Marverlous March Birthstones
Modern use of birthstones is generally agreed to have originated in the area of Germany and Poland in the 1500s, but specific stones and months varied regionally. In 1870, jeweler Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet of anonymous Gregorian birthstone poems which established a set of birthstones. The modern list of birthstones that we tend to use today in the United States was defined in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers, with some alternatives added in 1952. But that list bears little resemblance to the original breastplate! The colors of the modern and traditional birthstones tend to be the same, implying that color rather than the stone itself is the important consideration. And then there’s the zodiac! Stones associated with astrological signs date back as far as monthly birthstones. In addition, many cultures and religions around the world had and have their own set of birthstones. Put it all together and you wind up with a variety of birthstones to choose from!
Aquamarine and bloodstone are the two stones we commonly associate with the month of March. But dig a little deeper and you will find a plethora of March birthstones to choose from, including ruby, emerald, jade, crystal, jasper, amazonite and Gold Siva-linga! Which one is your personal fav?
Aquamarine
The legends of aquamarine are as colorful as the gemstone itself. Ancient Romans thought that if a frog was carved into an aquamarine, it would turn enemies into friends. Another Roman legend told that the gemstone would absorb the feelings of young love and bring that bliss to its wearer. The Greeks and the Romans revered the aquamarine as a sailor's stone of protection and it was commonly worn to ensure a safe and prosperous passage across stormy seas. During the middle ages. It was common to carve gazing balls for fortune telling or to suspend an aquamarine crystal on a string over a bowl of water in order to divine messages, and it was believed to make knights invincible. Aquamarine is also a charm for marriages. It was used by couples of the Middle Ages to bring loving feelings back to marriages. In more recent times, aquamarine has been a gift from husbands to their brides the day after their wedding and as a traditional gift to celebrate 19th wedding anniversaries.
The name aquamarine comes from the Italian word for seawater and brings the soothing energy of the sea. A member of the beryl family, it is related to the emerald, another March birthstone. Aquamarine’s colors range from pale blue to rich aquas. Aquamarine has calming energies that help reduce stress and anxieties and help soothe the mind. It helps maintain balance and harmony, bringing feelings of peace, love, joy and happiness, and can bring love and affection into your life. It enhances clarity of thought, intellectual growth and intuition. It is a stone of courage and self-expression. Aquamarine resonates with the fifth Throat Chakra, Vishuddha, which the source of verbal expression and the ability to speak the highest truth. It is the birthstone of Aries, Gemini, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Pisces as well as the month of March.
Bloodstone
Also known as heliotrope, a blend of Greek words that translate to “sun turning,” bloodstone reminded people in ancient times of the deep red of a setting sun. One legend of bloodstone is that the blood of Christ, which flowed from the fatal spear-thrust, fell upon a Green Jasper lying at the foot of the Cross, and from this sprang the Bloodstone variety of Jasper. Because of this, bloodstone is said to carry spiritual powers. Medieval Christians would carve crucifixion scenes into the stone. Greeks and Romans considered bloodstone the gem that brought favors. Egyptians used bloodstone in rings and chose designs displaying rays of the sun – a powerful symbol of worship of the god of the sun. Many European churches have altar vessels inlaid with it. Bloodstone was also the March birthstone in the ancient Roman, Polish, Arabic, Hebrew, and old Hindu calendar. Previous to bloodstone becoming the birthstone of March in these ancient calendars, it was the zodiac stone for Aries and Pisces, both zodiac signs falling partly on the month of March.
Bloodstone is a healing and grounding stone. It is calming, brings love and dispels negative energy. It reduces irritability and impatience, and reduces confusion, stress and anxiety, while promoting courage, selflessness and idealism. It has been used for thousands of years to heal, purify and cleanse the body, the blood in particular. Bloodstone cleanses and aligns the first Base or Root Chakra, Muladhara, which represents the foundation, stability security and basic needs and the fourth Heart Chakra, Anahata, the middle chakra that unites the physical and spiritual chakras and is the source of love and connection. It is the birthstone of Aries, Libra and Pisces, and the month of March.
Ruby
Ruby is the guardian angel birthstone of March. Ruby has many names in Sanskrit, and the most significant of them are ‘ratnaraj’ meaning ‘king of precious gemstones’, and ‘padmaraga’ that means ‘red as a lotus’. Ruby’s blood-like color no doubt encouraged strong associations with this life-sustaining fluid. Those who risked their lives were believed to have a special connection to the gem. The ancient Burmese prized the ruby as the stone of soldiers. They believed it bestowed invulnerability, but the stone had to be physically inserted into their flesh would benefit! They believed they were safe from wounds from spears, swords, or guns. Other sources claimed rubies and other red stones, including red garnet, could remedy bleeding and inflammation as well as increase the body’s warmth. Hindus regard the ruby, known as “the king of precious stones,” as more valuable than any other gem. The Mani Mala describes the Kalpa Tree, a symbolic offering to the Hindu gods, as composed entirely of precious stones, sapphires, diamonds, topazes, emeralds, and other gems, and this magnificent tree would bear rubies as fruit. An 8th-century Arabic book on dreams by Achametis discusses the significance of dreams of rubies. If a king dreams of a crown set with red jewels such as rubies, this indicates he’ll have great joy and fortune. His enemies would fear him even more. Other sources tell that dreams of rubies indicate success in business, or for farmers the dreams mean a good harvest.
The red variety of Corundum (blue corundum is known as sapphire), ruby is a powerful grounding stone, helping to bring focus and clarity as well as wisdom. It is a powerful heart stone, instilling confidence, encouraging joy and spontaneity. It enhances fortitude, giving the courage and strength to forge ahead despite adversities. It sparks a zest for life and encourages one to follow passions. It gives inspiration to face any obstacle that may bring about a negative mindset and anxiety. Ruby promotes creativity and helps expand awareness. Ruby energizes the first Base or Root Chakra, Muladhara, which represents the foundation, stability security and basic needs, and the fourth Heart Chakra, Anahata, the middle chakra that unites the physical and spiritual chakras and is the source of love and connection. It is the primary birthstone for the month of July and an alternate birthstone for March. The red stone is a popular 15th and 40th anniversary gift.
Emerald
Emerald is a fascinating stone with a long and storied history. Emerald is the special apostle birthstone for the month of March. Legend states that emerald was one of the four precious stones given by God to King Solomon, which were said to have endowed the king with power over all creation. It was mined in Egypt as early as 330 BC, but emeralds may be as old as nearly 3 billion years old. Emerald was a favorite of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, it was her royal jewel and adorned her palace. During her reign, Cleopatra also laid claim to all the emerald mines in Egypt. As a whole the Egyptians were enamored with the gem, using it both in jewelry and in burials, burying the stones with monarchs as a sign of protection. It was supposed to have been one of the sacred gemstones of the Atlanteans. Hindu teaching associated emeralds with the planet Mercury, while western traditions connected the stone with Venus. And most important: in Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the wizard lived in the Emerald City; in the 1980s, Seattle, Washington took the nickname “The Emerald City;” an emerald pedant owned by Elizabeth Taylor sold for more than $6 millon in 2011.
Like aquamarine, emerald is a form of beryl. It enhances unconditional love and unity, and promotes friendship. It focuses intention and raises consciousness. Emerald helps release negativity and create positive actions and outcomes. It strengthens memory and improves clarity of thought. It is the gem of intelligence and action, wealth, and service for the benefit of humanity. It is often chosen as an alternative to diamond as an engagement ring stone because it promotes fidelity and happiness. It stimulates the fourth Heart Chakra, Anahata, the middle chakra that unites the physical and spiritual chakras and is the source of love and connection. It is the birthstone of Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Libra, and the months of May and an alternate for March. It is also a traditional gift for the 20th and 35th anniversaries.
Jade
As early as the Neolithic period the Chinese were carving jade into tools and simple cult objects out of jade. Jade was prized for its hardness, durability, musical qualities, and beauty. Its pale, translucent colors and protective qualities caused it to become associated with Chinese conceptions of the soul and immortality. With gold, it was considered to be a symbol of heaven. In the old Tibetan calendar, Jade is the birthstone for March. The Maya greatly valued jade and wore it as a symbol of wealth and fertility. Typically only the wealthiest people, particularly kings, wore and were buried wearing jade. Jade's color was associated with the Maize God and evoked his eternal youth and vigor. In the Bible Jade is mentioned as a precious stone representing one of Israel's 12 tribes on the breastplate of judgment worn by the highest priest in ancient Israel.
This March birthstone consists of two chemically unrelated minerals, namely, jadeite and nephrite. Both nephrite and jadeite occur in green; yet jadeite, which is much rarer and slightly harder, is usually richer in color. Much of what is called jade (new jade, olive jade, Russian jade, etc.) is actually a form of serpentine, not a jade at all. True jade is one of two minerals, jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite has been a treasured stone for thousands of years. The Chinese call it "yu," which means "heavenly" or "imperial." To the Chinese, it symbolizes goodness, beauty and purity. It is so precious that a Chinese saying says that "gold is valuable but jade is priceless." While most jadeite comes from Myanmar, imperial jade has also been found in Central America and was highly prized by the Maya and the Aztecs. The name "jade" comes from the Spanish "piedra de ijada" or "stone for the pain in the side," after it was noticed that the natives held pieces of jade to their sides to cure ills. Jade is a stone of harmony, friendship, and good luck. It promotes courage, compassion and generosity. It helps bring cohesiveness to groups. It strengthens relationships and helps recover from loss or separation. Jade is a stone of prosperity and abundance. It stimulates the fourth Heart Chakra, Anahata, the middle chakra that unites the physical and spiritual chakras. and is the source of love and connection. Many astrologists believe that when signs overlap they share the same virtues hence it may be appropriate for Aries born on March 21, 22 and 23 to have Jade as their astral birthstone. Jade is likewise a zodiac stone for Pisces, which falls partly in the month of March. It is primarily considered the birthstone of the month of March.
Crystal
The use of ctystal talismans and amulets dates back to the beginnings of humankind. Crystals and gemstones have played a part in all religions. They are mentioned throughout the Bible, in the Koran and many other religious texts. Probably the first historical references to the use of crystals come from the Ancient Sumerians (4th millennium BC), who included crystals in their magic formulas. Crystals were (and are) also used for healing in traditional Chinese Medicine, which dates back to at least 5000 years. There are accounts of the Roman historian Pliny the Elder, who described different precious stones, their origins and physical qualities. The word “crystal” comes from the Greek krystallos, literally meaning “coldness drawn together,” or a kind of ice. In the Hindu religion and Indian culture, people have traditionally and still turn to crystal healing and meditation when modern medicine fails or is too expensive.
Clear quartz, or rock crystal, has a clear and transparent appearance, symbolizing clarity and purity. Quartz is called the "Universal Crystal" because it has many uses. It is an all-purpose healing stone. It can absorb, store, amplify, balance, focus and transmit energy, and can be used in conjunction with other stones. It dispels negativity and negative energy. It cleanses and purifies energy, removing any negativity or energetic blockages. It enhances spiritual growth and wisdom. Quartz crystal balances energy and brings harmony to one's environment. It clarifies thought processes and emotions, and can increase inspiration and creativity. It aids concentration and unlocks memory. It stimulates the immune system and brings the body into balance. Quartz energizes the seventh crown chakra, Sahaswara, the chakra of enlightenment and spiritual connection to our higher selves, others, and to the divine. It is the birthstone of all sun signs. Crystal is the Aries birthstone birthdays between March 21 and 31 and the Pisces birthstone for those born on March 18, 19 and 20, and is an alternate birthstone for the month of March.
Amazonite
Many think that the name ‘amazonite’ is derived from the Amazon river, however this gem was never found there. The more likely version of amazonite name origin tells that the birthstone was named after the Amazons of Thermodoon who were moon worshipers in an area located in present day Turkey. Uses of amazonite stretch back as far as recorded human history. Fragments of amazonite jewelry have been found that date back to the Stone Age. Amazonite is relatively easy to carve into prayer beads, amulets, trinkets and ornamental figures. The ancient Sumerian/Babylonians used amazonite to craft seals as far back as 16,000 years BCE. The ancient Egyptians prized this stone and considered it a symbol of good luck and fertility. Pieces of amazonite jewelry and carvings were found in Tutankhamen’s tomb. It is believed to have been one of the stones on the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, Aaron.
Amazonite is a soothing stone. It helps to alleviate stress and heal emotional trauma. It helps balance male and female energies, and inspires self-confidence and hope. It resonates with the Fourth or Heart Chakra, Anahata, the middle Chakra that unites the physical and spiritual chakras, and is the source of love and connection, and the Fifth, Throat Chakra, Vishuddha, the source of verbal expression and the ability to speak our highest truth. Amazonite is the birthstone of Virgo. Amazonite is the High priest birthstone for those born between March 1 and 31.
Jasper
People held the rock mineral Jasper in high value as far back as 7,000 years ago, when it was used in bow drills throughout the Indus Valley to carve other minerals such as cornelian and semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli. Archeological finds at the palace of Knosses on Minoan Crete, prove that jasper used to be used to produce seals all the way back in the year 1800 BC. The Egyptians particularly exploited the qualities of jasper, carving amulets in the shape of red scarabs, symbols of eternal life, as well as talismans in the form of serpent heads. The Greeks associated jasper with Gaia, the mother goddess, and attributed to it a profound symbolism of fertility and connection to the Earth. They also offered this stone to Callisto, the lunar goddess, in recognition of her nocturnal majesty. The Romans, on the other hand, dedicated jasper to Bona Dea, goddess of fertility and chastity, attributing protective virtues for health and family. The word "Yashepheh" originates from one of the stones on Aaron’s breastplate, identified as jasper. However, Pliny the Elder describes this stone as green and often transparent, whereas we consider jasper to be opaque, so this identification may be in error. In Norse sagas, jasper appears in epic tales such as that of Siegfried, where the hilt of his sword, inlaid with red jasper, symbolized the blood of the dragon he had slain, bearing witness to his legendary bravery. Jasper also figured prominently in symbolic carvings and jewelry in Japan, China and among Native Americans.
Red Jasper is said to be a gently stimulating and protective stone with a grounding energy. It is thought to calm the emotions and enhance insight into difficult situations. Jasper enhances relaxation and brings tranquility, comfort and security. It is a protective stone, and brings healing and gentle endings. It brings energies of wholeness and confidence. Jasper is a stone of grounding and stability. Jasper intensifies and lightens the sense of well-being. It helps relieve fear, frustration and guilt, and enhances inner strength and confidence. It activates the First or Root Chakra, Muladhara, the source of stability, security and basic needs. Jasper is a traditional birthstone for March. Jasper was also the March birthstone in the ancient Russian, Italian and Hebrew calendar. Before the gemstone became the birthstone of March in these ancient calendars, jasper was the planetary stone for Aries, which falls partly on the month of March. It is the birthstone of Leo, Virgo and Scorpio.
Shiva-lingam
The Shiva lingam, a sacred stone from India, is steeped in lore. Shiva (or Siva) is one of the most important gods in the Hindu pantheon and, along with Brahma and Vishnu, is considered a member of the holy trinity (trimurti) of Hinduism. Brahmais the creator, Vishnu the maintainer or preserver and Shiva the destroyer or transformer. The Lingams come from the bed of the Narmada River located in the Mandhata Mountain. They are naturally shaped and tumbled by the river, then later hand polished in the villages. The smooth, phallic, and slender form signifies the divine male and female powers of nature. This stone is so sacred that it is never actually cut to make into jewelry. You may most likely recognize Gold Siva-lingam from “Indiana Jones Temple of Doom!”
Shiva Lingams have a very grounding energy. The shiva lingam’s shape represents the masculine while its appearance represents the feminine — a yin and yang energy that can bring balance and protection. They help you break free from self-limiting beliefs and recognize and let go of what no longer serves you. Shiva lingams open and realign all the chakras. It is the birthstone for March in the Hindu calendar.