaint with NBA over playoff officiating
- Ex-police officer pleads guilty to punching man in custody about 13 times
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- South Carolina Senate wants accelerated income tax cut while House looks at property tax rebate
- The Covenant of Water author Abraham Verghese
- California could ban Clear, which lets travelers pay to skip TSA lines
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- The Best Personalized & Unique Gifts For Teachers That Will Score an A+
Ranking
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- In Tampa, Biden will assail Florida’s six-week abortion ban as he tries to boost his reelection odds
- Climate change a health risk for 70% of world's workers, UN warns
- Crew members injured in crash on Georgia set of Eddie Murphy Amazon MGM movie ‘The Pickup’
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Biden implied his uncle lost in WWII was eaten by cannibals. Papua New Guinea's leader pushes back.
- Minnesota senator wanted late father’s ashes when she broke into stepmother’s home, charges say
- Keke Palmer, Justin Bieber, more pay tribute to late rapper Chris King: 'Rest heavenly brother'
Recommendation
Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
NFL Player Cody Ford Engaged to TikToker Tianna Robillard
Maine’s governor signs bill to protect providers of abortion, gender-affirming care
Avocado oil recall: Thousands of Primal Kitchen cases recalled because bottles could break
Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
Marvin Harrison Jr. Q&A: Ohio State WR talks NFL draft uncertainty, New Balance deal
David Beckham Files Lawsuit Against Mark Wahlberg-Backed Fitness Company
Biden implied his uncle lost in WWII was eaten by cannibals. Papua New Guinea's leader pushes back.