For March you have two birthstones to choose from, one being Aquamarine, a faceted gemstone, or the Bloodstone, which is cut into a cabochon. In many instances men seem to prefer the Bloodstone for rings that are cut into cabochons while women favor faceted Aquamarine. Since present-day birthstone lists show both aquamarine (beryl) and bloodstone, aquamarine will be discussed first.
Aquamarine was thought to give help to the wearer against his adversaries when in litigation or in battle; also it was supposed to make the wearer amiable, but still unconquerable and to enhance his intellect and thereby dispel any laziness.
At and earlier time the sea green to a deeper blue green was the most preferable fcolor; however, at present time more intense deeper blue colors seem to be more preferable.
Some of the important sources are in Brazil in the state of Minas Geris. Also found in the Ural Mountains of Russia. There have been reports of Aquamarine in Idaho and Utah.
Bloodstone has considerably more symbolism and lore than does its alternate. It is a dark lively green chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz) with red flecks and spots. The dark lively green color is caused by closely packed green moss in a translucent chalcedony with the red spots or flecks distributed evenly throughout the stone. The smaller and more evenly distributed and the more distinct the red spots are, the finer the quality becomes.
In ancient times, as will as during the Bible times, it was frequently referred to as heliotrope. Occasionally the term is still used. Throughout the earliest records and writings, bloodstone was thought to control and stop violent hemorrhaging as were other stones which displayed a vivid red color. Since the red is suggestive of blood, it was therefore, used to cure or control any health problems related to the circulatory system of the body. A Christian legend indicates that the spots of red were representative of the blood of Christ and has been illustrated by showing a picture of Christ of the cross with his blood dripping on a green stone at his feet of his cross.
Most of our current supplies today come from India ion the Kathiawar Peninsula, although some is supplied by the United States, Australia, Brazil, Scotland, Uruguay, Egypt, Siberia and Canada, which produce colorful pieces as well. Present day uses of bloodstone are usually cabochons or intaglios, which are used in rings for men. Women usually prefer rings, pendants, and earrings and bracelets.
--Larry Hathaway--
Aquamarine was thought to give help to the wearer against his adversaries when in litigation or in battle; also it was supposed to make the wearer amiable, but still unconquerable and to enhance his intellect and thereby dispel any laziness.
At and earlier time the sea green to a deeper blue green was the most preferable fcolor; however, at present time more intense deeper blue colors seem to be more preferable.
Some of the important sources are in Brazil in the state of Minas Geris. Also found in the Ural Mountains of Russia. There have been reports of Aquamarine in Idaho and Utah.
Bloodstone has considerably more symbolism and lore than does its alternate. It is a dark lively green chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz) with red flecks and spots. The dark lively green color is caused by closely packed green moss in a translucent chalcedony with the red spots or flecks distributed evenly throughout the stone. The smaller and more evenly distributed and the more distinct the red spots are, the finer the quality becomes.
In ancient times, as will as during the Bible times, it was frequently referred to as heliotrope. Occasionally the term is still used. Throughout the earliest records and writings, bloodstone was thought to control and stop violent hemorrhaging as were other stones which displayed a vivid red color. Since the red is suggestive of blood, it was therefore, used to cure or control any health problems related to the circulatory system of the body. A Christian legend indicates that the spots of red were representative of the blood of Christ and has been illustrated by showing a picture of Christ of the cross with his blood dripping on a green stone at his feet of his cross.
Most of our current supplies today come from India ion the Kathiawar Peninsula, although some is supplied by the United States, Australia, Brazil, Scotland, Uruguay, Egypt, Siberia and Canada, which produce colorful pieces as well. Present day uses of bloodstone are usually cabochons or intaglios, which are used in rings for men. Women usually prefer rings, pendants, and earrings and bracelets.
--Larry Hathaway--