Birthstones

March Birthstone – Aquamarine & Bloodstone

March’s Birthstones are Aquamarine and bloodstone, very different in vibrations but equally beautiful in their qualities.

AQUAMARINE: The serenely coloured aquamarine invokes the tranquility of its namesake, the sea. In fact, the name “aquamarine” is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Because of this relationship to the stone’s spiritual meaning is one of cleansing.

Aquamarine evokes the purity of crystal blue waters, and the relaxation and feeling of calm that the sea brings. Spiritually, aquamarine is associated with trusting and letting go.

In ancient times, aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids. Sailors used the stone as a talisman to bring good luck on the open waters. The gem was used as a symbol of protection and fearlessness too.

Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green, darker blue stones are most valuable. This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but it is also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.

BLOODSTONE: A dark-green gemstone flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. Generally found embedded in rocks or riverbeds as pebbles, primary sources for this gemstone are India, Brazil, and Australia.

Bloodstone or Blood Jasper is also called heliotrope, a word from the ancient Greek that means “to turn the sun.” Many believe it was probably named as such because of ancient ideas about how minerals reflect light. In fact, some believed that the sun itself would turn red if this gemstone was put into water.

In later years if was called ‘Christ’s Stone’, its energy carries the purity of blood and inherently speaks of life and birth, vitality and strength, passion and courage. As a talisman, it is both mystical and magical, and its virtues are protective and nurturing.

Its use for healing, and its connection to blood and detoxification of the organs, date back five thousand years to Mesopotamia. In many cultures, Heliotrope was dipped in cold water and placed on the body to aid circulation and transfer the power of the sun to prevent injury or disease, stop the flow of blood, or cure any wound. Its coagulant effect was renowned, and for this reason, ancient warriors often carried Heliotrope as an amulet of protection and courage, as well as its practical applications.