How Many Birthstones Does March Have? Complete Guide

If you are researching birthstones for yourself or someone born in March, you may have noticed some inconsistency in what different sources say about this particular month. So, how many birthstones does March have exactly? The answer is two, aquamarine and bloodstone, making March one of several months throughout the year that features more than one official birthstone option.

In this guide, we will explore both of March's birthstones in detail, covering their history, meaning, and unique characteristics, so you can better understand why this month offers two distinct gemstone choices. If you are drawn to the soft, oceanic beauty of aquamarine or the striking, historic appeal of bloodstone, our Stone Collection features a variety of natural gemstone jewelry worth exploring.

How Many Birthstones Does March Have

March has two official birthstones, aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is generally considered the more widely recognized and commonly used of the two in modern jewelry, prized for its serene, pale blue color reminiscent of clear ocean water. Bloodstone, a deep green stone flecked with red, represents an older birthstone tradition with roots stretching back centuries, tied to ancient beliefs and historical significance.

Both stones are officially recognized as March birthstones by major gemstone organizations, meaning those born in March have two distinct, meaningful options to choose from when selecting birthstone jewelry.

Why Does March Have Two Birthstones

Understanding why March, along with several other months throughout the year, features multiple birthstones requires looking at the broader history of how birthstone lists developed over time. Birthstone traditions vary considerably across different cultures and historical periods, and rather than eliminating older traditions when more modern lists were established, many older stones were simply preserved alongside newer additions.

In the case of March specifically, bloodstone represents a birthstone with historical roots extending back centuries, tied to ancient beliefs and early gemstone traditions. Aquamarine, while also historically significant, became more strongly associated with March through more modern birthstone lists, particularly as the gemstone grew in popularity and availability during the 20th century. Rather than choosing one stone over the other, both were retained as official options, giving March babies more flexibility and choice.

Aquamarine: March's Modern Birthstone

Aquamarine takes its name from the Latin words for water and sea, a fitting name given the stone's pale, serene blue color that closely resembles clear ocean water. This gemstone belongs to the beryl family, the same mineral family that produces emerald, though aquamarine's coloring comes from trace amounts of iron rather than the chromium responsible for emerald's green hue.

History and Symbolism

Aquamarine has a long history of being associated with the sea, with ancient sailors reportedly carrying aquamarine as a talisman believed to ensure safe travel across water and protection from harm during ocean voyages. This connection to the sea has persisted throughout history, contributing to aquamarine's enduring association with tranquility, clarity, and calm.

Beyond its maritime associations, aquamarine has also been historically linked to themes of courage, communication, and emotional balance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a gemstone with both aesthetic beauty and symbolic meaning.

Characteristics

Aquamarine typically ranges in color from a very pale, almost colorless blue to a more saturated, vivid blue, with the more intense colors generally considered more valuable. The stone ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a fairly durable choice suitable for regular wear in various jewelry styles, including rings, which experience more daily wear and impact compared to other jewelry types.

Most aquamarine used in jewelry today is heat treated to enhance and stabilize its blue color, a widely accepted and standard practice within the gemstone industry.

Bloodstone: March's Historic Birthstone

Bloodstone, also known by its mineral name heliotrope, is a deep green form of chalcedony featuring distinctive red or brownish flecks scattered throughout the stone, resembling drops of blood against a dark green background, which is how the stone earned its evocative name.

History and Symbolism

Bloodstone carries one of the longest historical associations among all birthstones, with roots tracing back to ancient civilizations, including use in ancient Babylon and among early Christian communities. According to historical legend, bloodstone was believed to have formed at the base of the cross during the crucifixion, with the red flecks representing drops of blood that stained the green stone, giving rise to its alternative name, the martyr's stone, within certain religious traditions.

Beyond its religious symbolism, bloodstone was historically associated with courage, vitality, and protection, with ancient warriors reportedly carrying the stone into battle, believing it offered both physical protection and enhanced strength.

Characteristics

Bloodstone typically displays a deep, opaque green base color, ranging from dark forest green to a more olive toned green, with red or reddish brown flecks distributed throughout the stone in varying patterns. Unlike aquamarine's transparent, faceted appearance, bloodstone is generally cut into cabochons, a smooth, rounded shape that showcases its unique color pattern without faceting.

Bloodstone ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, offering reasonable durability for jewelry use, though it is generally considered slightly less hard than aquamarine.

Comparing Aquamarine and Bloodstone

While both stones are officially recognized as March birthstones, they differ significantly in appearance, history, and overall aesthetic, giving March babies genuinely distinct options depending on personal preference.

Aquamarine offers a light, airy, transparent blue appearance, evoking calm and tranquility, closely tied to modern gemstone jewelry trends featuring faceted, sparkling stones.

Bloodstone offers a deeper, more opaque, textured appearance, evoking historical significance and symbolic strength, more commonly associated with cabochon cut jewelry and a more understated, earthy aesthetic.

This significant visual and symbolic contrast means the choice between the two often comes down entirely to personal style preference, since both stones carry genuine historical significance and meaningful symbolism in their own right.

Which March Birthstone Should You Choose

If you are trying to decide between March's two birthstone options, considering both your personal aesthetic preferences and the specific symbolism that resonates with you can help guide your decision.

Aquamarine tends to suit those drawn to a light, elegant, modern aesthetic, along with symbolic themes of calm, clarity, and emotional balance. Its wider availability in various jewelry styles, from engagement rings to simple pendants, also makes it a versatile, easy to incorporate choice for everyday wear.

Bloodstone appeals more to those drawn to historical significance, unique visual patterns, and symbolic themes of courage and protection. Its more understated, earthy aesthetic offers a distinctive alternative for those seeking a birthstone that stands apart from more common, brightly colored gemstone options.

There is no wrong choice between the two, since both are officially recognized birthstones for March, and many people simply choose whichever stone speaks to them personally, rather than feeling obligated to select the more popular or widely available option.

March Birthstone Jewelry Options

Both aquamarine and bloodstone appear across a range of jewelry styles, though their different physical characteristics often lend themselves to slightly different applications.

Aquamarine's transparent, faceted nature makes it particularly popular for rings, earrings, and pendants featuring classic gemstone cuts that showcase its brilliance and clarity. Bloodstone's opaque, patterned appearance makes it especially well suited for cabochon set rings, pendants, and men's jewelry, where its bold, textured pattern can be fully appreciated without the need for faceting.

Final Thoughts

So, how many birthstones does March have? The answer is two, aquamarine and bloodstone, each offering distinct beauty, history, and symbolism for those born during this month. Aquamarine brings a serene, modern elegance tied to the sea, while bloodstone offers a deeper, more historically rich alternative steeped in ancient symbolism and tradition.

Whichever March birthstone resonates with you most, both offer a meaningful way to celebrate a March birthday through jewelry that carries genuine historical and symbolic significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the two official birthstones for March?

March's two official birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone, each offering distinct colors and historical significance.

2. Which March birthstone is more popular in modern jewelry?

Aquamarine is generally more widely used in contemporary jewelry due to its transparent, faceted appearance and versatility across various styles.

3. What does bloodstone symbolize?

Bloodstone has historically been associated with courage, vitality, and protection, with additional religious symbolism in certain traditions.

4. Can I choose either March birthstone, or is one considered more official?

Both aquamarine and bloodstone are equally recognized as official March birthstones, so the choice between them comes down entirely to personal preference.