Current:Home > StocksIndexbit-What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -Secure Growth Academy
Indexbit-What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
FinLogic FinLogic Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-10 09:44:28
From St. Patrick's Day to Easter to the first day of spring,Indexbit March hosts many celebrations throughout its 31 days.
March babies can bear one of two astrological signs: Pisces (born between March 1-20) or Aries (March 21-31). Two varieties of daffodil flowers also represent those born in March.
Each month has at least one gemstone. So, what about March's birthstone? It has two. Here's what to know about March birthstones, including their colors and symbolism.
March birthstone
Aquamarine and bloodstone are the two birthstones for March.
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl that ranges from pale blue to light green. The stone's name derives from the Latin "aqua" and "marina," meaning "seawater," according to the American Gem Society. Some faceted, or cut, aquamarines can be as clear as water.
This is not the only connection the gem has to the sea. Mariners once believed aquamarine could calm waves and protect sailors during their aquatic voyages, the Geological Institute of America reports.
The world's largest faceted aquamarine can be found at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The Dom Pedro aquamarine weighs approximately 4.6 pounds and was cut from a 100-pound stone in the late 1980s, Smithsonian Magazine reports.
The second largest cut of aquamarine belonged to former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She was gifted the 1,298-carat, 2.86-pound gem by Brazilian president Getúlio Vargas in 1936, according to the International Gem Society. It is currently on display at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York.
Minas Gerais in Brazil has been a major producer of aquamarine for the last two centuries, the Geological Institute of America reports. Other mining spots include Pakistan, Madagascar, Myanmar, Ukraine, Colorado and California.
Aquamarine is believed to symbolize "purity of spirit and soul." It is said to bring happiness in marriage, according to the Geological Institute of America, and is a traditional gift for the nineteenth wedding anniversary.
Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony, usually dark green with splotches of red hematite. The stone comes in two forms: transparent or opaque.
The name "bloodstone" has religious origins, with some believing the gem's pattern represents the blood of Jesus Christ, the Geological Institute of America reports. Its alternate name "heliotrope" derives from the ancient Greek for "to turn the sun." It was believed the stone, when placed in water, could turn the sun red, according to the American Gem Society.
Throughout history, bloodstone was associated with the Roman god of war, Mars. So, it is natural that the stone came to represent March, the month named after the god, the International Gem Society reports.
It was also believed that bloodstone would bring strength and health to those who wear it. Some see the birthstone as a good luck charm, according to the Geological Institute of America.
India is a prime source of bloodstone, but it can also be found in Brazil, Australia, China and the U.S., the Geological Institute of America reports.
What color is my birthstone?Learn which gemstone represents each month and what it means.
Want to learn more about other month's birthstones?
January | February | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What are angel numbers?" to "What is my Zodiac sign?" to "How common is my birthday?"− we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.
veryGood! (149)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- 3 Colorado poultry workers test presumptively positive for bird flu
- Trump rally shooting raises concerns of political violence. Here's a look at past attacks on U.S. presidents and candidates.
- Dolphin mass stranding on Cape Cod found to be the largest in US history
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Australian gallery's Picasso exhibit that sparked a gender war wasn't actually the Spanish painter's work
- James Sikking, star of ‘Hill Street Blues’ and ‘Doogie Howser, MD,’ dies at 90
- Score Top Holiday Gifts Up to 60% Off at Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024: Jo Malone, Le Creuset & More
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Dinnertime (Freestyle)
Ranking
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Jennifer Lopez Shares Rare Glimpse Into Bond With Ben Affleck's Daughter Violet
- Shannen Doherty, 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star, dies at 53 after cancer battle
- Jennie Garth Details Truth of Real Friendship With Shannen Doherty After 90210 Costar's Death
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Dodgers pitcher Dustin May has season-ending surgery on esophagus
- Taylor Swift swallows bug in Milan, leaves audience feeling like they're 'The 1'
- What to know about legal battles on details of abortion rights ballot measures across US
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
I didn't think country music was meant for Black women like me. Then came Beyoncé.
Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte Ace Wimbledon 2024 During Rare Public Outing
At a Trump rally, shocking images fill TV screens. Then reporters rush to find out what it means
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte Ace Wimbledon 2024 During Rare Public Outing
Ruth Westheimer, America's pioneering sex therapist known as Dr. Ruth, dies at 96
Globetrotting butterflies traveled 2,600 miles across the Atlantic, stunned scientists say