March Birthstone: Aquamarine

Mar 5, 2026

March Birthstone Guide: Aquamarine — Properties, Care, History & Symbolism

Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, has been admired for centuries for its serene blue tones and luminous clarity. Its name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea", a reference long noted in gemological literature due to the stone’s resemblance to clear ocean water.

Ranging in color from pale sky blue to deeper sea-blue, aquamarine has become associated with clarity, calm, and open communication. Across cultures, it has been linked to safe passage, harmony, and trust — themes that continue to shape how it is worn and gifted today.

In this guide, we’ll explore what aquamarine is and how it forms, review its physical and gemological properties, discuss how to care for aquamarine jewelry, and examine the history and symbolism that have made it one of the world’s most beloved gemstones.

What is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of the beryl mineral family, which also includes gemstones such as emerald and morganite. Unlike emerald, which owes its green color to chromium and vanadium, aquamarine’s blue coloration is caused primarily by trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure. Because of its natural clarity and relatively few inclusions compared to other gemstones, aquamarine is often cut in step cuts such as emerald cuts, which highlight its transparency and clean lines.

How Aquamarine Forms

Aquamarine forms deep within the Earth in coarse-grained igneous rocks known as pegmatites. These geological environments allow crystals to grow slowly over time, often resulting in large, transparent specimens. The presence of iron during crystal growth gives aquamarine its signature blue tones.

Color Variations and Trade Names

Color plays a significant role in determining value. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the most prized aquamarines display a pure, deeper blue without noticeable green tones. Lighter stones are more common and remain widely appreciated for their airy, almost translucent glow.

Certain shades of aquamarine have developed trade names over time:

Santa Maria aquamarine refers to a richly saturated blue variety originally mined in Santa Maria de Itabira, Brazil.
Maxixe aquamarine is a deeper blue variety discovered in Brazil; however, its intense color can fade with exposure to light or heat.

These distinctions reflect subtle but meaningful differences in hue and stability, serving as reminders that even within one gemstone family, nature creates variation.

The Physical and Gemological Properties of Aquamarine

Mohs hardness: 7.5 – 8

The Mohs scale measures a mineral’s resistance to scratching, from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). With a rating between 7.5 and 8, aquamarine is considered durable enough for everyday jewelry, though care should still be taken to avoid hard impacts.

Refractive Index (RI): 1.577 – 1.583

Aquamarine’s refractive index contributes to its bright yet gentle brilliance. While not as fiery as diamond, its clarity allows light to move beautifully through the stone.

Luster: Vitreous

Aquamarine displays a glass-like surface luster when properly cut and polished. These properties make aquamarine an excellent choice for rings, pendants, bracelets, and even engagement rings — particularly for those drawn to understated elegance.

How to Care for Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine is durable but not indestructible. To protect your jewelry:

Clean using warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry gently. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided.
Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
Remove aquamarine jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools or applying perfumes and lotions.
Store separately from harder gemstones such as diamonds or sapphires to prevent scratches.

Thoughtful care preserves both the polish and the meaning behind the piece.

A Brief History of Aquamarine Through the Ages

Aquamarine has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Ancient Roman writers, including Pliny the Elder, described green and blue beryls and associated them with the sea.

Sailors in the ancient Mediterranean world carried aquamarine as a talisman, believing it offered protection during voyages and calmed turbulent waters. Though rooted in folklore rather than science, these beliefs shaped aquamarine’s enduring connection to safe travel and courage.

During the Middle Ages, aquamarine was believed to reawaken love between married couples and was sometimes gifted as a token of reconciliation.

Large aquamarine crystals discovered in Brazil during the 18th and 19th centuries significantly increased global availability, allowing the gemstone to become more accessible while retaining its aura of refinement.

Today, aquamarine continues to bridge ancient mythology and modern design — equally at home in heirloom pieces and contemporary settings.

The Meaning and Symbolism of Aquamarine

Historical Symbolism

Because of its oceanic hue, aquamarine became closely associated with the sea. Sailors once believed it could protect against storms and ensure safe passage.

Its clarity led many cultures to associate it with truthfulness, calm speech, and clear communication. These symbolic meanings, while not scientific, have persisted across centuries of storytelling.

Modern Interpretations

Today, aquamarine is often associated with:

Clarity of thought
Emotional balance
Courage in communication
Harmony within relationships

Its cool blue tones evoke steadiness and renewal — qualities that resonate naturally with the early days of spring.

Aquamarine as the March Birthstone (and More!)

Aquamarine has long been associated with the month of March and was officially recognized as March’s birthstone in the modern standardized list established in 1912.

In addition to representing March birthdays:

Aquamarine is the traditional gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary.
Its association with safe travel and protection makes it a meaningful gift for new beginnings.
In memorial jewelry, aquamarine’s serene blue can serve as a quiet symbol of enduring love and peaceful remembrance.

Beyond formal designations, aquamarine often feels personal. Its soft yet resilient nature mirrors the transition from winter into spring — from stillness into renewal.

March’s Alternative Birthstone: Bloodstone

While aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March, bloodstone is its traditional counterpart and predates aquamarine in early birthstone lists.

What is Bloodstone?

Bloodstone is a dark green variety of chalcedony (a form of quartz) marked by distinctive red spots caused by iron oxide inclusions. These markings resemble drops of blood, giving the stone its name.

History & Symbolism

Historically, bloodstone has been associated with strength, courage, and protection. In ancient cultures, it was carved into amulets and seals, and during the Middle Ages it became linked to Christian symbolism, earning the nickname “martyr’s stone.” While rooted in folklore rather than science, these meanings have endured for centuries.

Bloodstone in Jewelry

On the Mohs scale, bloodstone ranks between 6.5 and 7, making it suitable for many types of jewelry. Because bloodstone is opaque, it is typically cut into cabochons or beads rather than faceted stones. Its deep green base and red inclusions give it a bold, earthy presence — a grounded alternative to aquamarine’s cool, oceanic tone.

For those drawn to symbolism of resilience and steadiness, bloodstone offers a meaningful representation of March.

Conclusion

Aquamarine has been treasured for centuries for its clarity, durability, and luminous connection to the sea. As March’s birthstone, it represents openness, renewal, and steady strength. Whether chosen to honor a March birthday, mark a 19th anniversary, symbolize a new chapter, or hold the memory of someone cherished, aquamarine carries its meaning gently but confidently — like the tide itself.

Clear. Calm. Enduring.