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Aquamarine Bloodstone
Aquamarine Birthstone
Aquamarine Birthstone Meaning & History
Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin for seawater, and ancient mariners claimed the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. This March birthstone was also thought to bring happiness in marriage. Beryl was believed to give the wearer protection against foes in battle and litigation. It was also thought to make the wearer unconquerable and amiable, and to quicken the intellect.
Aquamarine is not only the birthstone for March, but the gem is also given as a present on the19th wedding anniversary. As for famous ones, in 1936 the government of Brazil gave First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt a dark blue rectangular step cut aquamarine that weighed 1,298 carats (ct). It was the larger of two stones faceted from a piece ofaquamarine roughthat itself weighed an impressive 2.9 pounds (1.3 kilograms). It is now housed at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York. A celebrated attraction at the Smithsonian Institution is the 10,363 ct (about 4.6 pounds) Dom Pedro Aquamarine – believed to be the largest faceted aquamarine in the world. The approximately14 inch (36 centimeter) high obelisk was fashioned by acclaimed German lapidary Berndt Munsteiner using thefantasy cut technique.
The government of Brazil gave this 1,298 ct rectangular step cut aquamarine to Eleanor Roosevelt when she and President Roosevelt visited Rio de Janeiro in 1936. Courtesy: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Hyde Park, New York
Where is Aquamarine Found?
TheBrazilian state of Minas Geraishas been an important source of aquamarine for the past two centuries. Travel there and you’ll find a changing panorama of landscapes: rocky hills, rivers and scrub brush dominate the central and eastern regions; savannahs, forests and streams checker the west; and lush green hills roll southward. Aquamarines are found in primary (hard rock) and secondary (weathered) pegmatite deposits in the eastern portion of the state, near the gem center of Teófilo Otoni.
Aquamarine is also found high in theKarakorum foothills of Pakistan. To reach the deposits, miners must climb steep paths to elevations of 9,800 to 13,000+ feet (3,000 to more than 4,000 meters) and work the sides of forbidding cliffs.Below this inhospitable rocky world lie fertile valleys, rushing rivers and small towns. Aquamarine from this area has been described as “water clear.”
A sliver of an opening (on the far left) along this steep mountainside is the entrance to an aquamarine mine. Pakistan’s gem-rich Shigar Valley lies between foothills of the majestic Karakoram range. Photo: Vincent Pardieu/GIA
Aquamarine birthstones are also mined in Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia and Mozambique, as well as elsewhere in Africa. U.S. sources include the Mount Antero area of Colorado (it’s the state gem) and California’s Riverside and San Diegocounties. In addition, aquamarine has been found in China, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, among other countries.
Aquamarine Birthstone Care & Cleaning
With a hardness of 7.5–8on theMohs scale, this March birthstone is durable enough for everyday wear. Caring for the gem is easy. Use warm water, mild dish soap and a toothbrush to scrub behind the birthstone where dirt can collect.Ultrasonic cleanersand steam cleaning are usually safe options as long as there are no fractures or liquid inclusions in the gem.
This 10.06 ct pear shaped aquamarine is surrounded by 72 round diamonds (0.35 carats) that are set in platinum. Courtesy: Omi Privé
More about AquamarineAquamarine Buyer's Guide
Bloodstone Birthstone
Bloodstone Birthstone Meaning & History
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is a variety of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz) that is traditionally semi-translucent to opaque dark green jasper with red inclusions of iron oxides, especially hematite.Bloodstone’s alternate name heliotrope comes from the ancient Greek word that means “to turn the sun.” In ancient times, these March birthstones were believed to turn the sun red if they were placed in water. The name bloodstone derives from the belief by some that the color pattern has religious significance, representing the blood of Christ.
Several metaphysical properties have been attributed to this March birthstone. They include increasing strength, giving invisibility, and preserving health and youth. In modern times, many believe the bloodstone birthstone to be a lucky charm, as it is prized by athletes and others who want to grow their strength. Even today in India, fine bloodstones may be crushed into a powder and used as an aphrodisiac.
Although bloodstone does not share the same beauty as the aquamarine March birthstone, many prize bloodstone for its special properties. Bloodstones used as gems are typically cut as cabochons, though some striking examples are faceted.
One of the ninety engraved gems, cameos and bullae from the Roman Empire. Courtesy: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Where is Bloodstone Found?
Most bloodstone in the marketplace today is from India. However,the bloodstone birthstone also comes from parts of Brazil, Australia, China and the United States, among other countries. Bloodstone can be found filling fractures or cavities in other rocks or as pebbles in riverbeds.
Slab of bloodstone from Asia.
Bloodstone Birthstone Care & Cleaning
Your bloodstone birthstone can be easily cleaned at home with warm soapy water and a soft brush. It is important to keep your bloodstone away from harsh chemicals and extremely hot temperatures. Dry off this March birthstone with a clean, soft cloth. To keep the stone from getting scratched (it’s 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale), it is important to store your bloodstone birthstone in a soft fabric.
A rare Antonio Pineda Mexican silver and bloodstone bracelet from Taxco, Mexico, circa 1953. The bracelet has bezel set bloodstones, bar and ball overlay links and is secured with box clasp and chain. Courtesy: Heritage Auctions
Born in March?PiscesandAriesare your zodiac signs. Jewelry designers have fashioned some creative pieces, and we’ve found ones for you to enjoy. The March birthstones aquamarine and bloodstone have it all: They are beautiful,rich in lore and exceptionally wearable. Now you know how to pick one that will become a cherished addition to your jewelry wardrobe.
Interested in exploring additional birthstones?
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of gemstones and birthstones, my expertise extends to the historical significance, geographical sources, and metaphysical properties associated with these precious stones. I've delved into the intricacies of aquamarine and bloodstone, two captivating gems linked to the month of March. Allow me to provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts covered in the article.
Aquamarine:
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Meaning & History:
- The name "aquamarine" is derived from the Latin for seawater.
- Ancient mariners believed it could calm waves and ensure sailors' safety at sea.
- Associated with bringing happiness in marriage.
- Beryl, of which aquamarine is a variety, was thought to provide protection in battle and litigation, make the wearer unconquerable and amiable, and quicken the intellect.
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Significance:
- March birthstone and also given as a gift on the 19th wedding anniversary.
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Famous Aquamarines:
- Eleanor Roosevelt received a 1,298-carat aquamarine from the government of Brazil in 1936.
- The Dom Pedro Aquamarine, weighing 10,363 carats, is housed at the Smithsonian Institution.
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Sources:
- Mainly found in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, with primary and secondary deposits.
- Also mined in Pakistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique, the U.S. (Colorado and California), China, Myanmar, Russia, Ukraine, and other countries.
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Care & Cleaning:
- Hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for everyday wear.
- Cleaning with warm water, mild dish soap, and a toothbrush is recommended.
Bloodstone:
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Meaning & History:
- Also known as heliotrope, it's a variety of chalcedony with dark green jasper and red iron oxide inclusions.
- Traditionally believed to turn the sun red when placed in water.
- The name "bloodstone" is linked to religious significance, symbolizing the blood of Christ.
- Associated with metaphysical properties such as increasing strength, giving invisibility, preserving health and youth.
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Significance:
- March birthstone.
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Sources:
- Found in India, Brazil, Australia, China, the U.S., and other countries.
- Often found filling fractures or as pebbles in riverbeds.
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Care & Cleaning:
- Can be cleaned at home with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- It should be kept away from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
In summary, both aquamarine and bloodstone, as March birthstones, hold rich histories, diverse sources, and unique qualities that make them not only beautiful adornments but also fascinating cultural and metaphysical symbols. Whether you're drawn to the calming allure of aquamarine or the unique charm of bloodstone, these gems offer a captivating journey through history and culture.
