Although most people are aware of their astrological sign, less people are aware of their "birthstone." The gemstone that represents the month you were born in is known as your birthstone.
The birthstones for March are both light blue clear stones, aquamarine or blue topaz.
Lets take a look at both these stones, including the history, meaning, and properties.
Aquamarine is said to promote honesty, loyalty and good health, and Blue Topaz represents emotional attachment, honesty, and emotional clarity.
Aquamarine is traditionally given at 19th Wedding anniversaries.
Aquamarine
We'll begin by looking at aquamarine, a member of the beryl family of gems that also includes emerald and morganite. The colours of aquamarines range from light blue to deep blue and have a wonderful clarity. Aquamarine is known as the gem of the sea and is one of the most well-known blue gemstones. The name "Aquamarine," actually means "of the sea" in Latin.
The History and Meaning of Aquamarine
With its range of azure blue colours, Aquamarine has always been associated with the sea. It was once thought to be mermaids treasure, and sailors and travellers chose to wear it as a charm to ward against shipwreck and seasickness. In stormy weather, sailors were even known to throw their Aquamarines overboard in an effort to appease the gods.
The Romans and the Greeks also referred to it as the "sailor's gem."
Aquamarine has been used in jewellery since at least 500BC. and is believed to promote relationships, so is often given as a gift.
It has been used as a talisman for protection in battle, even including legal battles today!
Crystal Healing with Aquamarine
Aquamarine has a long-standing reputation for being calming, soothing, and protective.
Because to its clarity and connection to the sea, the stone is said to keep us in touch with the water, the source of all life on Earth. It has been said to guard against the damaging effects of gossip, increase wisdom and happiness, and be related with courage, faithfulness, and friendship.
Some believe that the qualities of aquamarine are accentuated when it is under water, and in crystal healing it is replenished by submerging it in water on a full moon!
The Properties of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a hard gemstone, measuring 7.5 - 8 Mohs scale of hardness. The light blue hue of aquamarine is caused by iron. The darker the aquamarine, the more valuable it is. Some are nearly colourless in natural daylight, but the blue hues can be seen when illuminated by a candle or light bulb, earning it the nickname "evening gemstone".
The Espirito Santo region of Brazil produces one of the most prized types of aquamarine, with a unique clarity and brilliance.
Our Top Picks of Jewellery made with Aquamarine
Blue Topaz
Topaz is a silicate mineral containing aluminum and fluorine. It comes in a range of colours including White Topaz, Yellow Topaz and rare Pink Topaz, but when there is sufficient iron it is blue in colour. In medieval times, ‘topaz’ referred to any yellow stone.
Blue topaz is often used as a substitute for both aquamarine and sapphire and it can be difficult to tell them apart unless with a gemologists magnifying glass.
Blue topaz is very hard, being 8 on the Mohs scale.
The Meaning of Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz represents kindness, empathy, and compassion. Topaz is reputed to be able to increase your capacity for empathising with others' emotions while shielding you from the harm caused by any potentially damaging negative emotions.
Blue topaz along with other blue stones is especially associated with the throat chakra, which is the chakra of self expression and communication.
Our Top Picks of Blue Topaz Jewellery
The Bottom Line
Because of its unmistakable serenity, transparency, and clarity, aquamarine is a highly desirable stone for use in jewellery so if you are looking for a meaningful gift perhaps for a 19th Wedding Anniversary then aquamarine is ideal. Blue topaz is a great substitute, especially in silver jewellery designs and looks very similar, yet also has it's own unique properties.
Interested in the Birthstones for other months? Take a look at our guide here: Your Guide to Birthstones (sennenjewellery.com)