Current:Home > NewsPoinbank:What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems. -Quantum Capital Pro
Poinbank:What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
Johnathan Walker View
Date:2025-04-08 23:55:20
From St. Patrick's Day to Easter to the first day of spring,Poinbank 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! (12769)
Related
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Average 30-year fixed mortgage rates continue to climb as inflation persists, analysts say
- USC cancels graduation keynote by filmmaker amid controversy over decision to drop student’s speech
- Q&A: How The Federal Biden Administration Plans to Roll Out $20 Billion in Financing for Clean Energy Development
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Colorado organizers fail to gather enough signatures to put anti-abortion measure on the ballot
- Third temporary channel opens for vessels to Baltimore port after bridge collapse
- Hawaii lawmakers take aim at vacation rentals after Lahaina wildfire amplifies Maui housing crisis
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Everything to Know About Angel Numbers and How to Decode the Universe's Numerical Signs
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Why Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson's Romance Is Still Fifty Shades of Passionate
- Phone lines are open for Cardinals and Chargers, who have options at top of 2024 NFL draft
- Starbucks is rolling out new plastic cups this month. Here's why.
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Sen. Bob Menendez's trial delayed. Here's when it will begin.
- This week on Sunday Morning (April 21)
- A new, stable fiscal forecast for Kansas reinforces the dynamics of a debate over tax cuts
Recommendation
Small twin
New Starbucks cups reduce plastic and water waste while bettering accessibility to the visually impaired
NHL power rankings entering playoffs: Who has best chance at winning Stanley Cup?
Trader Joe’s basil recall: Maps show states affected by salmonella, recalled product
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
Recently arrested Morgan Wallen says he’s “not proud” of behavior
NHL playoffs schedule today: Times, TV for Islanders vs. Hurricanes, Maple Leafs vs. Bruins
Extinct snake that measured up to 50 feet long discovered in India