Those born in March are blessed with the serene, tranquil and majestic Aquamarine as their birth gemstone. The deep sea green color of aquamarine is believed to keep one calm and peaceful, allowing the bearer to remain stoic and in control despite any provocation. Aquamarine has a pale, deep green-blue cool color that works perfectly with spring and summer wardrobes. The alternative March birthstone is Heliotrope.
Meaning, Significance and Symbolism Of The March Birthstone
The lovely aquamarine gemstone is associated with courage, loyalty, fealty and friendship. Aquamarine is said to heighten awareness, communication skills and quick response. This gemstone symbolizes honesty, faithfulness and beauty.
Interesting Facts About Aquamarine
Aquamarines were considered sacred to Neptune, Roman God of the Sea. The association with the sea has made this stone a sacred gem for sailors, promising a prosperous and safe voyage for all those at sea. The stone was believed to have promised a safe and prosperous voyage, as well as provide sailors protection against the perils and monsters of the sea. The Greeks wore amulets made of aquamarine engraved with Poseidon (The Lord of the Sea) on a chariot.
Etymology of Aquamarine
The word Aquamarine is made up of two Latin words: ‘aqua’ or water and ‘marina’, the sea.
Scientific Make Up -Composition Of The March Birthstone
Aquamarines vary in color from deep blue to bluish-green, with differing intensities due to the varying quantities of iron in the beryl crystal. Naturally occurring deep blue aquamarine stones are rare, expensive and in high demand. A trick commonly followed is to heat yellow Beryl stones to change their color to deep blue. Jasper Microcrystalline Quartz That Makes Up This March Birthstone
Characteristics of March Birthstone
This is a unique gemstone as it never has inclusions. Aquamarines are flawless and available in various cuts similar to diamonds. Premium quality aquamarine stones do not have inclusions visible to the naked eye. In rare cases, inclusions visible through magnification are minute.
Color of Aquamarine: Aquamarine is often light colored, transparent and ranges from greenish-blue hues to deep blue or blue-green. The color is more intense in larger stones. The deep blue stones are the most valuable with the darker shades of the stone more popular than the lighter shades.
Origin Of The Aquamarine
The aquamarine, or the March birthstone, is mined in Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan, Brazil, Mozambique and Madagascar, with Brazil being the largest source.
Healing Power Of March Birthstone
The aquamarine is believed to have healing powers, effective in curing ailments of the liver, jaws, stomach and throat. For several years the stone has been used by many to heal and alleviate pain and other symptoms related to stomach and liver disorders.
Value Of Aquamarines
Aquamarines were thought to be the source of power for soothsayers, called the ‘Magic Mirror’, stones used for telling fortunes and answering questions about the future. Transparent aquamarine was used for the manufacture of eyeglasses and lenses.
The March Birthstone – Heliotrope
Heliotrope is the traditional birthstone for those born in the month of March. It is believed to improve the quality of one’s life by increasing self-confidence. The Heliotrope is also believed to attract wealth and ensure clarity of thought in major business and domestic decisions, in addition to promoting love and success in legal matters. The stone has long been associated with longevity and a sunny disposition.
Meaning, Significance and Symbolism Of The March Birthstone
The Heliotrope signifies strength and healing, vitality and warmth, balance and harmony, strength and success, stimulation and fertility. Those inclined towards the spiritual realm believe that if the stone turns blood red, it is indicative or portends imminent danger to the wearer. According to the ancient Greeks, the Heliotrope was the connecting stone between the Gods, the Earth and the Men. Calmness Of The Sea As Seen In An Aquamarine. What Exactly Is A Heliotrope?