ALL ABOUT THE AMAZING AQUAMARINE

March officially heralds the changing of the seasons from winter to spring. The snow eventually thaws and gives way to crocuses and daffodils, the sun shines a little brighter, and animals make their way out of hibernation to greet the longer days.

And if you're as excited about the new season as we are then you will absolutely love the birthstone for March. The seafoam green gemstone, aquamarine, is admired the world over for its peaceful hue and high quality stones. So read on to learn all about the amazing aquamarine!

WHAT IS THE MARCH BIRTHSTONE?

If you were fortunate enough to be born in March, you have not one but two birthstones, aquamarine and bloodstone.

What's more, these stones are actually related! Aquamarine is a type of beryl, while bloodstone is also a form of chalcedony. Both are cryptocrystalline silica varieties formed when other minerals like aluminum and iron mix with silicon dioxide (the same stuff that makes up sand). The result is a stone with gorgeous colors that can appear translucent or opaque depending on its thickness. These colors range from aquamarine rough blueish-green to greenish-blue to red/orange.

WHY DOES MARCH HAVE TWO BIRTHSTONES?

The traditional March birthstone, bloodstone, was the birthstone of choice for March babies between the 15th and 20th centuries. However, in 1912 the National Association of Jewelers made an effort to standardize the birthstone list by adopting an official list of monthly birthstones. This new list included two March birthstones, the original bloodstone and the aquamarine as a new addition, which has been celebrated as a March birthday stone ever since.

WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AQUAMARINE GEMS?

Like the emerald, the March birthstone is a member of the mineral-beryl family. Aquamarine gems are formed deep within the earth where high pressure and intense heat combine and force grains of sand to collect together and are forced into layers of other gemstones (called mica-schist).

Aquamarine colors can range from deep blue-green to seafoam green or any other light blue color and are caused by trace amounts of iron oxide and magnesium in the soil around the mineral deposits.

Most rough aquamarine gemstones are light blue-green before being subjected to heat treatments that change the green to the deep blue stones consumers know and love.

HISTORICAL BELIEFS ABOUT AQUAMARINE CRYSTALS

Derived from the Latin words aqua for "water" and marina for "of the sea", it makes sense that this gem of blue-green color would have a rich history of imparting safety, wisdom, and clarity to soldiers, sailors, and everyone in between.

ANCIENT EGYPTIANS

The ancient Egyptians believed that aquamarine gems possessed healing powers, as well as the ability to bring happiness and everlasting youth. Many Egyptian mummies have been found with aquamarine beads, which is thought to be due to the belief held by many Egyptians that aquamarine beads belonged to sea goddesses.

ANCIENT GREEKS AND ROMANS

As we mentioned before, aquamarine gets its name, 'aquamarine', from Latin. So, it would make sense that the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans held a special place in their heart for the second birthstone for March.

In ancient Greece, aquamarine was considered a sacred stone. It was believed to protect those who wore it and help them stay healthy.

Aquamarine was also thought to be the color of the ocean and the sea, which was an important element in Greek mythology. For example, Poseidon—the god of the sea and earthquakes—was believed to have created aquamarine when he struck the water with lightning. The aquamarine gems then washed to shore after spilling from the treasure chests of Sirens.

This color connection may be part of why Greeks associated aquamarine with purity: The purest blue is often found in the deepest parts of our oceans.

Romans also associated aquamarine with the sea, believing it to be sacred to the Roman god of the ocean, Neptune. As the famous Roman philosopher, Pliny wrote, "the lovely aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid's treasure house, in the depths of a summer sea, has charms not to be denied".

Of these charms, ancient mariners claimed the most important was the aquamarine crystals power to protect sailors at sea. In fact, aquamarine was frequently referred to as a sailor's gem because of this.

ANCIENT INDIANS

In Ancient India, aquamarine was also believed to be a stone of happiness and cleanliness. They roped the aquamarine and topaz together as they both are lovely deep blue stones. In Buddhism, aquamarine would symbolize love and mercy in addition to the ocean, additionally, it was customary to gift a bride an aquamarine the day after her wedding to ensure a long and happy marriage.

THE MIDDLE AGES

Aquamarine continued to be associated with the ocean well into the Middle Ages when Christians associated the gem with the Apostle Saint Thomas, as he was known for sailing the Mediterranean sea to preach the Gospel.

An aquamarine crystal ball was often used as a method to tell the future and protect and purify people, particularly from poison. Finally, many nobles chose to adorn their tiaras, necklaces, and, rings as a sign of nobility.

MODERN-DAY BELIEFS ABOUT AQUAMARINE

As in Ancient Times, aquamarine is still believed to bring safety to those traveling on the seas and is frequently gifted to those who enjoy a good cruise now and again. Additionally, many people believe that aquamarine helps them connect with their spiritual selves and brings a sense of balance and inner strength to their lives.

Aquamarine corresponds to the throat chakra and is believed to be the stone of breath and can help individuals connect with their spiritual selves and bring a sense of calm and balance to their lives. Many people also use aquamarine to enhance their intuition and develop their psychic abilities.

OUR FAVORITE AQUAMARINE JEWELRY

Looking to gift your favorite Aries or Pisces a stunning piece of jewelry? You can't go wrong with the March birthstone of aquamarine.

THE JUNIPER AQUAMARINE AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING

Crystalline waters are effortlessly evoked within the pear-cut center aquamarine stone in our breathtaking Juniper Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring. An asymmetrical design of melee diamonds glitter and gleam to complement the March birthstone. All of this is enrobed in a recycled solid gold or platinum band that has been cast from a real foraged Ashe Juniper twig that allows all of the stunning natural detail to shine through it in all of its glory.

SHOP THE JUNIPER AQUAMARINE AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING

THE GARLAND PERSONALIZED BIRTHSTONE FOUR-STONE RING

What's better than one aquamarine? How about four?

Our sweet Garland Personalized Birthstone Four-Stone Ring features four rough birthstones of your choice and is set in incredible yellow, rose, or white gold and platinum. Mix and match the birthstones of the ones you love to always keep an important and beautiful reminder of them on your finger. Or, go all in and combine four aquamarine stones for a look that is uniquely your own.

SHOP THE GARLAND PERSONALIZED BIRTHSTONE FOUR-STONE RING

FIND YOUR PERFECT AQUAMARINE JEWELRY AT OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY

If you are looking for March's birthstone, you've come to the right place. Olivia Ewing Jewelry specializes in creating stunning pieces of wearable works of art. From the pale blue-green glint of aquamarine to shimmering and glinting diamonds, Olivia Ewing Jewelry has something for everyone.

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Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing