Birthstone of the Month – March

For those born in the month of March … Bloodstone and/ or Aquamarine is the official birthstone.

the story behind aquamarine …

“Aquamarine, a splendid blue gemstone whose name originates from the Italian word for seawater, embodies the splendor of the sea. A member of the beryl family, aquamarine is a sister to the rich green emerald. It can be found in a range of pale blue hues and aqua green colors. Legends refer to aquamarine as the treasure of Atlantis [and of mermaids], with the power to keep sailors safe at sea.”

Mermaid’s Garden by Holle Hahn

“In addition, aquamarine is also believed to have a soothing influence on relationships, especially in marriage. Its power to ensure a long and happy marriage makes it an excellent stone to give on anniversaries. Traditionally, aquamarine is also the birthstone for March.

There is much lore about the aquamarine stone. For instance, the Romans believed that if a frog were carved onto an aquamarine stone, it would reconcile enemies and make them friends. The Greeks and the Romans revered the aquamarine as a sailor’s stone of protection and it was commonly worn to ensure a safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. The Sumerians, Egyptians, and Hebrews also admired and valued aquamarine gemstones. To many ancient cultures, it was a symbol of happiness, courage and everlasting youth.

Aquamarine’s powers of revelation were strong during the middle ages. It was common to carve gazing balls for fortune telling or to suspend an aquamarine crystal on a string over a bowl of water in order to divine messages as the stone disturbed the surface or touched letters drawn on the bowl’s rim. ”

(as quoted from FireMountainGems)

image courtesy: GMLjewels.com