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Birthstones For March
March offers a choice of two birthstones, each of which has different
characteristics. The first is the Aquamarine, a beautiful, transparent
light blue to pale greenish blue variety of beryl. Occasionally, quite
large gemstones are available, and generally they are faceted. The more
important sources are Brazil, Russia, Madagascar, Ceylon, and California.
The second and better known birthstone is the Bloodstone (or heliotrope).
The name is gruesome, but still descriptive of a stone that is a very dark
green with deep red spots scattered throughout. Bloodstone is an opaque
gemstone of a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz, the finest of which
have a semi translucent quality. Usually the gem is cut as a cabachon;
a rounded, polished form, and not with facets such as usually done to
such stones as diamonds, topaz, etc., where the brilliancy of the stone
is enhanced by reflected light. The finest specimens are found in India,
Brazil, Scotland, Siberia, and Australia.
-- by Axel E. Janson
For additional interesting facts and legends about these and other
birthstones, read
"The Romance of Your Birthstone", by Hope L. Swengel
The American Museum of Natural History, New York City. 1928
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