March's birthstone is the aquamarine — a member of the beryl family with a serene blue colour reminiscent of calm ocean waters.
Gemstone
Aquamarine
Colour
Pale blue to deep ocean blue
Hardness
7.5–8 Mohs
Symbolism
Courage, serenity, and eternal youth
Aquamarine takes its name from the Latin "aqua marina" meaning "sea water". Ancient sailors carried aquamarine talismans to ensure safe voyages, believing the stone was a gift from the god of the sea.
The most prized aquamarines display a deep, saturated blue without greenish tints. The finest specimens come from Brazil, particularly the Santa Maria mine, which produces stones with an intense blue that commands premium prices.
As a variety of beryl (the same mineral family as emerald), aquamarine has excellent durability at 7.5-8 Mohs. Its clarity is typically exceptional — eye-clean stones are the norm rather than the exception, making it ideal for large, impressive centre stones.
Aquamarine looks exquisite in white gold or platinum, which echoes the stone's cool blue tones. Its excellent clarity and availability in larger sizes make it perfect for statement rings and pendants.
The March birthstone is the aquamarine — a blue gemstone from the beryl family. Its colour ranges from pale sky blue to deep ocean blue, and it symbolises courage, serenity, and eternal youth.
Aquamarine is moderately priced compared to other precious gemstones. Stones typically range from £100-500 per carat for good quality, with exceptional deep-blue specimens reaching £1,000+ per carat.
Aquamarine is lighter and more transparent than sapphire, with a softer, icier blue. Sapphire is harder (9 Mohs vs 7.5-8) and typically more saturated. Aquamarine offers a more delicate look at a significantly lower price point.