March Birthstone Spotlight: Aquamarine

March’s birthstone is aquamarine. Its name comes from the Latin word for seawater.

Aquamarine Background

Aquamarine is believed to possess many properties, one of which is the ability to bring happiness in marriage. According to ancient mariners, it has the power to calm waves and ensure the safety of sailors at sea. For the past 200 years, the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has been a prominent source of this gemstone. In 1936, the Brazilian government gifted Eleanor Roosevelt a 1,298ct dark blue rectangular step-cut aquamarine. Aquamarine is March’s birthstone and can be found in various places such as Kenya, Madagascar, China, and Nigeria. In the United States, it can be sourced from the Mount Antero area of Colorado and Riverside and San Diego counties of California. Aquamarine is Colorado’s state gemstone.