MARCH BIRTHSTONE - AQUAMARINE
By Linda Lopez
By her who in March was born
No gem save bloodstone shall be worn
He will ensure her constancy,
True friendship and fidelity.
-Gregorian Birthstone Poems
The traditional birthstone for the month of March is the bloodstone with aquamarine being adopted as the ”modern” birthstone.
Bloodstone, also referred to as the “martyr’s stone”, is a green jasper characteristically dotted with bright red spots. The red is derived from amounts of iron oxide during the forming of the stone. Bloodstone is thought to enhance fidelity and purge weakness. Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and the faces of martyrs. Legend says a stone at the foot of the cross was colored by the falling blood drops of our lord Jesus.
Antique German watch fobs have been found to have a carved bloodstone on one side and the other was carnelian. The two stones sometimes bore the family insignia or initials of two who were betrothed. A beautiful example of carved bloodstone is the Seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II at the Louvre in Paris. In India the pulverized bloodstone is used as a medicine as well as aphrodisiac. It is mined in India, Australia and the United States.
Aquamarine, Water of the Sea
Imbibes qualities and strengthens them in the wearer. It washes away fears or phobias, settling the mind and clearing the inner eye. For this reason it is used in meditation. Used by the ancients as eyes for statues of the Gods, the aquamarine represented wisdom, great vision and seeing into the future. Ancient sailors wore aquamarine to instill bravery at sea. During storms, aquamarine was tossed overboard to appease the God of the sea, Poseidon. Most of the aquamarine comes from Brazil however many of the African nations now supply us with high quality, varied colored stones as well.
I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about stones or make you your own personal jewelry piece. Please feel free to contact me at mannynlinda@comc
More about rocks, stones and crystals
MAY YOU ALWAYS BE CARRIED ON ANGELS WINGS.