AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine is the march birthstone and is a member of the beryl family. The color ranges from colorless to blue or teal. The most common color is a deep blue or aqua color. It is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
It is mined in not only African countries like Kenya and Nigeria, but also in Sri lanka, Pakistan, and Russia. Aquamarines are often heated to high temperatures to get the desired color.
In folklore and legend it has been believed to bring the wearer courage and increase intelligence. As for healing powers in the middle ages it was believed to be useful combating anxiety and reducing the effects of poisoning.
The largest cut aquamarine gem is the Dom Pedro aquamarine, housed in the Smithsonian institution's National Museum of Natural History. It is 14 inches tall and 10,363 carats. The weight of a 5 pound barbell.
BLOODSTONE
The second birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark-green jasper flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. This ancient stone was used by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to have healing powers — especially for blood disorders. It is sometimes called the martyr's stone as legend tells that it was created when drops of Christ's blood stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. Generally found embedded in rocks or in riverbeds as pebbles, primary sources for this stone are India, Brazil, and Australia.
Metaphysical/Healing Properties
"It is all right to have what you want." That's the message of bloodstone. Physically, it is said to strengthen veins, tone the heart and fortify the blood-all tbings that contribute to a long, healthy life. Those are important things, but as my friend Margie is constantly saying, "Living to a ripe old age 'ain't' going to be all that much fun if you live to a ripe old age and don't have any money." No problem: Bloodstone is also associated with high prosperity, so it not only contributes to a long, healthy life, but it makes that long life even more worth living.
Geological Properties
Mineral Information: Microcrystalline quartz, chalcedony group
Chemical Composition: SiO2
Color: Deep green and white, spotted with red
Hardness6 1/2-7
Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64
Refractive Index: 1.530-1.539
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions.