Which March birthstone should I choose: aquamarine or bloodstone?

Aquamarine suits those seeking refined, versatile blue gemstone jewelry with excellent durability (Mohs 7.5-8) and modern sophistication. It's ideal for daily wear, engagement rings, and formal jewelry. Bloodstone appeals to individuals drawn to earthy, protective symbolism with distinctive character and traditional significance. It's more budget-friendly ($5-20/carat vs $50-500/carat for aquamarine) and works beautifully in pendants and earrings. Choose based on your aesthetic preference: ocean-inspired elegance versus grounding earthiness.

Is aquamarine expensive compared to other birthstones?

Aquamarine occupies mid-range pricing among birthstones. Light blue aquamarine starts around $50-150 per carat, making it significantly more accessible than emerald (its beryl family cousin at $500-5,000+ per carat) or diamond. Medium sky blue ranges $150-300 per carat, while rare deep blue specimens reach $300-500+ per carat. Premium untreated 'Santa Maria' aquamarine from Brazil can command $1,000+ per carat. Compared to February's amethyst ($5-50/carat), aquamarine is more valuable, but remains affordable for quality stones.

What is the difference between traditional and modern March birthstones?

Bloodstone is the traditional March birthstone, dating back centuries with historical significance in medieval Christian symbolism and ancient warrior talismans. The National Association of Jewelers standardized aquamarine as the modern March birthstone in their 1952 update, reflecting contemporary preferences for transparent, faceted gemstones over opaque stones. Today, aquamarine dominates commercial March birthstone jewelry due to its superior clarity, hardness, and versatile aesthetic. Both remain official options—bloodstone honors tradition while aquamarine represents modern sensibilities.

Is aquamarine good for engagement rings?

Yes, aquamarine is excellent for engagement rings due to its Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, which provides superior durability for daily wear. It resists scratching better than most colored gemstones and offers exceptional clarity (eye-clean transparency is standard). Aquamarine's moderate pricing ($50-500/carat) makes it an accessible alternative to diamond while delivering unique blue elegance. For active lifestyles, choose protective settings like bezel mounts. JOALYS aquamarines are cut in Sri Lanka to maximize brilliance and durability.

How to clean aquamarine jewelry safely?

Clean aquamarine with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Aquamarine's hardness (7.5-8) tolerates gentle scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if your aquamarine has fracture-filling treatments (rare but possible). Steam cleaning is generally safe for untreated aquamarine. Store separately from softer gemstones to prevent scratching. Professional cleaning recommended annually. Bloodstone requires gentler care—avoid harsh chemicals and use only soft cloths due to its lower hardness (6.5-7).

Where does the best aquamarine come from?

The finest aquamarine comes from Brazil's Santa Maria mines in Minas Gerais, producing naturally deep blue stones without heat treatment (commanding $1,000+/carat). Madagascar supplies aquamarines prized for exceptional clarity and minimal greenish tones. Pakistan's deposits yield large crystals (10-50 carats) ideal for statement pieces. At JOALYS, we source rough gemstones from international partners and have all stones precision-cut in Sri Lanka, the world's premier gemstone cutting center, ensuring optimal brilliance regardless of origin.

Are aquamarines heat treated or natural?

Approximately 90% of commercial aquamarine undergoes low-temperature heat treatment (400-450°C) to eliminate greenish secondary hues, producing permanent stable pure blue color. This treatment is industry-standard, universally accepted by GIA and gemological labs, and does not reduce value. GIA certificates transparently note treatment status. Untreated naturally blue aquamarine represents ~10% of production and commands a 15-25% premium if color matches heated equivalents. JOALYS provides full treatment disclosure on all certificates—filter by "unheated" in our collection if you prefer natural stones.

What does bloodstone symbolize historically?

Bloodstone symbolizes courage, strength, and vitality across multiple cultures. Medieval Christians associated the red spots with Christ's blood during crucifixion, making it popular for religious carvings and rosary beads. Ancient Roman warriors wore bloodstone amulets believing it stanched bleeding and provided protection in battle. Renaissance physicians ground bloodstone for medicinal preparations to treat blood disorders. Modern metaphysical traditions associate bloodstone with grounding energy, physical endurance, and emotional resilience—contrasting with aquamarine's associations of tranquility and clear communication.

Can I wear aquamarine jewelry daily?

Yes, aquamarine's Mohs hardness of 7.5-8 makes it highly suitable for daily wear, including rings worn during normal activities. It resists scratching from common materials (only harder substances like sapphire, diamond, or topaz can scratch it). Aquamarine's excellent toughness (resistance to breaking) and stable color make it ideal for engagement rings, bracelets, and everyday pieces. Avoid extreme impacts (though this applies to all gemstones). Choose secure settings like prongs or bezels for ring mountings. Bloodstone (Mohs 6.5-7) works better in pendants or earrings for daily wear.

What is the rarest March birthstone color?

For aquamarine, the rarest and most valuable color is deep blue "Santa Maria" shade—naturally occurring without heat treatment in less than 5% of Brazilian production. These stones command premiums of $1,000+ per carat. For bloodstone, the rarest specimens exhibit vivid blood-red spotting (iron oxide) against deep forest green backgrounds—only about 10% of bloodstone shows intense red coloration. Most commercial bloodstone displays brownish or dull red spots. Premium bloodstone with dramatic red contrast remains affordable ($20-50/carat) compared to rare aquamarine, making it an accessible collector's option.

Guides

March Birthstones: Aquamarine & Bloodstone Guide [2025]

March offers 2 birthstone options: serene aquamarine (modern) or grounding bloodstone (traditional). Compare properties, pricing & symbolism to choose yours.

Made by Bilal Mahir - GIA•NOV 26, 2025•Updated DEC 10, 2025•12 min read

Which March Birthstone Suits You? Quick Comparison

Attribute	Aquamarine (Modern)	Bloodstone (Traditional)
Primary Color	Sky blue to blue-green	Dark green with red spots
Mohs Hardness	7.5-8	6.5-7
Mineral Family	Beryl (same as emerald)	Chalcedony (quartz variety)
Transparency	Transparent	Opaque
Price Range	$50-$500/carat	$5-$50/carat
Key Origins	Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan	India, Brazil, Australia

March birthstones comparison: translucent blue aquamarine gemstone (left) and opaque green bloodstone with red spots (right) — March offers 2 birthstone options: serene aquamarine (modern) or grounding bloodstone (traditional). Compare properties, pricing & symbolism to choose yours.

Introduction

Choosing a March birthstone gift is unlike shopping for any other month. March offers two gemstones that couldn’t be more different in personality:

Aquamarine, the modern birthstone, embodies calm elegance with its crystal-clear blue that evokes sunlight over tropical water. It’s the choice most people gravitate toward for its refined beauty and exceptional wearability.

Bloodstone, the traditional birthstone, tells a completely different story—deep forest green marked by red iron inclusions, prized for centuries as a protective talisman worn by warriors and healers.

Most months offer one gemstone. March offers two identities: serene sophistication or ancient symbolic power. Your choice depends on the story you want the gift to tell.

Cultural Variations in March Birthstone Traditions

Western Birthstone Standards (USA & Europe)

Designation	Stone	Established	Market Share
Traditional	Bloodstone	15th-16th century European traditions	10%
Modern	Aquamarine	Standardized 1912 (USA), 1952 (UK)	90%

Market reality: Aquamarine dominates 90% of March birthstone jewelry sales due to contemporary preference for transparent, faceted gemstones.

Global Birthstone Perspectives

While Western traditions assign birthstones by month, other cultures approach gemstone selection differently:

Japan (2021 update): Added coral and iolite as alternative March options, reflecting local aesthetic preferences
India (Vedic astrology): Assigns gemstones by planetary alignment rather than birth month
China: Emphasizes jade as a universal protective stone; birthstones assigned by zodiac year rather than month

Modern Personalization Trend

Contemporary buyers increasingly choose March birthstones based on personal preference rather than rigid tradition:

Selection Criteria	Modern Approach
Color preference	Choosing aquamarine for blue aesthetics regardless of birth month
Budget	Selecting bloodstone for affordability while honoring March symbolism
Mixing traditions	Combining Western and Eastern options (coral + aquamarine)
Meaning-driven	Prioritizing symbolic associations over birth month rules

Similar to February's dual birthstone tradition, March offers flexibility. Your perfect birthstone is the one that resonates with your aesthetic and values.

Aquamarine: The Modern March Birthstone

What is Aquamarine?

Name origin: Latin "aqua marina" (seawater), capturing its signature ocean blue color
Gemstone family: Beryl (same prestigious family as May's emerald)
Signature color: Delicate icy blues to rare vivid ocean tones

Why Aquamarine Leads the March Birthstone Market

Aquamarine accounts for ~90% of March birthstone jewelry sales due to three key advantages:

Advantage	Detail	What This Means for You
1. Exceptional Clarity	Eye-clean transparency is standard	Every aquamarine sparkles brilliantly—no need to hunt for flawless specimens
2. Superior Hardness	Mohs 7.5-8 durability	Safe for daily wear in engagement rings, bracelets, and all jewelry types
3. Accessible Pricing	$50-500/carat	Exceptional value—80-95% less than comparable diamonds

This combination makes aquamarine remarkably versatile for engagement rings, statement necklaces, and everyday jewelry.

Geographic Origins & Quality

Brazil (Minas Gerais): 60% of world production
- Legendary "Santa Maria" mines: Naturally deep blue specimens (no treatment needed)
- Most valuable variety: $1,000+/carat for collectors
Madagascar: Prized for exceptional clarity and pure blue tones
Pakistan: Large crystals (10-50 carats) available without exponential price increases

Durability & Jewelry Suitability

Characteristic	Rating	What This Means for You
Scratch Resistance	Mohs 7.5-8	Only sapphire, ruby, or diamond can scratch it—excellent for daily wear
Natural Shape	Long, elegant crystals	Stunning in rectangular emerald cuts and elongated oval shapes
Brilliance	Glass-like sparkle	Exceptional light return when professionally cut
Toughness	Excellent	Suitable for all jewelry types when properly set—rings, pendants, earrings

High-clarity emerald-cut aquamarine gemstone showing transparent blue color and exceptional internal purity — Aquamarine's exceptional clarity makes eye-clean transparency the standard

Heat Treatment vs Unheated Aquamarine

Understanding Heat Treatment in March Birthstones

When shopping for March birthstone jewelry, understanding aquamarine heat treatment helps you make informed decisions, and avoid overpaying for "untreated" stones that may not look better.

~90% of commercial aquamarine undergoes low-temperature heat treatment (400-450°C) to eliminate greenish secondary hues.

Aspect	Details
Temperature	400-450°C maintained for several hours
Result	Permanent, stable pure blue color (won't fade)
Acceptance	GIA, AGS, all major gemological laboratories
Value Impact	Does NOT reduce value—it's the commercial standard
Disclosure	GIA certificates note: "Evidence of heating"

Untreated (Unheated) Aquamarine Rarity

Naturally pure blue aquamarine without any treatment represents ~10% of gem-quality production:

Factor	Heated (Standard)	Unheated (Rare)
Price	$50-500/ct (market baseline)	+15-25% premium IF color matches
Color Intensity	Consistent pure blue	Often lighter or slight greenish tones
Certificate	"Evidence of heating"	"No indications of heating detected"
Best Source	All origins	Santa Maria Brazil (highest saturation)
Buyer Type	General consumers	Collectors seeking "completely natural"

Note: Heat treatment does NOT affect durability, hardness, or long-term stability. Choose based on personal preference.

Aquamarine Meaning and Symbolism

Historical Associations

Ancient sailors: Carried as talismans for safe passage across oceans
Medieval physicians: Believed blue gemstone counteracted poison
Renaissance: Symbol of marital harmony and fidelity

Modern Symbolic Meanings

Attribute	Meaning	Application
Courage	Facing fears with calmness	Gift for new ventures, public speaking
Clear Communication	Honest, compassionate expression	Relationship jewelry, mediation work
Emotional Tranquility	Stress relief, inner peace	Daily wear during anxious periods
Spring Transition	Renewal, fresh beginnings	March's shift from winter to spring

Practical Note: While gemstone symbolism enriches emotional meaning, aquamarine's real value lies in durability, beauty, and versatility for all jewelry types.

Bloodstone Symbolic Meanings

Era	Symbolism	Cultural Context
Ancient Warriors	Victory, physical strength	Worn as protective amulet in battle
Medieval Europe	Spiritual protection	Associated with religious significance
Renaissance	Healing properties	Believed to purify blood and restore vitality
Modern Era	Grounding energy	Connection to earth, courage during challenges

Compare birthstone symbolism across months in our complete birthstone guide.

Bloodstone: The Traditional March Birthstone

What is Bloodstone?

Also called: Heliotrope (from Greek "sun turner")
Composition: Dark green chalcedony with red iron oxide spots
Distinctive feature: Red spots resembling blood droplets against forest green background

Historical Significance & Symbolism

Era	Cultural Use	Symbolism
Medieval Europe	Religious carvings, rosary beads	Red markings associated with spiritual significance
Ancient Warriors	Protective amulets in battle	Believed to ensure victory and physical strength
Renaissance	Medicinal preparations	Healing properties, vitality
Modern	Jewelry, collector specimens	Grounding energy, courage, physical well-being

Modern Appeal

Bloodstone appeals to those seeking:

Earthy aesthetics: Natural, organic character versus aquamarine's refined elegance
Protective symbolism: Grounding energy and physical vitality associations
Historical connection: Traditional birthstone with centuries of cultural significance
Budget-friendly option: $5-20/carat versus $50-500/carat for aquamarine

Durability & Jewelry Considerations

Characteristic	Rating	Jewelry Recommendations
Scratch Resistance	Mohs 6.5-7 (good)	Excellent for pendants, earrings; protective settings for rings
Appearance	Opaque (non-transparent)	Always cut as smooth cabochons to showcase color pattern
Best Settings	Bezel or enclosed	Protective settings reduce abrasion risk, enhance durability

Primary Sources

India (Pune region): Major commercial supplier with vivid red spotting
Brazil: High-quality specimens featuring deep green backgrounds
Australia: Collector-grade material with distinctive patterns

Traditional bloodstone cabochon displaying dark green chalcedony matrix with characteristic red iron oxide spots — Bloodstone's distinctive red spotting creates earthy character prized in traditional jewelry

March Birthstone Pricing Guide

Aquamarine Price Ranges (Per Carat)

Color Grade	Appearance	Price/Carat	Best For
Light Blue	Pale, icy blue (most common)	$50-$150	Budget-conscious buyers, large statement stones
Medium Sky Blue	Clear sky blue (commercial quality)	$150-$300	Everyday jewelry, engagement rings
Deep Blue	Vivid blue (premium, rare)	$300-$500+	Investment pieces, collectors
"Santa Maria"	Naturally deep blue (untreated)	$1,000+	High-end collectors, museum-quality

Bloodstone Price Ranges

Quality	Characteristics	Price/Carat
Commercial	Good green color, moderate red spotting	$5-$10
Premium	Deep green, vivid red spots, minimal matrix	$10-$20
Collector	Exceptional color, dramatic spotting pattern	$20-$50

March Birthstones vs Other Months

Month	Primary Stone	Price Range/Carat	Comparison to March
February	Amethyst	$5-$50	Similar affordability to bloodstone
March	Aquamarine	$50-$500	— (baseline)
April	Diamond	$2,000-$20,000+	40-400× more expensive
May	Emerald	$500-$5,000+	10-100× more expensive (same beryl family!)

Choosing Your March Birthstone Jewelry

Aquamarine Jewelry Recommendations

Exceptional durability (Mohs 7.5-8) makes aquamarine suitable for ALL jewelry types. Here's how to choose your perfect March birthstone jewelry:

Jewelry Type	Recommended Setting	Why It Works
Engagement Rings	Prong or halo setting	Hardness rivals sapphire; transparency showcases cut quality
Pendants	Emerald or oval cut	Large stones affordable; elongated shapes flatter necklines
Earrings	Studs or drops	Minimal abrasion risk; color complements all skin tones
Bracelets	Bezel or channel settings	Protective settings reduce impact damage
Statement Rings	Cocktail or three-stone	5-10ct stones available without exponential pricing

Explore our engagement ring design guide to see how aquamarine complements modern settings.

Bloodstone Jewelry Recommendations

Moderate hardness (6.5-7) requires thoughtful jewelry selection:

Best Uses	Setting Style	Care Considerations
Excellent: Pendants	Bezel or enclosed settings	Minimal abrasion risk; showcases stone pattern
Excellent: Earrings	Cabochon studs or drops	No impact exposure
Good: Dress Rings	Protective bezel settings	Avoid during manual work; remove before sports
Avoid: Daily-Wear Rings	—	Hardness insufficient for constant abrasion

Aesthetic Decision Guide

If You Love...	Choose...	Because...
Ocean-inspired elegance	Aquamarine	Transparent blue mimics clear tropical waters
Refined, versatile sophistication	Aquamarine	Complements formal and casual wardrobes
Earthy, grounded character	Bloodstone	Forest green + red evokes natural landscapes
Historical, traditional symbolism	Bloodstone	Centuries of cultural significance and lore
Unique, conversation-starting jewelry	Bloodstone	Distinctive appearance stands out from typical gemstones

When you buy March birthstone jewelry, prioritize GIA certification and protective settings for long-term satisfaction. For comprehensive maintenance guidance, see our gemstone care guide.

jewellery-birthstone-march-aquamarine-bloodstone

Caring for Your March Birthstone Jewelry

Aquamarine Care Instructions

Aspect	Safe Practices	Avoid
Cleaning	Warm soapy water + soft brush Ultrasonic cleaner (if no fractures) Professional steam cleaning	Harsh chemicals (bleach, chlorine) Abrasive scrubbing pads
Storage	Separate compartment (prevents scratching softer gems) Fabric-lined jewelry box	Jumbled with other jewelry Direct sunlight (prolonged heat)
Wear	Safe for daily wear All jewelry types suitable	Extreme temperature changes (thermal shock) Impact during sports

Bloodstone Care Instructions

Aspect	Safe Practices	Avoid
Cleaning	Warm soapy water + soft cloth Gentle wiping after wear	Ultrasonic cleaners (can damage matrix) Steam cleaning Harsh chemicals
Storage	Separate from harder gems (sapphire, diamond) Fabric pouch or lined box	Contact with harder stones (scratches surface)
Wear	Pendants, earrings (minimal exposure) Occasional-wear rings	Daily-wear rings During manual labor or sports

Professional Maintenance Schedule

Annual inspection: Check prongs, bezels for loosening (both stones)
Bi-annual professional cleaning: Aquamarine (removes residue from settings)
Re-polishing (if needed): Bloodstone cabochons every 3-5 years to restore luster

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose aquamarine for a durable, elegant blue gemstone suited to daily wear. Choose bloodstone if you prefer earthy symbolism, a lower budget, or a more traditional look.

Aquamarine sits in the mid-range of birthstone pricing. Light blue stones are affordable, while deeper blue shades and Santa Maria material cost more but remain cheaper than emerald.

Bloodstone is the traditional March birthstone, while aquamarine is the modern one. Bloodstone reflects historical symbolism; aquamarine became the preferred choice for its clarity, hardness, and versatility.

Yes. Aquamarine’s hardness (7.5–8) makes it durable enough for engagement rings. It offers eye-clean clarity, moderate pricing, and a unique blue color suitable for daily wear.

Clean aquamarine with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic machines if the stone is fracture-filled. Steam cleaning is usually safe. Store away from softer gemstones.

The finest aquamarine comes from Brazil’s Santa Maria mines, known for deep natural blue. Madagascar and Pakistan also produce high-clarity aquamarines prized in fine jewelry.

Yes. About 90% of aquamarine is heat-treated to remove greenish tones. The treatment is permanent, industry-standard, and accepted by all gemological labs.

Bloodstone symbolizes courage, strength, and grounding. Historically used as a protective talisman, it is now associated with vitality and emotional resilience.

Yes. Aquamarine is strong enough for everyday wear and resists most scratches. Avoid hard impacts and choose secure settings for rings.

For aquamarine, the rarest color is deep blue “Santa Maria.” For bloodstone, the rarest quality shows vivid red spotting on dark green, a scarce and collectible pattern.

Find Your Perfect March Birthstone at JOALYS

Whether you’re drawn to aquamarine’s clear blue elegance or bloodstone’s grounded symbolism, the right March birthstone is the one that best matches your style, meaning, and budget. Aquamarine brings brightness and versatility, while bloodstone offers character and tradition.

March birthstone demand peaks from February to April, especially around Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and Mother’s Day. Premium deep-blue aquamarines and vivid bloodstones tend to sell out first. Explore our certified selection while top-quality pieces are still available.

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