The February birthstone is Amethyst. For many places around the world, February is a cold and overcast place. We often associate this month with sub-zero temperatures, comfort food, winter weight, and movies on the couch. But for those born in February, the excitement can really be intense. Why? The Amethyst of course.

The word amethyst comes from a Greek word, amethystos, which literally means “not intoxicating”.

February birthdays are a time to celebrate! If you enjoy adorning yourself in some of the most beautiful gemstones in the world then February has your ticket. The February birthstone Amethyst offers deep purple crystalline hues that reflect the peace and courage of its wearer. Amethyst birthstones can range from a light pink-violet color to a deep purple with hues of reds or blues. The various popular gemstone cuts and designs will bring out its brilliance in a fashion unlike no other.

So, if you were born in February, you’re very lucky. February is a month of love. A time for Valentine’s Day and emphasizing the importance of love in our lives. February is also special because of the beautiful gemstone associated with it. If you have a February birthday your birthstone, the amethyst, is beautiful and memorable. You are ESPECIALLY lucky if you are a person of color; February is also Black History Month. It’s a time of celebration, heritage, and birthdays. For you, the winter cold hardly exists.

What is an Amethyst?

Amethyst is a very special gift from the earth. This gemstone is made up of quartz crystals that grow inside of geodes. Geodes are vessels that look like regular rocks on the outside, but when they are cracked open, they reveal an interior of shimmering crystals. These crystals can be a number of different colors and types, but amethyst crystals are a purple color and typically hexagonal in shape.

Today, scientists are still not completely sure how geodes form. Many scientists believe that the process begins with the creation of a hollow rock. These rocks are made of cooled lava and can be found wherever there have been volcanoes. As the lava cools, gas cavities form; the exterior hardens and the interior remains vacant. The hollow space in these rocks fills up with a liquid made of silica and traces of iron. Over time, this substance forms into crystals of amethyst. Scientists have not yet determined the reasons that these crystals turn purple, but it’s believed that the color is due to the iron content.

Many of the amethysts that are mined and sold for jewelry were found in South America, especially in Brazil and Uruguay. In the United States, amethyst is commonly found in North Carolina and Arizona. 

Amethyst color

When you think of amethyst birthstones, deep purple comes to mind. But did you know that amethysts have been found in every hue of the purple spectrum? The most valuable shade of amethyst is a dark, reddish-purple. The lighter tones, including amethysts that are almost pink, look great in jewelry. 

The February birthstone amethyst is also extremely durable. It has a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. The Mohs hardness scale ranges from 1 to 10, with a diamond being a 10. Therefore, the 7 score on the Mohs scale means that amethyst is a great option to include when creating lasting jewelry because of its durability. Perhaps pieces that will be handed down through generations in your family.

Power and symbolism of Amethyst

Due to the long relationship between humans and amethyst, there is a lot of documentation of the ways it was used by different cultures over time.  The Egyptians believed that amethyst held magical powers. They placed it in the tombs of the pharaohs to help protect them on their journey to the afterlife. In the nearby Arabian Empire, people wore amethyst jewelry at night as they believed it helped to deter nightmares. Because purple is also a color that is symbolic of royalty, amethysts have a regal look and feel to them.

Amethyst was also popular in ancient Rome and ancient Greece. In a myth shared by both cultures, the god of wine, Bacchus or Dionysus, poured his purple wine on a young maiden named Amethyst after the goddess of the hunt, Diana, turned her into a white crystal to protect her from his revenge. As a result, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that an amethyst stone promoted sobriety. The word amethyst comes from a Greek word, amethystos, which literally means “not intoxicating”.

Applications of Amethyst

In the Middle Ages in Europe, healers used it in a number of ways. It was used to sharpen foggy minds and improve sleep and as medication for a number of ailments. Many carried a piece of amethyst with them cleanse their chakras and warded off evil spirits and black magic. 

Today, people wear or carry amethyst for a number of different reasons. It’s still used for healing and can help plants, animals, and humans to recover from all sorts of ailments. For humans, it can be used to cure insomnia, ward off nightmares, reduce hyperactivity, and counteract negative energy.

Amethyst promotes creativity of all kinds. Many artists, writers, musicians, poets, and inventors keep amethyst nearby when the time comes to focus on their work. Many around the world recognize the symbolism and the color purple and the Amethyst with the great, late musician Prince, from right here in Minnesota.

This gemstone is soothing and calming and can help ward off conflict and communication difficulties. Because of these qualities, it is helpful in relationships, especially in intimate ones. Most of all, amethyst is wonderful for promoting temperance. If you wish to overcome bad habits, carry some amethyst in your pocket for strength. If you frequently overindulge in things that are bad for you, amethyst may aid you in breaking that cycle. 

9 other interesting myths about Amethyst

• The lore of amethyst began with the Greek Gods who believed that drinking from goblets studded with amethyst gems would prevent drunkenness and excess. We should look into this one further!
• Medieval soldiers wore the gemstone into battle to protect them and aid them in staying focused.
• Amethyst is known as the stone of Saint Valentine, the patron of romantic love who wore an amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid.
• In modern Europe royalty wore robes and clothing dyed the rich purple of amethyst and wore the gems as accessories. Even today the Queen of England is seen wearing a brooch from the Kent Amethysts set.
• Amethyst was as expensive and as cherished as Ruby and Emerald until the 19th Century, when Brazil’s large deposits were discovered.
• Camillo Leonardi was an astrologer who wrote that amethyst quickens intelligence and gets rid of evil thoughts.
• A nine-foot cavern in Maine was discovered in 1993 that contained more than a ton of amethyst crystal.
• The amethyst fades to a yellow color when exposed to sunlight over a long period of time.
• Amethyst today is thought to provide the wearer with the qualities of stability, peace, courage, focus, royalty, romance and affections. Making amethyst the perfect gift to express love or to protect against negative thoughts.

Buying Amethyst

A great way to wear amethyst all the time is by wearing it in a ring. Amethyst is a great gemstone for anyone, but if your birthstone is the February birthstone, then it’s especially perfect for you.

When buying amethyst, you want to ensure that you’re buying from a certified jeweler that can provide you all the information you would need to make a purchase. It’s important to find a jeweler that sources from qualified gemologists to cut the stone evenly because amethyst has many layers of color. You want the highest quality cut and color possible to show off that deep purple/red brilliance all February long and beyond.

Custom Design an Amethyst Ring

if you have a vision in your mind and want something special, different, or really unique, then consider making your own ring or piece of fine jewelry. You custom design your jewelry with Gittelson Jewelers.

Contact us

Whether you are looking for Amethyst February Birthstone, diamond engagement rings, watches or some other special piece of jewelry you can schedule an appointment to come in and shop with Gittelson Jewelers or chat with us virtually. Valentine’s Day is coming up! We love to help you navigate all of your options when selecting special jewelry selections that will remain in your relationship and your family for many years to come.