Birthstones
March Birthstone: Aquamarine (Beruj) مارچ
In short: Aquamarine, known in Urdu as Beruj, is the birthstone for March. It is the sea-blue variety of beryl, and Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan is a well-known source of clean crystals. Hard at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale and usually very clear, it suits both men's and women's rings. Bloodstone is the older alternative.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Known in Urdu as Beruj, it is the sea-blue variety of beryl, and northern Pakistan, especially Gilgit-Baltistan, is a well-known source of clean crystals. It is hard at 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, usually very clear, and its calm blue suits both men's and women's rings.
- Month
- March
- Birthstone
- Aquamarine
- Urdu name
- Beruj
- Colours
- Pale to medium sea blue
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5–8
- Pakistani source
- Gilgit-Baltistan
From the vault
Shop aquamarine
GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
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Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
Meaning and history
The name comes from the Latin for "sea water". Sailors traditionally carried aquamarine on voyages, and the stone came to stand for calm and courage. Bloodstone is the older March stone and is still accepted as an alternative, though aquamarine is the usual choice today.
Colours and how to choose
- Hue. A pure blue is valued above a greenish blue. Much aquamarine is gently heated to remove the green, which is an accepted, stable treatment that we disclose.
- Depth. Deeper blue is rarer and worth more. Small stones tend to look pale, because aquamarine's colour needs some size to show.
- Clarity. Faceted aquamarine should be clean to the eye. Visible inclusions lower value more than in most stones.
- Cut. Long shapes such as emerald cuts and ovals show the colour well.
Browse aquamarine. For a deeper, brighter blue at a lower cost, see blue topaz. For the traditional alternative, see bloodstone.
Real or fake: what to check
- Blue glass is the usual imitation. Look for round bubbles under a loupe and worn facet edges.
- Blue topaz is sometimes passed off as aquamarine. Topaz is usually a stronger, more electric blue and feels heavier for its size, but a lab test is the only sure answer.
- Pale blue synthetic spinel has been used as an imitation. A stone that looks flawless and cheap deserves a closer look.
- We sell natural aquamarine only, and a certificate is available on request.
Care
Aquamarine is hard but can still chip on a sharp knock. Clean it in lukewarm soapy water with a soft brush; grease and lotion dull a pale stone quickly, so regular cleaning keeps it bright. Read our March birthstone buying guide and aquamarine in tradition and setting.
A March gift
Aquamarine is one of the few birthstones you can give knowing it may have come from Pakistan's own mountains, which makes it a thoughtful gift for a March birthday. Because the Islamic calendar moves through the year, Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr fall in spring in some years, and a light blue stone suits the season. At weddings, aquamarine set in white gold or silver pairs well with the pastel and white outfits often worn for a nikah.
References
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