The birthstones for March are aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is the primary modern birthstone for March, having taken the place of bloodstone in 1952. It is a blue-green gemstone that symbolizes purity of spirit and soul, and is often free from inclusions and as clear as water. Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is the traditional, as well as alternate modern, birthstone for March. It is a dark-green gemstone flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide, and is typically found embedded in rocks or in riverbeds as pebbles. Bloodstone is believed to bring health and strength to the wearer.