Birthstones by month
Aquamarine (Beruj): The March Birthstone مارچ
In short: March's birthstone is aquamarine, called Beruj in Urdu. It is the sea-blue form of beryl, and Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan's north produces some well-known clean crystals. At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale and usually very clean, it works in rings for men and women alike. Bloodstone remains the older, traditional alternative.
March's birthstone is aquamarine, or Beruj in Urdu. It is the sea-blue member of the beryl family, and Pakistan's north, Gilgit-Baltistan above all, is known for producing clean crystals. At 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale it is hard and usually very clear, and its quiet blue looks right in a man's ring as much as a woman's.
- Month
- March
- Birthstone
- Aquamarine
- Urdu name
- Beruj
- Colours
- Light to medium sea blue
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5–8
- Pakistani source
- Gilgit-Baltistan
On the tray today
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Written by Sameer
Reviewed on
Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
How aquamarine got its name and its place
Aquamarine simply means "sea water" in Latin. Sailors used to take the stone with them to sea, and over time it came to represent courage and a calm mind. March actually had an older stone, bloodstone, which is still accepted as an alternative, but these days most people born in March choose aquamarine.
What to look for when you choose
- Hue. A clean blue is worth more than a blue with a green tint. A lot of aquamarine is gently heated to take the green out; this is a stable, widely accepted treatment, and we mention it on the listing.
- Depth of colour. The deeper the blue, the rarer and more valuable the stone. Small aquamarines often look pale because the colour needs a bit of size to show itself.
- Clarity. Faceted aquamarine should look clean to the naked eye. Inclusions you can see cut its value more sharply than they would in many other stones.
- Cut. Elongated shapes, such as emerald cuts and ovals, bring out the colour best.
See our aquamarine listings. If you want a brighter, deeper blue for less money, look at blue topaz, and for the traditional March choice, see bloodstone.
Telling real from fake
- Most imitations are blue glass. Under a loupe you will see round bubbles and facet edges that look worn.
- Blue topaz is sometimes sold as aquamarine. Topaz tends to be a stronger, almost electric blue and feels heavier for its size, though only a lab can say for sure.
- Pale blue synthetic spinel has also been used to imitate it. If a stone looks flawless and the price looks too easy, examine it more closely.
- Every aquamarine we list is natural, and you can ask for a certificate.
Looking after it
Aquamarine is hard, but a sharp knock can still chip an edge. Wash it in lukewarm soapy water with a soft brush. Grease and hand cream dull a pale stone very quickly, so a regular clean keeps it sparkling. For more, read our March birthstone buying guide and aquamarine in tradition and setting.
Aquamarine as a March gift
Few birthstones can be given with the thought that they may have come out of Pakistan's own mountains, and aquamarine is one of them. That makes it a meaningful present for a March birthday. Because the Islamic calendar shifts each year, Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr land in spring in some years, and a soft blue stone fits that season nicely. For a nikah, aquamarine in white gold or silver goes well with the white and pastel outfits many families choose.
References
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