Current:Home > NewsWhat is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -Infinite Edge Learning
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
Fastexy View
Date:2025-04-06 22:45:09
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! (5422)
Related
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Rex Tillerson Testifies, Denying Exxon Misled Investors About Climate Risk
- As Special Envoy for Climate, John Kerry Will Be No Stranger to International Climate Negotiations
- Activists sue Harvard over legacy admissions after affirmative action ruling
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Sarah-Jade Bleau Shares the One Long-Lasting Lipstick That Everyone Needs in Their Bag
- Lady Gaga Will Give You a Million Reasons to Love Her Makeup-Free Selfies
- Courts Question Pipeline Builders’ Use of Eminent Domain to Take Land
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- AEP Cancels Nation’s Largest Wind Farm: 3 Challenges Wind Catcher Faced
Ranking
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- The Ultimatum: Queer Love Relationship Status Check: Who's Still Together?
- Explosive devices detonated, Molotov cocktail thrown at Washington, D.C., businesses
- Ohio Gov. DeWine asks Biden for major disaster declaration for East Palestine after train derailment
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Clouds of Concern Linger as Wildfires Drag into Flu Season and Covid-19 Numbers Swell
- Kim Zolciak Won't Be Tardy to Drop Biermann From Her Instagram Name
- Anna Marie Tendler Reflects on Her Mental Health “Breakdown” Amid Divorce From John Mulaney
Recommendation
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
Key Question as Exxon Climate Trial Begins: What Did Investors Believe?
Overstock CEO wants to distance company from taint of Bed Bath & Beyond
Joey Chestnut remains hot dog eating champ. Here's how many calories he consumed during the event.
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Wednesday's Percy Hynes White Denies Baseless, Harmful Misconduct Accusations
As Special Envoy for Climate, John Kerry Will Be No Stranger to International Climate Negotiations
As Special Envoy for Climate, John Kerry Will Be No Stranger to International Climate Negotiations