March Birthstone: Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Originating from "aqua" meaning water and "mare" meaning sea, aquamarine crystals are best known for their beautiful blue-green color reminiscent of the world's oceans.

Aquamarine stones range in color from clear to blue-green to sky blue. Deeper blues are considered more valuable. A member of the beryl family of minerals, it is often heated to reduce yellow or pale colors. The deepest green beryl is actually an emerald.

March Birthstone: Origin of Birthstones

How certain stones came to be connected to specific months is cloudy. Some speculate the birthstone originates from Biblical times when a priest's breastplate was adorned with twelve different colored gems. Over time, the number twelve became connected to months of the year and to the zodiac.

People began wearing a different gem each month as a sort of talisman, believing each stone held certain powers. Gradually, specific gems became attached to specific months and zodiac signs. People then wore the gem associated with their birth month all year long.

Fast-forward hundreds of years to 1912 in Kansas City, Missouri. The American National Association of Jewelers created a birthstone list, assigning different stones to each month. The birthstone list was controversial because people thought it was developed purely for commercial purposes. Even so, it is accepted worldwide today as the definitive list of birthstones.

March Birthstone: History and Beliefs about Aquamarine

Long associated with the ocean, ancient Romans believed aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, King of the Sea (www.about-birthstones.com). Roman and Greek sailors carried aquamarine for protection against the dangers of the ocean. Romans carved aquamarine into frog figures believing this would cause enemies to reconcile and become friends. Ancient Romans also believed that it enhanced young love and often gave aquamarine gems to young brides the morning after marriage consummation.