March Birthstone: Aquamarine Meaning, Colors & Rings (2026 Guide)
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Named after the Latin for "seawater," aquamarine ranges from pale sky blue to deep ocean blue and is prized for its clarity and calm, cool color. Aquamarine symbolizes serenity, courage, and clear communication, and it is the traditional gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary. Bloodstone, a dark green stone flecked with red, is March's alternative birthstone.
This guide covers aquamarine's meaning, colors, history, value, and durability, how to care for it, and our best-selling aquamarine engagement rings.
March Birthstone at a Glance
| Birthstone | Aquamarine (alternative: bloodstone) |
| Mineral | Beryl (the same family as emerald and morganite) |
| Colors | Pale sky blue to deep blue and blue-green |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7.5 to 8 |
| Main sources | Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan |
| Symbolism | Serenity, courage, and clear communication |
| Anniversary | 19th |
What Is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is the blue variety of beryl, the same mineral family as emerald and morganite. Its color comes from traces of iron. Many aquamarines naturally have a slight greenish tint, and most are gently heat-treated to remove it and produce a purer blue, a stable and widely accepted practice. Aquamarine often forms in large, clean crystals, so it is commonly found eye-clean even in big sizes. Read more in discover the aquamarine gemstone.
Aquamarine Colors
- Pale sky blue is the most common and affordable aquamarine color, light and airy.
- Medium blue offers a noticeable, clean blue that shows well in everyday light.
- Santa Maria blue is a trade name for intense, deep blue aquamarine, originally from the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil, and it is the most valuable color.
- Blue-green aquamarine, often untreated, has a sea-glass look that some buyers prefer.
See aquamarine alongside other blue stones in our ultimate guide to blue gemstones.
Aquamarine Meaning and History
Aquamarine's name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning "seawater." Sailors carried aquamarine as a talisman for safe passage and calm seas, and in ancient lore it was said to be the treasure of mermaids. It has also long been associated with courage, calm, and clear communication.
One of the most famous aquamarines is the Dom Pedro, a single aquamarine crystal from Brazil that was carved into a 10,363-carat obelisk and is now displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Is Aquamarine Good for an Engagement Ring?
Yes. At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is durable enough for everyday wear, especially in a halo or protective setting. It is one of the most popular colored engagement ring stones thanks to its clarity, soft blue color, and excellent value in larger sizes. Read why choose aquamarine engagement rings, or compare blue sapphire vs aquamarine and blue topaz vs aquamarine.
How Much Is Aquamarine Worth?
Aquamarine value depends mostly on color: the deeper and more saturated the blue, the higher the price per carat. Clarity, cut, and size also matter, and because aquamarine is often clean, larger stones are relatively affordable compared with sapphire. For a full breakdown, see aquamarine prices explained and our aquamarine quality guide.
Bloodstone: March's Alternative Birthstone
Bloodstone is a dark green variety of chalcedony speckled with red spots of iron oxide. In medieval Europe it was associated with courage and vitality. Bloodstone is usually cut as cabochons, beads, or carved signet stones rather than faceted gems.
Best-Selling Aquamarine Rings for March
Shop all aquamarine engagement rings →
How to Care for Aquamarine
- Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Aquamarine shows fingerprints and lotion easily, so regular cleaning keeps it bright.
- Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe for aquamarine without fractures or inclusions; skip steam cleaning.
- Store separately from diamonds and sapphires, which can scratch it.
- Have prongs checked once a year, as with any engagement ring.
For more tips, read how to care for aquamarine rings.
March Birthstone FAQ
What is the birthstone for March?
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Bloodstone is March's alternative birthstone.
What does the March birthstone mean?
Aquamarine symbolizes serenity, courage, and clear communication. Its name means "seawater" in Latin, and sailors once carried it for protection at sea.
What is the most valuable color of aquamarine?
Deep, saturated blue, often called Santa Maria blue, is the most valuable aquamarine color.
Is aquamarine good for an engagement ring?
Yes. At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is durable enough for everyday wear, ideally in a protective setting.
Is aquamarine the same as blue topaz?
No. Aquamarine is a blue beryl, while blue topaz is a separate mineral that is usually treated to create its color. Aquamarine tends to have a softer, more natural blue.
What anniversary is aquamarine for?
Aquamarine is the traditional gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary.
Explore more birthstones: February (amethyst) and April (diamond).
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