How well do you know the background of your Birthstone? Do you even know your birthstone?
Well, if you are a March baby, youre born in the month of aquamarine, a beautiful blue stone! Here is some history on aquamarine, it's colours, qualities and associations.
MARCH BIRTHSTONE: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a pale-blue to light-green variety of beryl and has a hardness on the Mohs scale of about 7.5-8. (a scale of hardness used in classifying minerals. It runs from 1 to 10 using a series of reference minerals, and position on the scale depends on ability to scratch minerals rated lower.)
Aquamarine is referred to as the birth stone for the month of March and the zodiac Pisces. Historically it's been used as a symbol for youth and happiness due to its colour. Its colour, along with its name, has made Western culture connect it with the ocean. The Chinese used it to make seals, figurines, and engravings. Japanese people used aquamarine to make netsuke.
Where can we find it? It's been found in countries like Afghanistan, China, Kenya, Pakistan, Russia, Mozambique, the United States, Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Malawi, India, Zimbabwe, Australia, Myanmar, and Namibia.
Spiritually, aquamarine it's associated with trusting and letting go. It was believed to be the treasure of mermaids in Ancient times. Sailors used the stone as a talisman to bring good luck on the open waters. The gem was used as a symbol of protection and fearlessness as well. Ancient Romans believed aquamarine could protect people who are travelling across the sea, they also used aquamarine to prevent illnesses.