Picture the clear light blue waters of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, and you’ll see the pretty shades of Aquamarine, the conventional birthstone for March.
This pale blue stone is a form of beryl, in the same solid homogeneous inorgani substance family as the emerald. Varying from sky blue to green hues, the deepest colors have the most eminent value.
The name derives from the Latin “Aqua” which means water, and “Mare” meaning sea – the perfective description of the seawater hues of this very versatile gem stone.
Aquamarine has assorted associations with water. Ancient Romans believed that aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the God of the sea. Sailors wore talismans made of aquamarine, carved into the likeness of Neptune, as shelter versus the dangers of the sea. In ancient times, water in which aquamarine was immersed was believed to heal impairment of normal physiological function of the heart, liver, mouth, throat and stomach. And of course March birthdays partly include a broader the Zodiac sign of Pisces, the fish.
The beryl family that includes aquamarine is a very hard mineral, and was applied in ancient times to rectify vision. Beryl is employed to this day in the create of eyeglasses.
The hardness of the gem makes it very lasting for use in jewelry. Varying in color from blue-green (caused by traces of iron in the stone) to pale light sky blue, aquamarine jewelry looks gorgeous whether in gold or silver settings. Emerald cut aquamarine stones are often times cut with more facets than emeralds to fetch out their brilliance.
A comparatively plentiful gem, aquamarine is found in Brazil, China, India, Australia, Africa and the United States. The majority of aquamarine stones are flawless, not similar to numerous other gem stones.
Be sure to deal with a reputable jeweler when buying aquamarine jewelry. Stones sold as “Brazilian Aquamarine” may be blue topaz. “Siam Aquamarine” is likely blue zircon that has been heat treated to intensify color.
As with any fine jewelry, treat your aquamarine pieces with care. Keep them clean, and store them carefully.
The alternate birthstone for March is the bloodstone, likewise called heliotrope. It’s a dark green opaque quartz, flecked with orange or red spots. It’s also called “martyr’s stone”, due to the legend that the red spots on the stone came from the blood of Christ that spilled onto green jasper stone for the duration of the crucifixion. In ancient times bloodstone was used as a heal for bleeding by placing the stone over the affected area. Bloodstone is found in India, Brazil, Australia, Uruguay and the United States. It’s many times carved into cameos and beads. It’s inexpensive, with syndication prices per stone from $5 to $50.
