What is March's birthstone?

March has two birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is the modern and far more common choice.

Why does March have two birthstones?

Bloodstone is the older traditional stone; aquamarine was added in the 1912 modern list because it was easier to supply in jewelry-quality sizes.

March · Birthstone guide

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

March has two birthstones: aquamarine, the sea-blue beryl, and bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony flecked with red.

Birthstone: Aquamarine
Also worn: Bloodstone
Color: Sea blue to blue-green
Mineral: Beryl
Hardness: 7.5–8 Mohs
Main sources: Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar, Pakistan
Zodiac signs: Pisces / Aries
Anniversary: 19th wedding anniversary

What color is the March birthstone, and what does it mean?

Aquamarine's pale sea blue reads as calm water: composure, honesty and safe passage. Bloodstone's green-and-red is the older symbol of courage.

Color is the single biggest driver of value in colored gemstones, and it is also where birthstone symbolism lives. See how every month's color compares in the birthstone color guide.

What does the March birthstone symbolize?

Sailors carried aquamarine as protection at sea and for a calm crossing. It is given today for serenity, clear communication and steady nerves.

The history of the March birthstone

Roman writers described aquamarine as the treasure of mermaids. Bloodstone — also called heliotrope — was carved in the Middle Ages into scenes of the crucifixion, its red flecks read as drops of blood.

For the origin of the twelve-month tradition itself — Aaron's breastplate, Josephus, Polish gem traders and the 1912 American jewelers' list — read the full history of birthstones.

Every March birthstone in detail: where it's found, its powers and its cuts

Modern birthstone · 7.5–8 Mohs

Aquamarine

Where aquamarine is found: Brazil's Minas Gerais (the classic source), plus Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique and Pakistan.
Spiritual meaning: The sailor's stone — worn for safe passage across water, honest speech and courage in confrontation.
Healing powers: Throat-chakra stone used for communication, thyroid and calming panic.
Cut styles: Emerald cut is the classic (it shows the clean pastel blue); also round brilliant, oval and long baguettes for pendants.

Traditional birthstone · 6.5–7 Mohs

Bloodstone

Where bloodstone is found: India (main commercial source), Brazil, Australia and Scotland.
Spiritual meaning: A warrior's talisman — vitality, courage and the removal of obstacles.
Healing powers: Associated with blood, circulation and physical endurance.
Cut styles: Cabochon and signet-ring intaglio; traditionally carved as seals.

Spiritual and healing associations are traditional lore, recorded here for cultural interest — they are not medical advice.

How to buy aquamarine

Deeper blue costs more than pale, greenish material. Most aquamarine on the market is heated to remove green tones; this is standard and permanent.

Caring for aquamarine jewelry

Warm soapy water is safe. Avoid steam cleaning on stones with liquid inclusions.

March birthstone jewelry to look for

Aquamarine marquise birthstone necklace
March birthstone stud earrings
Aquamarine and pearl layering set

A pendant is the most forgiving setting for softer stones, because a necklace takes far fewer knocks than a ring. Bezel settings protect the girdle of the stone and suit everyday wear, which is why a bezel-set march birthstone necklace is the piece most people start with.

If you want the stone on your hand instead, a slim march birthstone ring keeps the setting low enough to survive daily wear, and a personalized birthstone bracelet lets you line up one stone for every family birthday.

March birthstone jewelry: personalized aquamarine pieces

Shop March birthstone necklaces, rings and bracelets in 18K gold — each one made with the March birthstone and engraved with the name, initial or date you choose. Choose a piece, then pick your finish.

March birthstone: Aquamarine on film

A short film on aquamarine, the march birthstone — its color, its meaning and how it is worn.

March birthstone questions

More answers in the birthstone questions and answers guide.

What is March's birthstone?: March has two birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is the modern and far more common choice.
Why does March have two birthstones?: Bloodstone is the older traditional stone; aquamarine was added in the 1912 modern list because it was easier to supply in jewelry-quality sizes.