Step 1: Concept
Use the geometric condition of an equilateral triangle in the complex plane.
Step 2: Meaning
Let the roots be
\[
z_1=r(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta),
\]
\[
z_2=r(\cos(\theta+60^\circ)+i\sin(\theta+60^\circ)).
\]
Since the origin and the two roots form an equilateral triangle,
\[
|z_1|=|z_2|=r.
\]
Step 3: Analysis
By Vieta's formulas,
\[
z_1+z_2=-a,
\qquad
z_1z_2=b.
\]
Now,
\[
|z_1z_2|=r^2=b.
\]
Also,
\[
|z_1+z_2|
=
2r\cos30^\circ
=
\sqrt3\,r.
\]
Hence,
\[
a^2=(z_1+z_2)^2=(\sqrt3\,r)^2=3r^2.
\]
Step 4: Conclusion
Since $r^2=b$,
\[
a^2=3b.
\]
Final Answer: (C)