March Birthstone: Aquamarine Meaning, History & Jewellery Guide
March's birthstone is the aquamarine - a gem whose name is its description: aqua marina, Latin for seawater. Serene, clear and blue as a calm ocean, it's the most tranquil stone on the birthstone calendar, with a seafaring history to match.
What is the March birthstone?
Aquamarine is March's primary birthstone, with bloodstone - a dark green stone flecked with red - as the traditional alternative. Aquamarine takes the spotlight in modern jewellery, and it's the focus here, with bloodstone covered briefly below.
Aquamarine meaning and symbolism
Aquamarine is the gem of calm, courage and clear communication. Roman and medieval sailors carried it as a talisman for safe passage and protection at sea - Neptune's stone, said to have washed ashore from the treasure chests of mermaids. On land, its symbolism settled around tranquillity and honesty: a stone for keeping a cool head and speaking clearly.
That serenity makes it a thoughtful gift beyond birthdays - it's also the gem of the 19th wedding anniversary, and a traditional good-luck stone for anyone setting out on a journey (literal or otherwise: new jobs, new cities, new chapters).
What exactly is aquamarine?
Aquamarine is the blue variety of beryl - the same mineral family as emerald. Where emerald is beryl coloured green by chromium, aquamarine is beryl tinted blue by iron. The family resemblance ends at the temperament, though: unlike famously included emerald, aquamarine typically grows remarkably clean and clear, in large flawless crystals - which is why even big aquamarines look like drops of pure water and remain affordable in sizes that would be unthinkable in emerald.
At 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is comfortably durable for every jewellery type, including everyday rings.
What colour is the March birthstone?
Pale sky blue through to sea blue-green, with the most valued stones a clear, moderately saturated blue. Much aquamarine is gently heated to nudge greenish tints toward pure blue - a standard, permanent treatment. The paler stones have their own watercolour charm, and they're significantly friendlier on price.
The other March birthstone: bloodstone
The traditional alternative is bloodstone (heliotrope) - dark green chalcedony spotted with red iron oxide. It was prized for centuries as a warrior's stone of strength and vitality, often carved into signets for men. If you're gifting a March man who'd never wear pale blue, a bloodstone signet ring is a characterful, history-rich alternative.
Choosing aquamarine jewellery
Aquamarine's cool blue is made for white metals - silver, white gold, platinum - where the icy palette feels deliberate, though it also makes a fresh contrast against yellow gold. Its clarity rewards simple settings: solitaire pendants and stud earrings let the water-clear stone do the talking.
Browse our rings, earrings, necklaces and gemstone jewellery, or the birthstone jewellery range - with gift edits from under $100 if you're shopping to a budget.
How to care for aquamarine
One of the easier stones: warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid prolonged heat (which can affect colour) and store it apart from diamonds and sapphires, the only common stones hard enough to scratch it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for March?
Aquamarine is March's primary birthstone, with bloodstone as the traditional alternative.
What does the aquamarine birthstone mean?
Calm, courage and clear communication - sailors historically carried aquamarine for safe passage at sea, and it remains a stone of tranquillity and fresh starts.
Are aquamarine and emerald related?
Yes - both are varieties of the mineral beryl. Aquamarine is the blue form, emerald the green; aquamarine typically grows much clearer and larger.
Is aquamarine durable enough for everyday wear?
Very - at 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale it suits all jewellery, including daily-wear rings.
What colour aquamarine is most valuable?
A clear, even, moderately deep blue. Paler sky-blue stones are more affordable and have a delicate charm of their own.
Shop this birthstone
Looking for the perfect piece? Explore our aquamarine jewellery collection — earrings, pendants and rings to suit every style and budget. Not sure where to start? A pair of studs or a simple pendant is always a safe, beautiful choice.
Prefer to browse everything in one place? Visit our birthstone jewellery hub to shop by any month. Free express shipping on orders over $99, with Afterpay and Zip available.
Find your birthstone by month
Every month has its own gem. Explore the full series:
January - Garnet · February – Amethyst · April – Diamond · May – Emerald · June – Pearl · July – Ruby · August – Peridot · September – Sapphire · October – Opal · November – Topaz & Citrine · December – Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon