The March Birthstone. Aquamarine.
The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but also is found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique. In historic days, the Aquamarine gemstone was believed to protect sailors and to guarantee safe voyage. The serene color of aquamarine has its legend in allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. The history of stone dates back to even the 1500’s, where famous court astrologer, astronomer, psychic, occultist and royal consultant Dr. John Dee used and aquamarine as a “crystal ball” to predict the optimal date for the coronation of Elizabeth the 1st.
Infact, writers of the middle Ages claimed aquamarine was the most popular and effective of the “oracle” crystals. When cut as a crystal ball, it was thought to be a superior stone for fortune telling. Many methods of using the stone as a divining tool were described in ancient literature. One method involved hanging a stone by a thread over a bowl of water, just touching the surface. The inner edge of the bowl was covered with the characters of the alphabet. The diviner was to hold the top of the thread and allow the stone to hit certain letters, which would spell out answers to an important question, sort of like a ouija board. Another method was to cast a crystal into a bowl of pure water. The disturbances in the water would reveal messages on the surface of the liquid. Aquamarine’s powers of revelation were also said to help one in search for lost or hidden things.
Santa Maria Aquamarine
A well sought out gem of distinction; the Santa Maria is making impressions. Brazil offer some of the most expensive aquamarines, and this one in particular boasts a rare, intense blue color. The Santa Maria is rightfully named, as it is mined from the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil. Gemstone lovers around the world have heart palpitations when viewing this exquisite stone; one would be so lucky to adorn one. There are similar nuances of this gemstone that come from mines in Africa, particularly Mozambique. These gems have been given the name “Santa Maria Africana” to help distinguish them from the authentic Brazilian rarity. Brazil is an important player when it comes to Aquamarines gemstones. In fact, much of the world’s raw crystal market is centered around Brazil.
Bloodstone – the “other” March Birthstone
The secondary and more ancient birthstone for March is bloodstone. The bloodstone is a dark-green gemstone, flecked with red spots of iron oxide. The bloodstone was said to be used by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to have healing powers (ironically enough, for blood disorders). It is generally found embedded in rocks or riverbeds in India, Brazil and Australia. Still today, finely ground bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India, making it difficult to find fine specimens of it on the market. Bloodstone is mined in India, Australia, and the United States.
The Aquamarine and modern design
Many jewelry designers call Aquamarine their favorite gemstone, as there is hardly a gemstone in modern jewelry design that is refined in so many ways. Wether the stone is uncut, with many inclusions, clear in a classical step-cut or creatively cut into intricate designs – it is alway utterly beautiful and fascinating. The light color of aquamarine leaves the designer of the gemstone an open slate to bring out a unique brilliance with fine grooves, notches, curves and edges. Its pale, cool-blue color is the perfect compliment to spring and summer wardrobes. Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the color usually is more intense in larger stones. These various hues and gradients make Aquamarine the perfect March Birthstone for someone you love. Its also a beautiful accessory for just about any outfit, at any time of course… Each aquamarine is a very unique specimen, whose magical attraction no man or woman can resist. Check out our birthstone jewelry guide, for more information.
Emerald Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Ring
Trivia. Which celebrity actor has a birthday in March with “piercing blue eyes” to match his birthstone?
Daniel Craig