The Meaning Behind The March Aquamarine Birthstone

Most people know about birthstones and know which one correlates to their own birth month. However, many don't know the history behind these gorgeous gems. According to Reiner's Fine Jewelry, historians have traced the origins of birthstones to the Bible and a high priest named Aaron, who wore a breastplate with 12 jewels said to be chipped from the throne of God. The breastplate was said to have strong powers, and each gem corresponded with a month in the calendar year.

During the 15th century, people in Poland popularized wearing birthstones. However, instead of just wearing their own specific birthstone, they wore one for each month of the year as a way to bring luck, per How Stuff Works. Today, many wear their own birthstones as a way to honor their birth month, bring luck and prosperity to themselves, and show off their fashion sense.

These stones include garnet, amethyst, diamond, emerald, pearl, ruby, peridot, sapphire, opal, topaz, and turquoise. Of course, those born in the month of March will know their personal birthstone is the stunning aquamarine. The gem is said to hold great power — like the ability to heal your throat chakra — and has a very interesting history behind it for all those who wear it.

Those born in the month of March get to rock the stunning aquamarine birthstone. Aquamarine is said to possess major healing properties and has even been thought to cure diseases impacting the stomach, heart, and liver (via Almanac). People thought that drinking a liquid that had been infused with the healing crystal would help to remedy their ailments.

The gem has also been known to bring luck, and sailors long ago would wear talismans of aquamarine engraved with Neptune, the god of the sea, in hopes of protecting them when they set sail. Sailors would also place the gem under the pillows to get a good night's sleep, keep them calm on their voyages, and keep away poison and spoiled foods. According to Uncommon Goods, Aquamarine is also a gem that inspires happy marriages and can make a wonderful gift for a new bride, mother, or friends who love to head out into the open water.

Jewels For Me notes that aquamarine was a symbol of eternal youth to many Sumerians, Egyptians, and Hebrews. In the middle ages, the gem was used to make crystal balls and was considered to be very powerful when it came to fortune-telling and seeing the future.

Today, aquamarine is mined in Brazil, Africa, Asia, and Colorado. The beautiful gem can range in color from dark blue or green to pale blue and green. In modern times, the gem has become popular in jewelry like necklaces and earrings. It's also become a fashionable choice for an engagement ring, per Shreve & Co. Queen Elizabeth even wore the stone on her Brazilian tiara. Meghan Markle is also known to be a fan of wearing aquamarine and has been seen wearing Princess Diana's stunning aquamarine ring on occasion.

While aquamarine may be the traditional choice of birthstone for those born in March, there is a second option. Like those born in June, August, October, November, and December, March babies have two birthstones. Aside from aquamarine, they may choose to go with bloodstone, a dark green gem with flecks of red said to help create strength, youth, and health as well as bring good luck.

However, those looking to stick with the classic and enjoy the benefits of the stone's healing properties may want to consider aquamarine as their go-to birthstone, as it's said to bring balance and harmony into the lives of those who use it and wear it.