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Birthstones have been used since at least the first century as a way to give good luck on ones birthday. Gemstones are associated with each month and each precious stone has designated qualities associated with it. These gemstones corresponded to the zodiac signs of the time. The Modern Birthstone list is the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. In the US, this is the accepted list. Tanzanite was added as an additional birthstone for December by the American Gem Trade Association in October 2002.
Birthstone Chart
|
Birth Month |
Modern Birthstones |
Traditional Birthstones |
15th-20th Century Birthstones |
| January |
Garnet |
Garnet |
Garnet |
| February |
Amethyst |
Amethyst |
Amethyst, Hyacinth, Pearl |
| March |
Aquamarine |
Bloodstone |
Bloodstone, Jasper |
| April |
Diamond |
Diamond |
Diamond, Sapphire |
| May |
Emerald |
Emerald |
Emerald, Agate |
| June |
Pearl, Moonstone |
Alexandrite |
Agate, Cat's Eye, Turquoise |
| July |
Ruby |
Ruby |
Onyx, Turquoise |
| August |
Peridot |
Sardonyx |
Carnelian, Sardonyx, Topaz |
| September |
Sapphire |
Sapphire |
Chrsolite |
| October |
Opal, Tourmaline |
Tourmaline |
Beryl, Opal |
| November |
Yellow Topaz,Zitrine |
Citrine |
Pearl, Topaz |
| December |
Blue Topaz, Turquoise, Tanzanite |
Turquoise, Zircon, Lapis Lazuli |
Bloodstone, Ruby |
March Birthstone
The gemstone aquamarine is the blue, or perhaps more correctly, blue-green or aqua variety of the mineral beryl. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, and it is commonly recognized as the Zodiac stone for the constellation of Scorpio (although it is usually referred to as beryl in this regard). As beryl, aquamarine is mentioned in the Bible.
The gemstone Aquamarine is the modern March birthstone as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Scorpio. See the birthstone table for additional references to this stone. Aquamarine is suggested as a gem to give on the 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries.
The hardness and durability of aquamarine make it a fine gemstone, and its light blue or aqua color makes it a fine choice when the harsher colors of some other gemstones would overwhelm or distract from an outfit. Its typical delicate color allows it to be used in a larger stone where its beauty can be impressive.
Aquamarine is colored by trace amounts of iron, and most gem aquamarines have been heat treated to produce the popular blue-green colors from less desirable yellow or pale stones. The leading producer of aquamarines is the country of Brazil, which has many mines. Pakistan, as well as many U.S. localities, produce wonderful specimens as well. Recently, a new mine in China has produced large numbers of excellent flat (stubby) hexagonal crystals, for a fraction of the price of those beautiful Pakistan specimens.
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