March Birthstone – Aquamarine & Bloodstone – Aquamarine and Bloodstone are the two birthstones for March, and they couldn’t be more contrasting in their appearance and symbolism.
However, there are commonalities between the two gemstones, most notably, that they both offer protection.
Aquamarine, – the birthstone of March, is also used to celebrate 19th wedding anniversaries. It has a rich colour and has long been a symbol of youth, health and hope.
The name Aquamarine comes from the Latin aqua marinus, meaning “water of the sea,” “aqua,” meaning water, and “mare,” meaning sea, and refers to its sparkling ocean-like colour.
Colour
Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the colour usually is more intense in larger stones, and darker blue stones are very valuable.
Like emeralds, this gemstone is a variety of a mineral called beryl.
The intensity of the colour may also occur when there are traces of iron present in the beryl crystal.
Large gemstones have been found all over the world, including one gemstone found in Brazil that weighed over 240 pounds. Aquamarine grows in large, six-sided crystals that can be up to a foot long.
Unique Properties
This gemstone was once believed to protect sailors, prevent seasickness as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene blue of aquamarine gems was said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and level-headed.
In the Middle Ages, many believed that the simple act of wearing an aquamarine stone was a literal antidote to poisoning.
The Romans believed that if you carved a frog into a piece of aquamarine jewellery, it would help to reconcile differences between enemies and make new friends.
Some even believed it could re-awaken love between two people.
Healing properties of Aquamarine
Many ancient medicines used a powder made from aquamarine to help cure all manner of infection, but it was thought to be particularly good for eye ailments.
As a healing stone, it is said to be effective as a treatment for anxiety and in the Middle Ages, it was thought that aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons.
Spiritual Meaning of Aquamarine
Since early times, aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness. It is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful.
Bloodstone
If you are born in March and crave an earthier birthstone, Bloodstone could be your preference.
You can find bloodstone embedded in rocks or in riverbeds in countries such as India, Brazil, Australia, Germany, the United States, Italy and South Africa.
Colour
Bloodstone is an opaque polycrystalline chalcedony (a type of quartz) consisting of dark green jasper with red spots or patterns from iron inclusions. These red spots occur as a result of iron oxide deposition in the gemstone. These red markings open the door to a world of symbolism.
These inclusions resemble spots of blood, hence its name. The inclusions can also be other colours such as yellow or white, but red is the most well-known and popular.
Unique Properties of Bloodstone
As you can see the red inclusions look like blood splatters, but the meaning runs even deeper than blood. In Greek, Bloodstone means “to turn the sun,” because ancient people believed this march birthstone made the sun turn red once immersed in water.
The Ancient Egyptians believed bloodstone could make an individual stronger and stealthier in battle, maybe even invisible to their enemies.
Healing Properties of Bloodstone
Bloodstone has intense healing properties, known to bestow the wearer with strength, youth, vitality, health, and good luck.
It is thought to increase vitality, stamina, and endurance and to promote emotional balance and charity while relieving melancholy, fever, gallstones, and eye problems.
Spiritual Meaning
Throughout history, bloodstone has been connected with an ability to control the weather, predict the future, win courtroom battles and increase creativity. In fact, it was so loved for its properties that many used the stone in jewellery, signet rings and even small cups or statues.
How to cleanse your birthstone
Equally important is to cleanse your birthstone regularly since the gemstone absorbs the negative energy from your body and your surroundings. Once a day by holding it under running lukewarm water for a short period of time will help this process. You could also visualise a white or golden light surrounding your gemstone and clear away any negativity, as you rinse the birthstone. Do this regularly – every morning or every evening – especially if you wear your jewellery on a regular basis. To charge the gemstone a little extra, leave it in the direct moonlight during the full moon.
No matter if it’s your birthstone or not, anyone can wear the March birthstone to heal themselves and to bring in some good luck into their lives.
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