Just like you, I also wondered how exactly Aquamarine got its designation as March’s birthstone. Why Aquamarine? Why March? There has to be some reason and I couldn’t find any that truly gave a satisfactory answer. Which means?

This called for a deep research! And here are my findings :

Now for the introduction indeed, the relation between March and Aquamarine goes back centuries, deeply rooted in mythology, historical beliefs, and (of course) its undeniable connection to the sea.

This captivating pale to greenish blue gem has been cherished for its beauty, protective qualities, and spiritual symbolism. But how did it become the official birthstone for March? Let’s dive into the depths of its fascinating history.

Want to learn more ways to cleanse your crystals at home? Check out our detailed guide on How to Cleanse, Charge & Activate Crystals at Home.

The Ocean’s Jewel

If you’ve ever laid eyes on an aquamarine, its name makes perfect sense. Derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea), this gemstone beautifully mirrors the crystal-clear depths of tropical waters. It LITERALLY means ‘water of the sea’.

Aquamarine carries the essence of the sea—vast, serene, and full of energy. It embodies both exhilaration and tranquility, encouraging the release of emotions while washing away negativity. This luminous stone is a symbol of clarity, trust, and truth, inviting openness and a sense of renewal.

In Ancient Egypt, sailors and voyagers of the past believed aquamarine was a talisman of protection, ensuring safe passage across stormy seas. According to legend, aquamarine originated from the treasure chests of mermaids. Now because the mermaids had such high importance for the stone, they granted the sailors who carried it with protection.

Fun Fact: Ancient Romans believed aquamarine could purify water. They would drop it into drinking water, thinking it would remove impurities and toxins!

To fully utilize the purifying properties of the blue rock, wealthy Romans created goblets from it. It was the Roman fishermen who first referred to the gemstone as ‘aqua marinus,’ which translates from Latin to “seawater.”

For more jewelry cleaning insights, check out our guide on How to Clean and Care for Aquamarine Crystals and Jewelry - Complete Step-by-Step Guide.

Ancient Beliefs & Legends

The use of aquamarine in jewelry and spiritual rituals can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Each culture attributed unique powers to the stone:

• Egyptians buried their mummies with aquamarine, believing it would bring eternal youth in the afterlife.

• Greeks thought aquamarine was a gift from the god of the sea, Poseidon, making it a divine protector of sailors. They considered this stone as a lucky charm for those who made their livelihood at sea & believed that aquamarine would help them safe travels across the sea as well as cure them from sea sickness.

In Greek mythology, Aphrodite adorned her mermaid daughters’ hair with aquamarine stones. It was once believed to give its wearers protection during battle or in litigation.

• Romans considered it a love stone, often gifting it to newlyweds to ensure harmony and fidelity in their marriage.

If you want to know more about March Birthstone you can explore March Birthstone Guide: Everything about Aquamarine and Jasper’s Spiritual Significance.

The Connection to March

And we come to the tricky part. The WHY?

The reason aquamarine became March's birthstone is tied to both historical traditions and symbolic associations, but there's no single definitive origin story. Instead, its designation as the March birthstone evolved over time due to a mix of ancient beliefs, cultural significance, and modern standardization. Here's how this evolution progressed -

1. Ancient Connections to Water and Protection

➟ Aquamarine’s connection to the sea and water > made it a fitting stone for the transition from winter to spring in March > Nature : Vast, Unpredictable, BLUES (both literally and metaphorically)

Sailors in ancient Rome and Greece carried aquamarine for protection, believing it to be talisman gifted by Neptune (the planet covered with water), the god of the sea.

➟ March, with its unpredictable weather and shifting tides (especially in the Northern Hemisphere), was associated with water > made aquamarine a natural fit.

2. Healing and Symbolic Properties

• In medieval times, aquamarine was believed to have cleansing and calming effects, helping people overcome fears and anxieties—qualities that aligned with the renewal and growth of spring.

• The stone was also thought to bring clarity, truth, and healing, which matched the fresh start and transition that March represents.

3. The Birthstone Standardization

• While birthstones have been associated with zodiac signs and biblical references for centuries, the modern list of birthstones was largely standardized in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America).

• Aquamarine was chosen for March, likely due to its historical significance, calming properties, and visual connection to the clear waters of spring.

4. Zodiac & Traditional Birthstone Influence

• Historically, bloodstone (a dark green stone with red flecks) was the original birthstone for March, tied to Aries and Pisces.

• Over time, aquamarine gained popularity as a more widely appealing and aesthetically pleasing alternative, officially replacing bloodstone in modern birthstone charts.

So overall, we can say Aquamarine became the Vice President of the gemstone world majorly for its resemblance to the odd, unpredictable yet fresh quality of spring and the sea.

Want to explore birthstones for every month? Check out our full Birthstones by Month Guide for a complete list of gems and their meanings.

If Spring were a person in a poetic, whimsical sense, Timothée Chalamet would fit the most. He gives off romantic garden in bloom vibes with his artistic, dreamy energy.

Honestly, if Spring was a playlist, it’d be Lana Del Rey meets early Harry Styles with a sprinkle of Taylor Swift’s Lover era. Btw, who do YOU think embodies spring vibes?

If Spring is a stone, it’s none other than Aquamarine!

On that note, I have curated this little playlist for you to put you in good mood. Just like the Spring revives your soul, I hope this one puts you in good mood -

Ready to add new stones to your collection? Explore our complete range and buy Aquamarine gemstone online.

Aquamarine in Modern-Day

In medieval times, aquamarine was believed to help overcome the fear of speaking and was often used by orators and public speakers. If you’ve ever struggled with communication, maybe keeping an aquamarine close could help!

Today, aquamarine remains one of the most sought-after gemstones, often associated with:

• Courage & Confidence: Helps the wearer speak their truth.

• Peace & Relaxation: Said to ease stress and promote mental clarity.

• Love & Harmony: Strengthens relationships and deepens emotional connections.

Its durability (rating a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale) makes it ideal for everyday jewelry, especially rings and pendants. Plus, its cool blue hues complement almost every skin tone and outfit! On that note, one of my very talented writer has wrote an article on Aquamarine buying Guide. I promise it’s worth a read.

Final Thoughts

From being a protector of sailors to a symbol of tranquility and courage, aquamarine’s journey to becoming March’s birthstone is as deep and mystical as the sea itself. Whether you wear it for its historical significance, spiritual benefits, or simply because it’s breathtakingly beautiful—there’s no denying the magic of aquamarine. 

Would you wear aquamarine for its meaning or just for its beauty? Let’s chat in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is aquamarine considered the birthstone for March?

Aquamarine has been linked to March for ages, thanks to its connection to water and the refreshing vibes of spring. Its calm blue-green color resembles the ocean, and the renewal associated with spring. This makes it a perfect choice for anyone born in March.

Q: Can I wear aquamarine even if I wasn't born in March?

While aquamarine is known as March's birthstone, anyone can wear it. Whether you love its beauty or resonate with its calming symbolism, aquamarine has a universal appeal that welcomes everyone.

Q: What makes aquamarine a great gift for March birthdays?

Aquamarine is a thoughtful and timeless gift. Its soft blue color complements various styles, and it's often associated with love, tranquility, and protection, perfect for expressing your affection. This gemstone is also given as a present for the 19th wedding anniversary.

Q: Is aquamarine suitable for daily wear?

Yes, aquamarine scores a sturdy 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable for everyday wear. Thus, you can wear this gemstone in the form of rings, pendants, or earrings every day with minimal care.

Q: What are some popular aquamarine cuts used in March birthstone jewelry?

Popular cuts for aquamarine include oval, emerald, pear, round, and cushion shapes. Thanks to its clarity and brilliance, this gemstone shines beautifully in many faceted styles, adding an extra sparkle to its soft color.

Q: Does aquamarine have any healing or spiritual properties?

Yes, many people believe that aquamarine helps relieve stress and promotes clear communication and emotional healing. It's often used in crystal healing practices for bringing peace and enhancing mental clarity.

Q: Can aquamarine be worn by men as well?

Definitely, aquamarine looks fantastic in men's jewelry, too, such as rings, cufflinks, tie pins, and bracelets. Its oceanic color gives a cool, modern touch that adds a sophisticated edge to masculine styles.