Those stones eventually became associated with the 12 different zodiac signs, and then, the 12 months of the year. Finally, in the early 1900s, the National Association of Jewelers made the 12 birthstones official. Today, they’re often gifted on birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and more. “Aquamarine is the blue variety of the mineral beryl,” she says, adding, “It encourages you to follow your curiosity and can help you break out of mindless routines, stale habits, and fear-based thinking.” And according to Ashley Leavy, founder and educational director of the Love and Light School of Crystal Therapy, aquamarine can be found everywhere from South America to India to Africa, with slight changes in color and quality depending on where it’s from. “The best aquamarine is going to be that brilliant sea-blue that often gets its color from being heated,” she explains, noting that it can have greenish hues sometimes, as well, or even be more transparent. Thanks to that connection with water and the sea, Leavy explains that this stone is also related to emotions and intuition, helping to keep both calm and clear. This effect can also make it a great stone for communication and creativity. She notes that in ancient times, sailors and warriors would wear it for protection, too. Ancient Romans also saw it as a token of friendship, especially when carved into the shape of a frog. “It was even thought that you could give an aquamarine frog to an enemy, and it would turn that person into a friend,” she adds. Lastly, aquamarine was historically believed to rejuvenate marriage by rekindling love, passion, and desire, according to Leavy. “Keeping it close to you during your workday helps to keep your energy body feeling revitalized,” Askinosie adds. And as Leavy explains, its calming effect also makes it a great stone to keep on your nightstand to set a soothing sleep environment. You can also keep it on you for whenever you need clear communication or protection, meditate with it when you want intuitive guidance or clarity, or gift it as a token of friendship. March was, after all, named after the God of War, so it’s fitting that bloodstone (which is known for strength and vitality) became one of the birthstones for this month. It’s also believed to help ward off negative energy. And for what it’s worth, given that March includes people born under Pisces season, and Aries season, both of these signs can benefit from aquamarine and/or bloodstone.
