February Birthstone - Amethyst

The purple gemstone symbolizing peace, protection, and tranquility

About February's Birthstone

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a stunning purple variety of quartz that has been prized for thousands of years. Its color ranges from pale lilac to deep purple, often displaying flashes of red or blue when viewed from different angles.

The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not intoxicated." Ancient Greeks believed that wearing amethyst would prevent intoxication, and wine goblets were often carved from amethyst with the belief that it would prevent drunkenness.

As the February birthstone, amethyst is believed to bring clarity of thought, peace, and protection to those born in this month. It's also traditionally given as a gift for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

February Birthstone - Amethyst

Amethyst Properties

Physical Properties

  • Mineral: Quartz (SiO₂)
  • Color: Purple (pale lilac to deep purple)
  • Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
  • Transparency: Transparent to translucent
  • Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553
  • Crystal System: Hexagonal
  • Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)

Symbolic Meaning

  • Peace: Promotes calm and balance
  • Protection: Believed to protect against negative energies
  • Clarity: Associated with clear thinking and sobriety
  • Spirituality: Enhances spiritual awareness
  • Wisdom: Encourages wisdom and understanding
  • Healing: Traditionally used for healing and purification

Sources & Origins

  • Major Sources: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Russia
  • Other Sources: United States, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia
  • Historical Sources: Siberia, Germany, Italy
  • Notable Deposits: Ametista do Sul (Brazil), Thunder Bay (Canada)
  • Mining Methods: Both open-pit and underground mining
  • Geode Formation: Often found in volcanic rock cavities

Care & Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Warm, soapy water and soft brush
  • Ultrasonic: Generally safe, but avoid if stone has fractures
  • Steam Cleaning: Not recommended
  • Chemicals: Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals
  • Sunlight: Prolonged exposure may fade color
  • Storage: Store separately to prevent scratching

The Rich History of Amethyst

Amethyst has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Ancient civilizations including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all prized this purple gemstone for its beauty and supposed powers. Egyptian royalty adorned themselves with amethyst jewelry, while Greek and Roman nobility wore amethyst signet rings.

In medieval times, amethyst was considered equal in value to diamond, ruby, and sapphire. It was a favorite gemstone of royalty and clergy, often adorning crowns, scepters, and ecclesiastical rings. The stone was believed to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, which made it particularly popular for use in ornamental crosses and other religious jewelry.

The discovery of large amethyst deposits in Brazil in the 19th century made this once-rare gemstone more accessible. Despite this increased availability, amethyst has maintained its status as a precious gemstone and continues to be highly valued for its distinctive purple color.

Today, amethyst remains one of the most popular gemstones, prized not only for jewelry but also for decorative objects like carved figurines and geode specimens that showcase the stone's natural beauty.

Historical Amethyst Jewelry

Amethyst Varieties

While amethyst is defined by its purple color, there are several varieties and quality factors that distinguish different types of this beautiful gemstone:

Siberian Amethyst

Not necessarily from Siberia, this term refers to the finest quality amethyst with a rich purple color and flashes of red and blue. This premium variety commands the highest prices.

Rose de France

This variety has a pale lilac or lavender color. While less valuable than deeper purple amethysts, its delicate color has gained popularity in modern jewelry designs.

Ametrine

A unique variety that displays both amethyst's purple and citrine's yellow-orange in the same stone. It occurs naturally when part of an amethyst is heated by geological processes.

Chevron Amethyst

A combination of amethyst and white quartz that forms in a V-shaped pattern. It's often used for carvings and decorative objects rather than faceted gemstones.

Prasiolite

Also known as "green amethyst," this is actually amethyst that has been heat-treated to produce a mint green color. Natural prasiolite is extremely rare.

Cathedral Amethyst

Large geode formations with tall points resembling cathedral spires. These spectacular specimens are highly valued by collectors and for decorative purposes.

Fascinating Facts About Amethyst

Royal Purple

Amethyst's purple color was once reserved for royalty, and the gemstone has adorned the crowns and jewelry of many royal families throughout history.

Color Change

When heated, amethyst can change color to yellow or reddish-brown, creating citrine or "burnt amethyst." This discovery led to the commercial production of citrine from amethyst.

Leonardo da Vinci's Belief

Leonardo da Vinci wrote that amethyst could dissipate evil thoughts and quicken intelligence, reflecting the long-held belief in the stone's mental and spiritual benefits.

World's Largest

The world's largest amethyst geode, "The Empress of Uruguay," stands over 10 feet tall and weighs approximately 2.5 tons. It's on display at the Crystal Caves Museum in Australia.

Amethyst in Jewelry

Amethyst's beautiful purple color and excellent durability make it a versatile gemstone for various jewelry styles. Here are some popular ways amethyst is used in jewelry:

Popular Settings

  • Rings: Amethyst makes a striking center stone for rings, especially when set in white metals that enhance its purple color.
  • Earrings: From simple studs to elaborate chandelier designs, amethyst earrings complement many skin tones and hair colors.
  • Necklaces: Amethyst pendants and beaded necklaces showcase the stone's rich color and often feature large, eye-catching stones.
  • Bracelets: Tennis bracelets and bangles featuring amethyst create elegant accessories that work for both casual and formal occasions.

Styling Tips

  • Amethyst pairs beautifully with both yellow and white metals, though white metals like silver, white gold, and platinum often make the purple color appear more vibrant.
  • For a complementary color scheme, pair amethyst with peridot (green) or citrine (yellow) gemstones.
  • Amethyst looks particularly striking against black clothing or with other purple tones for a monochromatic look.
  • For a modern twist, look for rose gold settings that create a warm contrast with amethyst's cool purple tones.

Care Tips for Amethyst Jewelry

  • Clean amethyst jewelry with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, which can fade amethyst's color over time.
  • Remove amethyst jewelry before using household chemicals or before activities like swimming in chlorinated pools.
  • Store amethyst pieces separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.

Explore Other Birthstones

January Birthstone - Garnet

January: Garnet

 March Birthstone - Aquamarine

March: Aquamarine

 April Birthstone - Diamond

April: Diamond

 May Birthstone - Emerald

May: Emerald
View All Birthstones

Monthly Birthstone Chart

Looking for a quick reference to all birthstones? Check out our printable birthstone chart featuring all 12 months and their corresponding gemstones.

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