March Birthstone
Birthstone
Aquamarine
Aquamarine's name derives from Latin 'aqua' (water) and 'marine' (sea), its beautiful blue color considered a treasure of sea spirits. A variety of beryl colored by iron, it has excellent durability with Mohs hardness of 7.5-8. Ancient Romans believed it ensured safe sea voyages as a sailor's talisman. In medieval times it was thought to maintain marital harmony, and in 19th century Europe it was a popular gift for lovers.
Features
- Beautiful transparent blue to blue-green colors reminiscent of seawater
- High durability with Mohs hardness 7.5-8, perfect for jewelry
- Crystals with few inclusions and high transparency
- Large crystals are common, yielding sizeable gemstones
Personality
- Gentle and calm stone that brings peace to surroundings
- Stone of intelligence that provides clear thinking and accurate judgment
- Enhances communication abilities and has power to resolve misunderstandings
Symbolic Meaning
- Symbol of eternal youth and happiness
- Embodiment of courage, wisdom, and composure
- Promotion of harmony and communication
- Power of ocean purification and protection
Reason for Selection
- Selected for March as its clear blue reminds of sea ice melting with spring's arrival
- Chosen as a stone giving hope and courage, suitable for the season of new beginnings
- Selected as a gem expressing the calmness and purity of spring seas
Protection & Effects
- Protects safe voyages and guards against water disasters
- Guards against throat ailments and respiratory problems
- Prevents relationship troubles and brings harmony
- Protects the heart from fear and anxiety, granting courage
Trials & Growth
- Provides power to overcome communication difficulties
- Heals past wounds and trauma, granting courage to move forward
- Helps adapt to new environments and nurtures flexibility to accept change
Gallery
Coral
Coral is an organic gemstone formed from coral polyps living in the sea, long treasured in Japan as one of the 'Seven Treasures.' Red coral, called 'blood coral,' is particularly valued worldwide as the finest quality found in Japanese waters. With a Mohs hardness of only 3.5, it requires careful handling. In Buddhism it's considered one of the Seven Treasures, believed to have protective powers against evil. In Japan it's traditionally used as a baby's first protective charm.
Features
- Organic gemstone with various colors including red, pink, and white
- Soft with Mohs hardness 3.5, requiring delicate handling
- Red coral from Japanese waters valued as world's highest quality
- Treasured since ancient times as one of Buddhism's Seven Treasures
Personality
- Stone full of life force and vitality, energizing its bearer
- Possesses maternal gentleness and protective power
- Embodies ocean's blessings, bringing abundance and prosperity
Symbolic Meaning
- Symbol of life force and growth
- Protection against evil and misfortune
- Love and blessings of mother ocean
- Prayer for health and longevity
Reason for Selection
- Selected uniquely by Japan as March birthstone to symbolize blessings of Japanese seas
- Chosen as a gem expressing spring ocean's vitality and birth of new life
- Treasured as one of Oriental Seven Treasures, deeply rooted in Japanese culture
Protection & Effects
- Powerful protective force against evil spirits and disasters
- Guards children's healthy growth
- Protects from maritime accidents and water disasters
- Guards the body from illness and injury
Trials & Growth
- Provides life force to overcome health difficulties
- Nurtures flexibility to adapt to environmental changes
- Grants strength to maintain hope even in difficult situations
Gallery
Bloodstone
Bloodstone features a distinctive appearance with red iron oxide spots scattered on dark green jasper. Named for these blood-like red spots. With Mohs hardness 6.5-7, it was sacred in ancient Babylon and Mesopotamia. Medieval European knights wore it as battlefield protection. Christian legend says it formed when Christ's blood fell on green earth at the crucifixion.
Features
- Distinctive blood-like red spots on deep green background
- Moderate durability with Mohs hardness 6.5-7
- Opaque to translucent variety of jasper
- Historically valuable gemstone sacred since ancient times
Personality
- Warrior's stone granting indomitable spirit and courage
- Nurtures strength and endurance to face adversity
- Enhances life force and awakens vitality and passion
Symbolic Meaning
- Symbol of courage and victory
- Power of vitality and regeneration
- Spirit of devotion and self-sacrifice
- Pursuit of justice and truth
Reason for Selection
- Selected for March as green and blood colors symbolize spring's vitality and rebirth
- Added in 2021 revision for its historical value and unique beauty
- Suitable for new fiscal year's beginning as stone giving courage to overcome difficulties
Protection & Effects
- Protects from battles and conflicts
- Guards against blood-related illnesses and injuries
- Protects bearer from malice and curses
- Guards against legal problems and injustice
Trials & Growth
- Grants courage and strategy to win difficult battles
- Provides vitality to overcome health trials
- Nurtures courage to stand up for justice
Gallery
Iolite
Iolite means 'violet stone' in Greek, known as 'cordierite' in mineralogy. Features pleochroism showing blue-violet, pale yellow, and colorless from different angles. Mohs hardness 7-7.5. Called 'Viking Compass' from legends of Vikings using it for navigation to find sun's position. This optical property allegedly allowed finding sun's direction even on cloudy days.
Features
- Pronounced pleochroism changing color with viewing angle
- Good durability with Mohs hardness 7-7.5
- Beautiful blue-violet reminiscent of violet flowers
- Historical stone used in Viking navigation
Personality
- Guide stone that clears confusion and leads in right direction
- Nurtures sincere, pure heart and grants power to see truth
- Stimulates adventurous spirit and brings new discoveries
Symbolic Meaning
- Guiding light showing the way
- Proof of sincerity and fidelity
- Unchanging heart of enduring love
- Self-discovery and spiritual growth
Reason for Selection
- Selected for March for its violet flower color blooming with spring's arrival
- Added in 2021 revision as a stone serving as life's guidepost
- Selected as stone showing the way forward in season of new journeys
Protection & Effects
- Protects from losing way and guides to right direction
- Guards heart from temptation and falsehood
- Protects travel safety and promises safe return
- Frees from indecision and helps clear judgment
Trials & Growth
- Provides insight to make right choices at life's crossroads
- Grants courage to overcome obstacles on path to goals
- Nurtures power to face inner self and discover true identity