March Birthstone
By Jared James · Last updated 17 May 2026
Quick answer
The modern March birthstone is aquamarine, a pale blue to blue-green beryl with a 7.5 to 8 Mohs hardness and very good clarity. The older traditional birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony flecked with red. Aquamarine is the more common choice today for fine jewellery and rings.
March stones at a glance
| Stone | Colour | Hardness | List |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquamarine | Pale blue to blue-green | 7.5 to 8 Mohs | Modern |
| Bloodstone | Dark green with red flecks | 6.5 to 7 Mohs | Traditional |
Modern vs traditional
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone used by most jewellers today, and bloodstone is the older traditional stone with a longer history in signet rings and amulets. Both are recognised. Aquamarine is more common in fine jewellery now, while bloodstone is mostly seen in mens signet and seal rings.
Colour and meaning
Aquamarine is named for the Latin words for water and sea. The colour runs from very pale sky blue to a richer ocean blue, sometimes with green undertones. Roman sailors carried aquamarine for safe passage at sea, and the stone has long stood for calm, clear communication and courage. Bloodstone, a green chalcedony spotted with red iron oxide, was used in early Christian carvings to represent the blood of Christ, and was carried by warriors and travellers as a protective talisman.
Durability and best uses
Aquamarine at 7.5 to 8 Mohs is one of the more durable coloured stones for an engagement ring and holds up well in daily wear. Bloodstone at 6.5 to 7 is fine for pendants and signet rings, but a high-traffic ring face will pick up scratches faster than a harder stone.
History and lore
Aquamarine has been linked with the sea for over two thousand years and was traditionally exchanged between married couples as a stone of renewal. The Dom Pedro aquamarine, a 10,363 carat obelisk now in the Smithsonian, is the largest cut aquamarine in the world. Bloodstone appears in Roman and medieval lore as a guard against bleeding and as an emblem of martyrdom and courage, and it remains a classic stone for engraved signets.
Gift ideas
An emerald-cut aquamarine in white gold or platinum reads cool, clean and modern, and a round aquamarine drop pendant suits everyday wear. For an engagement-style piece, aquamarine handles a large eye-clean stone for less than a sapphire of the same size. Bloodstone is most often gifted as a mens signet ring or a carved intaglio piece with personal meaning.
Care
Aquamarine cleans with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and is safe for ultrasonic cleaning in most cases. Avoid sudden temperature changes and long exposure to bright heat. Bloodstone is also safe with warm soapy water, but skip ultrasonic cleaners and store it separately to avoid scratching the polished surface.
Zodiac and anniversary
Zodiac: Pisces (until 20 March) and Aries (from 21 March).
Anniversary: Aquamarine is the traditional gift for a 19th wedding anniversary.
Designing a custom piece
Start a custom design
Birthstone rings and pendants are usually made to order. Tell us the stone, the wearer and the piece you have in mind, and we will help you compare options before we draw anything up.
Start a custom designFrequently asked questions
- What is the birthstone for March?
- The modern March birthstone is aquamarine, a blue beryl. The older traditional March birthstone is bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony with red flecks. Both are recognised.
- Can aquamarine be used in an engagement ring?
- Yes. Aquamarine is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough for an engagement ring and daily wear. The colour pairs well with white gold and platinum.
- What is the difference between aquamarine and blue topaz?
- Aquamarine is a beryl with a softer, more watery blue. Blue topaz is almost always irradiated and is usually a brighter, more saturated electric blue. Aquamarine costs more and tends to read more refined in fine jewellery.
- Is bloodstone still given as a March birthstone?
- Yes, but mostly in signet rings and traditional pieces. Most contemporary fine jewellery uses aquamarine for March, and bloodstone is more often gifted as an heirloom-style piece.
Still deciding
Talk through the march birthstone with us
Send the wearer, the piece you have in mind and a sense of budget, and we will help you compare stones and settings before we draw anything up.
Contact the studio