March Birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March has two official birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Every one counts, so you can choose by color, hardness or taste. Each is described below.
Aquamarine, a March birthstone
| Color | Pale blue to blue-green |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Beryl |
| Hardness | 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10) |
| Main sources | Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Mozambique, United States (Colorado) |
| Anniversary gem | 19th wedding anniversary |
Choosing aquamarine
- The preferred color is a moderately strong, dark blue to slightly greenish blue.
- Most cut aquamarines have no inclusions you can see, and it grows in large crystals, so big clean stones are available.
Is aquamarine good for everyday wear?
At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, GIA says aquamarine is durable enough for everyday wear.
Aquamarine history
- In 1936 Brazil gave Eleanor Roosevelt a 1,298-carat aquamarine.
- The Dom Pedro aquamarine at the Smithsonian, 10,363 carats, is thought to be the largest cut aquamarine in the world.
How to clean aquamarine
- Warm, soapy water and a soft brush: always safe.
- Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe for stones without fractures or liquid inclusions.
- Steam cleaner: usually safe for stones without fractures or liquid inclusions.
Warm water, mild dish soap and a toothbrush clean behind the stone, where dirt collects.
Bloodstone, a March birthstone
| Color | Dark green with red spots |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Chalcedony (a form of quartz) |
| Hardness | 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10) |
| Main sources | India, Brazil, Australia, China, United States |
Bloodstone history
- Its other name, heliotrope, comes from the Greek for "to turn the sun".
- In ancient times people believed it turned the sun red when placed in water.
How to clean bloodstone
- Warm, soapy water and a soft brush: always safe.
Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush; keep it away from harsh chemicals and high heat, and store it in soft fabric.
March birthstone and birth flower
March also has two birth flowers: the daffodil and jonquil, which stand for new beginnings, rebirth and prosperity. The Birth Flower Finder covers every month.
Buying for someone not born in March? The Birthstone Finder shows every month's stones and colors in one chart. Aquamarine is also given for wedding anniversaries; the Anniversary Calculator shows which one is coming up next. If the gift is a surprise, a birthday countdown counts down to the day.
Birthstones for other months
March Birthstones questions
What is the March birthstone?
March has two birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone. All of them are official, so you can choose the one you like best.
What color is the March birthstone?
Aquamarine: pale blue to blue-green. The preferred color is a moderately strong, dark blue to slightly greenish blue. Bloodstone: dark green with red spots.
Which March birthstone is the hardest?
Aquamarine, at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Bloodstone is 6.5 to 7.
Are aquamarine and emerald related?
Yes. Both are beryl, 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Emerald, the May birthstone, is the green variety, and a stone too light to count as emerald is called green beryl; aquamarine is the pale blue to blue-green kind. Emeralds almost always have inclusions you can see, while most cut aquamarines have none.
Is bloodstone a kind of quartz?
In a way. Bloodstone is chalcedony, a form of quartz, dark green with red spots. Sardonyx, one of the August birthstones, is chalcedony too, while February's amethyst and November's citrine are varieties of quartz itself.
Is aquamarine an anniversary gem?
Yes. GIA gives aquamarine for the 19th wedding anniversary.
Published October 7, 2026. Last updated October 7, 2026.