While every month has several birthstones gathered throughout the traditions of centuries and the wide world, most have a very clear single contender for being the best-known and most commonly used. Usually these have a strong root in at least one of the older traditions and have been brought forward as a sort of "official" monthly gemstone well-known in modern society. For March however, the stone that likely has the better claim to historic ties is bloodstone, but it is Aquamarine, the stone of Pisces which rules most of March, that claims the official title of the day. I imagine that, when the modern table was made, as all the other stones included can be found as gemstones, a similar gemmy, precious variety was wanted for March to keep everything consistent (and to ensure that jewellers would have a selection to offer for each month.) However, both are valid in their own ways and both can make an excellent gift for a March friend.

 

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl that finds its first recorded use in Greece from about 500 BC. The name itself means "water of the sea" and has come to describe both the stone and the blue-green colour that it is famous for. It is likely inevitable that such a gem should become associated with all things nautical and Aquamarine has often been carried by sailors to ensure safety on their voyages and to bring good luck. At one time these stones were thought to be the treasure of mermaids.

As one may imagine, many of the properties of Aquamarine have strong associations with water, which is also why it is such an excellent stone for balancing the energy flow in those of the water-based Pisces sign. It is a calming and cooling stone, both for the physical body and the heart. As it is associated with the throat chakra it also aids in the flow of communication. Also, like water, Aquamarine can cleanse one's emotions of anger, negativity and past grudges, leaving behind a feeling of calm alertness and anticipation of all the joys that life has to offer.

Bloodstone is not a red stone as many, understandably, believe. It is in fact a green chalcedony with spots and blotches of red jasper included to varying degrees. It is for these spots that the stone is named and throughout the ages the spots have been said to be the blood of Christ, martyrs and others. Energetically, the key words for bloodstone are strength and courage. Bloodstone is a powerful tool to help one look boldly into the face of Truth, no matter what that truth may be and to react appropriately without fear or despair.

Afer the 21st of March, Pisces gives way to Aries whose birthstone is diamond. Therefore, a March Aries, using both their month of birth and zodiac sign can have Aquamarine, Bloodstone, and Diamond all as legitimate birthstones.