How Aquamarine and Bloodstone differ in what they are, color, hardness and care.
| Aquamarine | Bloodstone | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A member of the beryl family, which also includes emerald and morganite. | A dark green chalcedony (a quartz) with red spots of iron oxide. Also called heliotrope or blood jasper. |
| Birthstone for | March | March |
| Colors | Pale sky blue to deep ocean blue, with little or no yellow | Dark to lighter green with red or rust spots or stripes; solid green with visible red is valued most |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 to 8 | Not stated |
| Toughness | Durable for jewelry if protected from scratches and hard knocks. | Not stated |
| Everyday wear | Good for everyday wear | Not rated |
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Usually safe, unless the stone has liquid inclusions or fractures | Not covered |
| Main sources | Brazil (main source), Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia | India, Brazil, Australia, United States |
| Common treatments | Rarely fracture filled. Clean fracture filled stones only with warm soapy water. | Not stated |
Both are March birthstones, so either makes a fitting gift. Choose by the color you love and how the piece will be worn; for a ring worn every day, the tougher stone will last better.
Sources: GIA: Aquamarine care and cleaning, AGS: March birthstones, AGS: Bloodstone. Checked October 16, 2026.
Birthstone of the month
On the first of each month: that month's birthstone, what it means and how to care for it.
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