March birthstone colour
Mar 01, 2024
March seems to be the only month where there are multiple birthstones of a different colour. One birthstone is aquamarine, which we all know of as blue. But March has a second birthstone, bloodstone, which is a very dark green with red spots. I'm not sure why there's such a dramatic difference in colours for the same month but my love is for the sea-blue tones of aquamarine.
I picked up a particularly gorgeous aquamarine with hypnotic blue depths, and once I'd made this into a pendant I loved it so much, I acquired a little stash. I get quite attached to the stones I buy and it's sometimes a wrench to use my favourites! I realise that's a bit weird, because that's what I bought them for right? I'm always happy though when I see them nestled in the precious metal of a new piece of jewellery.
About aquamarine
Anyway, more about this March birthstone - the word aquamarine is derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea), which is fitting given that its colour is so evocative of crystal-clear tropical oceans. The colour ranges from a rich aqua blue to much paler hues, and you can even get pale green varieties (maybe that's where the link - somewhat tenuous in my view - to bloodstone comes in!). At 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, it's a relatively hard stone which make it suitable for rings (for reference, diamonds are a perfect 10).
Aquamarine symbolism
Aquamarine has a fascinating history and plenty of symbolic meaning attached to it. Throughout the centuries, sailors believed that aquamarine protected them from the dangers of the sea, keeping them safe on long voyages. They even thought the gemstone was a treasure of mermaids, giving it an extra layer of mystical appeal.
Beyond its connection to the sea, aquamarine is associated with clarity, serenity and emotional balance. Some believe that wearing aquamarine can help reduce stress and calm your mind. It’s said to promote clear communication and even enhance your intuition. Woo hoo!
Personally, I love the sense of calm it brings when I gaze into its depths, even as I wave goodbye while it finds its place its new forever home.
