What Are the Aries Stones and Birthstones?

Short answer: the traditional zodiac stone for Aries is bloodstone, according to the list published by the gem expert George F. Kunz in 1913. Modern crystal traditions often add fiery red and orange stones, especially carnelian and red jasper. Because Aries runs from about March 21 to April 19, people born under the sign can also use the March birthstones, aquamarine and bloodstone, or the April birthstone, diamond, with rock crystal as the British alternative. Zodiac stones are a tradition rooted in astrology, not a property of the stones.

When is Aries?

Aries, the ram, is the first sign of the zodiac. Under the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology, the sun enters Aries at the March equinox, usually around March 20 or 21, and stays until about April 19 or 20; the exact dates shift slightly from year to year. Aries is a fire sign, along with Leo and Sagittarius, and a cardinal sign, its ruling planet in astrology is Mars, and its opposite sign is Libra. The color linked with Aries is red. In Greek mythology, the ram is Chrysomallus, the flying ram that rescued the children Phrixus and Helle and whose fleece became the Golden Fleece.

What is the Aries zodiac stone?

Zodiac stones and birthstones are different lists. Birthstones follow the calendar month; zodiac stones follow the astrological sign. In his 1913 book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, George Frederick Kunz gave a stone for each sign, and for Aries that stone is bloodstone.

Bloodstone, also called heliotrope, is a dark green chalcedony with red spots of iron oxide, especially hematite. It rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and most bloodstone on the market today comes from India. It is also a March birthstone, so for Aries born in March, bloodstone is both their zodiac stone and their birthstone. The March birthstone guide covers it in detail.

The name heliotrope comes from the Greek for "to turn the sun"; in ancient times these stones were believed to turn the sun red when placed in water. Bloodstone has long been associated with strength and courage, a good match for a fire sign.

Which stones are linked with Aries today?

Modern crystal shops and guides often name warm red and orange stones for Aries, echoing the sign's color, red:

• Carnelian: translucent orange to red chalcedony, colored by iron. In crystal traditions it is associated with courage, motivation and drive, and it is often called a stone of action.
• Red jasper: opaque brick red quartz. In crystal traditions it is associated with strength, endurance and grounding.
• Bloodstone: the traditional stone, associated with strength and courage.

These modern pairings vary from source to source. They are traditions and personal choices rather than a fixed rule.

What are the Aries birthstones?

Because Aries spans two months, people often use the birthstone of their birth month as well:

• Born March 21 to March 31: the March birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone; see the March guide.
• Born April 1 to April 19: the April birthstone is diamond, and the British list adds rock crystal, clear quartz; see the April guide.

For a March Aries, bloodstone neatly covers both sign and month.

What do Aries stones mean in tradition?

Aries is a fire sign whose color is red, and its modern crystal meanings play on that: red and orange stones associated with courage, strength and action. Bloodstone carries an old reputation for courage; carnelian is a "stone of action"; and red jasper is a stone of endurance.

These are traditions and beliefs. Astrology has been recognized as pseudoscientific since the 18th century, and there is no scientific evidence that zodiac signs or the stones linked with them affect personality or events. People enjoy zodiac stones as personal symbols and gifts.

How do people use Aries stones?

• As jewelry: a bloodstone signet ring or a carnelian pendant is a classic choice; an aquamarine or diamond makes a birthstone gift.
• As a desk or pocket stone: a carnelian or red jasper tumble kept nearby as a personal reminder.
• In meditation: as a focus object, as described in the meditation guide.
• As a set: some people pair their zodiac stone with their birthstone, for example bloodstone with aquamarine.

How do you choose an Aries stone?

• For a traditional choice, pick bloodstone, the Kunz zodiac stone.
• For fiery color, pick carnelian or red jasper.
• For a birthstone, pick aquamarine or bloodstone for March, or diamond or rock crystal for April.
• For jewelry worn daily, bloodstone, carnelian and jasper are about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is 7.5 to 8, and diamond, at 10, is the hardest.

How do you care for Aries stones?

• Bloodstone, carnelian and jasper: wash with warm water and mild soap, then dry.
• Aquamarine: durable for everyday wear. Clean it with warm water, mild soap and a soft toothbrush; ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe if the stone has no fractures or liquid inclusions.
• Diamond: ultrasonic cleaners are usually fine; have the setting checked from time to time.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Aries birthstone?

The traditional zodiac stone for Aries is bloodstone. By birth month, March Aries have aquamarine and bloodstone, and April Aries have diamond, or rock crystal on the British list.

What crystals are good for Aries?

In crystal traditions, the most common choices are bloodstone, carnelian and red jasper. These are traditional pairings rather than proven effects.

What are the dates for Aries?

About March 21 to April 19 under the tropical zodiac. Aries begins at the March equinox, so the exact dates shift slightly each year.

What color is Aries?

Red is the color traditionally linked with Aries in astrology, which is why red and orange stones are popular for the sign.

Do zodiac stones have real effects?

There is no scientific evidence that they do. Astrology is considered pseudoscience; zodiac stones are enjoyed as traditions, symbols and gifts.

Sources

• Wikipedia, Birthstone (zodiac stones after Kunz, 1913): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthstone
• Wikipedia, Aries (astrology): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aries_(astrology)
• Wikipedia, Astrology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology
• GIA, March Birthstones: https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/march-birthstones