Two Birthstones for March

Like many other months, there are two birthstones for March – aquamarine and bloodstone.

Aquamarine  generally has a rich light blue color that can range from very light to deep blue.   It’s thought to be a symbol of youthfulness, health and hope. Some people feel the color of this stone is reminiscent of the sea.  Aquamarine is a great accent when teamed with spring and summer fashions.

Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl. It’s color is more intense in larger stones, and the darker blue stones can be quite valuable. This gemstone primarily comes from Brazil, but it’s also  found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.

Bloodstone is the alternate March birthstone.  It’s a deep green stone that’s flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. Bloodstone makes beautiful cabochons and it’s found in India, Brazil, and Australia

Another name for bloodstone is also heliotrope. In ancient Greek, heliotrope meant “to turn the sun.”  Sometimes called blood jasper, bloodstone is actually chalcedony (a crypto crystalline quartz).  Two forms of bloodstone exist – the form with red spots (heliotrope) and another that has very little red in it.  Heliotrope is somewhat more transparent. The best bloodstone is a solid green with veins/spots of red.