The March birthstone is aquamarine, a clear blue to green-blue gem whose name and colour both call up the ocean. Durable, wearable and easy to love, it suits anyone with a March birthday and anyone who feels most at home by the sea. In this guide from Wanderlust Jewelry we look at what aquamarine is, where it comes from, the folklore around it, and how to look after it.
March birthstone: aquamarine at a glance
- What it is: the green-blue to blue variety of the mineral beryl, the same family as emerald and morganite.
- Colours: from deep green-blue to light, slightly greenish blue; usually a light, pastel greenish blue.
- Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale.
- Anniversary: the gem for the 19th wedding anniversary.
March actually has two birthstones. GIA lists both aquamarine and bloodstone. This guide focuses on aquamarine.
Where the name comes from
Aquamarine's name comes from the Latin for seawater. It is easy to see why: the best-known stones have the soft, clear blue of shallow water, and that link to the sea runs through almost everything people have believed about it.
Aquamarine and the beryl family
Aquamarine belongs to the same mineral family as two other well-loved gems. Emerald is the green to bluish green variety of beryl, coloured by chromium, vanadium or both. Morganite is the pink, often pastel variety, named in 1910 in honour of the financier and gem collector J.P. Morgan. All three share a similar hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, but aquamarine and morganite are generally easier to care for than emerald, which is usually fracture-filled and needs especially gentle cleaning.
Where aquamarine is found
Aquamarine is found on several continents. GIA lists Brazil (especially the state of Minas Gerais) as well as Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique and other parts of Africa, along with the United States (Colorado and California), China, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine.
Aquamarine is commonly heat-treated to give it a more bluish appearance; fracture-filling is rare.
Aquamarine meaning and beliefs
Because of its name and colour, aquamarine has always been tied to the sea:
- Ancient mariners claimed the gem would calm the waves and keep sailors safe at sea.
- It was also thought to bring happiness in marriage.
- As a beryl, it was believed to protect the wearer against foes in battle and in legal disputes, and to make the wearer unconquerable and amiable.
- It was thought to quicken the intellect.
- Its clear, water-like colour is said to symbolise purity of spirit, and many people wear it as a calming reminder of the sea.
These are traditional beliefs, not proven effects, and are no substitute for medical advice.
Wearing and caring for aquamarine
At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is durable enough for everyday jewellery as long as it is protected from scratches and hard knocks. It works well in rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets.
- Warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush are always safe.
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually fine, as long as the stone has no fractures or liquid inclusions. If in doubt, stick to soap and water.
- Avoid exposing aquamarine to heat.
- Store it apart from harder gems.
For more, see our jewellery care guide.
Choosing aquamarine jewellery
Aquamarine's pale colour is beautiful in sterling silver and white metals, and it also looks fresh against yellow gold.
It is a lovely gift for a March birthday, a 19th anniversary, or for anyone who loves the coast, from the Atlantic seaboard to the warm waters of KwaZulu-Natal.
A few things that help when shopping with Wanderlust Jewelry South Africa:
- Find your size with the printable ring sizer on our size guide. Rings over R2,000 include a free first resize within 30 days.
- Words and symbols are priced in the engraving box as you type (see our engraving guide).
- Schedule a video call with one of our consultants to see the exact piece before you buy (WhatsApp 068 613 6350).
Shop the March birthstone
Our founders hand-pick pieces from artisans in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Hong Kong, along with pieces made in South Africa. Browse our March birthstone collection, or see every month on our birthstones page.