Aquamarine — March Birthstone | Facts & Guide

Aquamarine, with its clear ocean-blue color, is the official birthstone of March. Its name comes from the Latin words meaning “water of the sea”.

Is aquamarine always light blue?

Aquamarine ranges from pale blue to blue-green. The intensity depends on natural iron content.

Is aquamarine suitable for everyday wear?

Yes. With a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is durable enough for daily jewelry.

Why is aquamarine the birthstone for March?

Its clear blue color reflects the fresh, light qualities associated with early spring.

What Is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a blue variety of the mineral beryl. It belongs to the same mineral family as Emerald and Morganite.

Its blue color comes from traces of iron within the crystal structure. The intensity of the color depends on how much iron is present and how the stone formed under geological conditions.

Photo: rough aquamarine crystals, available in Sten Bumlingen Mariefred

Why Is Aquamarine the Birthstone of March?

Aquamarine has been recognized as March’s birthstone since 1912, when the American National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) officially standardized modern birthstones in the United States.

March is often associated with the transition from winter to spring — clear skies, melting ice, and flowing water. Aquamarine’s cool, transparent blue reflects this seasonal change perfectly. Its fresh color symbolizes clarity, renewal, and calm — qualities that align naturally with early spring.

Historically, aquamarine was also connected to the sea. Ancient sailors believed it would protect them on voyages and keep the waters calm. While these beliefs belong to tradition rather than science, they show how strongly the gemstone’s color influenced its symbolism.

Natural faceted aquamarine gemstone on a light gray background

Taking care

Aquamarine is a durable gemstone, but it should still be handled with care. Avoid hard impacts, as strong knocks can cause chips or internal fractures.

Clean your aquamarine jewelry with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged exposure to high heat

Photo: a 42.5ct Faceted aquamarine

Natural specimen with a clear blue aquamarine crystal on a black background

Where Is Aquamarine Found?

Today, the most important sources of aquamarine include:

  • Brazil — the largest producer, known for high-quality stones
  • Madagascar
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan

Brazil, in particular, has produced some of the largest aquamarine crystals ever discovered. In fact, some rough crystals have weighed over 100 kilograms before being cut.

Photo: an Aquamarine crystal from our collection

Interesting Facts About Aquamarine

  • It can grow in very large crystals

    Aquamarine crystals are often much larger than emerald crystals, which makes larger finished gemstones more accessible

  • Heat treatment is common

    Many aquamarines are gently heat-treated to enhance their blue color. This is a stable and widely accepted practice in the jewelry industry

  • It is pleochroic

    This means the gemstone can show slightly different shades of blue depending on the angle from which it is viewed

  • It has royal connections

    In 1953, Brazil gifted a stunning aquamarine necklace and earrings to Queen Elizabeth II

Aquamarine is believed to promote calmness, balance and clarity. It is often said to reduce stress, quiet the mind, and bring a sense of inner peace. Because of its connection to water, it is also believed to help release emotional blockages and allow feelings to flow more freely.
In crystal traditions, aquamarine is sometimes linked to cleansing energy, promoting clarity, and helping people move forward with a lighter, calmer mindset.