March’s Birthstone: Aquamarine

Why is Aquamarine March’s Birthstone?

As winter gradually gives way to spring, March is a month of new beginnings, fresh air, and the first hints of blooming colours. March’s birthstone, aquamarine, captures the essence of this transitional season perfectly. Its serene blue hues, reminiscent of clear oceans and crisp skies, make it an ideal stone for those born at the brink of spring.

The Colours of Aquamarine: A Glimpse of the Ocean

Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (of the sea), perfectly fitting its ocean-blue to blue-green shades. The gemstone often has a subtle transparency, giving it an almost liquid-like quality. While March’s birthstone most commonly appears in light blue, deeper, more saturated aquamarines exist and are particularly valuable. Just as March’s shifting weather carries an air of clarity and calm, aquamarine’s gentle blues exude a calming influence on the wearer.

Aquamarine’s Symbolism of Tranquility and Courage

Aquamarine has long been associated with serenity, clarity, and courage. In ancient times, sailors believed aquamarine protected them on voyages, a talisman of safety and fearlessness on open waters. Today, March’s birthstone is a stone of calm, as aquamarine helps reduce stress, soothe the mind, and inspire honesty- calming metaphorical stormy thoughts rather than literal stormy seas. As the world begins to wake from winter’s rest, aquamarine is symbolic of both the refreshment and courage needed for new beginnings.

March’s Birthstone and the Zodiac: Pisces and Aries

March is ruled by Pisces and Aries, two very distinct signs with qualities that complement aquamarine’s energies.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces have a deep connection to emotion and spirituality with an intuitive and empathetic nature. Aquamarine’s gentle, calming influence helps Pisces process and express their emotions while enhancing their intuitive abilities. Pisces can be deeply sensitive, often internalizing emotions rather than expressing them. Aquamarine is thought to open the throat chakra, enhancing communication and empowering Pisces to speak their truths. It’s no surprise that the sign represented by fish receives guidance and calm from a stone thought to literally calm the seas.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Fiery and adventurous, Aries is often impulsive and thrives on excitement. Aquamarine’s calming energy balances Aries’ high-energy traits, encouraging patience and thoughtfulness. Additionally, aquamarine is often associated with courage, enhancing Aries’ natural bravery and helping them approach challenges with clarity and resilience. This makes aquamarine an ideal birthstone for helping Aries navigate life with confidence, strength, and a more measured approach.

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The History of Aquamarine

Aquamarine has captivated civilizations throughout history. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed it to be the treasure of mermaids, offering protection to sailors and travelers. Roman brides often wore aquamarine as a symbol of fidelity. While ancient Egyptians valued March’s birthstone for its beauty and believed it could counteract poison. Medieval mystics saw aquamarine as a stone of foresight, used in divination to reveal hidden truths. Across many cultures, aquamarine has been cherished not only for its beauty but for its supposed protective and healing powers.

Aquamarine is also known as a stone for lovers. In Buddhist tradition, March’s birthstone is a customary gift from a husband to his wife the day after their wedding. This is because it encourages happiness in marriage. Medieval Christians held a similar belief, seeing aquamarine as a symbol of a joyful union. This might explain why more couples today opt for aquamarine and diamond engagement rings as March’s birthstone brings marital harmony.

In keeping with a Buddhist tradition, Prince Harry gifted Meghan Markle his mother’s aquamarine ring on their wedding day. The striking emerald-cut aquamarine set in gold adorned Meghan’s slender fingers, also ticked off the traditional requirement for “something blue” on your wedding day. This tradition reaches back to the Ancient Romans for whom blue represented love and fidelity- and aquamarine exhibits the brightest and most joyous blue.

In following tradition, why not peek at our Aquamarine Engagement Rings? Continue the story.

How Aquamarine Gets Its Colour

Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl. It’s unique blue to blue-green colour comes from iron within the crystal structure. Unlike opal, a mineraloid, aquamarine forms in a crystal structure, making March’s birthstone harder ( 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale). This durability makes aquamarine an ideal choice for everyday wear. This explains why it’s so popular in rings, earrings, and other frequently worn jewellery.

Aquamarine forms in large, transparent crystals, which makes it a popular choice for faceted cuts, maximizing its clarity and brilliance. The stone’s colour can vary with the iron concentration, with higher amounts creating a deeper, more vibrant blue.

Care and Maintenance of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is relatively durable, but like any gemstone, it requires care to maintain its brilliance:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep aquamarine away from harsh cleaning products and chemicals, as they can damage the stone over time.
• Protect from Extreme Temperatures: Rapid temperature changes can cause cracks, so avoid exposing aquamarine to extreme heat.
• Clean Gently: Use a soft cloth, mild soap, and warm water to clean aquamarine jewellery. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as these can potentially damage the stone.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your aquamarine jewellery remains a beautiful reminder of March’s energy and charm.

Conclusion: A Perfect Symbol for March Birthdays

Aquamarine’s tranquil hues, rich history, and connections to protection and clarity make it the perfect birthstone for those born in March. Its associations with courage and calm are ideal qualities as winter gives way to spring, inspiring those who wear it to embrace change with grace and strength. Aquamarine’s serene energy is a fitting tribute to March and the unique personalities of the Pisces and Aries born within it.

• January’s Birthstone: Garnet
• February’s Birthstone: Amethyst
• April Birthstone: Diamond