Amethyst, the official birthstone of February, was for years believed to have spiritual and protective powers. Amethyst stones were very rare until the 19th century when large deposits were discovered in Brazil. Because of their rarity and their popularity with royalty and clergy, the Amethyst was once as expensive as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
After the Brazil deposits were discovered, the stone became affordable to almost anyone.
Amethyst is a variety of quartz and often called “the queen of quartz” formed in large six sided crystals. Amethyst jewelry has been found as early as 2000 BC. When Amethyst is heated it can change to colors like blue, yellow, green and red-orange.
Top 5 things people want to know about the February birthstone.
- It was the favorite gemstone of Catherine the Great.
- The fact that Amethyst is affordable gives it more value.
- Famous people born in February: Charles Lindbergh, Charles Darwin, Elizabeth Taylor, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
- Supposedly, dreams of Amethyst have a meaning of freedom from harm.
- In the biblical narrative, Amethyst is believed to be the 9th gem in the breastplate worn by Israel’s high priest.
Questions Most Jewelry Lovers Ask About Amethyst
#1 What is the Official February Birthstone?
Amethyst is the official birthstone of February. It is also used to celebrate the 6th and 17th year of marriage.
#2 How many birthstones are in February?
There are two; Amethyst and Jasper. Amethyst represents purification, wisdom, balance, and tranquility. Jasper is said to represent strength, courage and wisdom.
#3 What color is the February birthstone?
The Amethyst comes in many colors ranging from light, pinkish shades to deep violet tones. Although the Ametyst comes in many colors it is most known and appreciated for its rich purple color.. The darker stone has been valued more until recently. The lavender marketed as Rose de France has become popular.
Jasper, the second birthstone for February is most frequently thought of as a red stone, although it actually comes in many colors including green, yellow, blue, and zebra which is white with black stripes.
#4 Why is Amethyst the birthstone for February?
Perhaps because St. Valentine, the patron of romantic love, reportedly wore an amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid. He popularized Amethyst as a sacred symbol of pure love.
#5 How Much Does Amethyst Cost?
The price of Amethyst is determined by the color. The most expensive is called Siberian, referring to the color of those originally mined in Siberia. They have a rich purple color with bursts of red and blue flashes. You can purchase lovely Amethyst for $20 to $30 per carat, while a particularly lovely stone may go for $40 per carat.
#6 What are typical February Birthstone bracelets?
925 Sterling Silver and Twisted Cable Stainless Steel Amethyst Stone Bypass Bangle
Adjustable 925 sterling silver and stainless steel twists with grace in a delicate design of spiraling cables. Brought together by the enclosure are silver accents with violet gemstones of amethyst glistening like violet treasures. Add this bangle accessory for a pop of color to give you an air of spiritual awareness and balance with the positive energy of amethyst gems.
14K Rose Gold Bujukan Bead Cuff Bracelet with Bezel Set Round Amethyst
Beautiful and delicate beading of bujukan stye beads encompass the foundation of this minimal bangle. Composed of 14K rose gold, the polished pink sheen perfectly contrasts to its purple jewel toned accents. At the enclosure are two beautiful deep violet amethyst bezel sets giving this bangle a pop of color.
#7 What are typical February Birthstone necklaces?
14K White Gold Round Amethyst and Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
A round cut amethyst is the vivid focal point of this enduring fashion necklace. Set in versatile 14k white gold, the seductive February birthstone is enveloped within a halo of sparkling 0.04ct diamonds sure to enhance any ensemble.
14K White Gold Amethyst Marquise and Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace
Polish off any ensemble with an eye-catching pop of regal color, thanks to this amethyst ladies necklace. The marquise cut gemstone is framed by a shimmering 0.15ct diamond halo for enhanced radiance. A delicate 14k white gold cable chain completes this February birthstone necklace.
#8 What are typical February rings?
14K White Gold Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Express your style and bring vibrant color to your look with this floral inspired stackable ring. Round cut amethysts alternate with milgrain bordered diamond petals set in 14K white gold. This February birthstone ring is for ladies who love a layered look.
Vintage Inspired 14K White Gold Round Amethyst and Diamond Flower Ring
Reflect nature’s beauty with this fresh and fun Lusso Color ring boasting a floral halo of 0.08ct pavé diamonds. At the center of the blossom, a round cut amethyst lends a regal purple hue. A polished 14K white gold band complements this vintage inspired birthstone ring.
Throughout history, people have held many different beliefs about the power of Amethyst. These include:
- Protection from drunkenness;
- Protection from harm in war and in peace;
- Empowered people with excellent judgment;
- Protect houses from theft;
- Influence of holiness and peace over the beholders;
- The ability to get rid of evil thoughts and quicken intelligence;
- Power to preserve affections of husbands;
- Give vigilance to businessmen and calmness to athletes;
- Stop the spread of infectious disease;
- Bring luck and success;
- Produce strength and clarity;
- Help balance Chakras.
Interesting Facts About Amethyst
The Geological Institute of America museum has a 164 pound doubly terminated ( pointed on 2 ends) Amethyst crystal on display. Ametyst may be faceted, tumbled or cabbed.
These procedures each provide a different appearance to the stone.
- Tumbling is the simplest and requires little equipment. You place the rough stone in a revolving cylinder and turn to knock off the rough edges and begin a polishing process. The stone will appear much as they would after being submerged in a river and washed over time.
- Cabbing or cabochon cutting is when one side is cut flat and the other is rounded.
- Faceted is the most prized and most profitable. Faceting is the process of taking a rough stone, deciding the shape you want and cutting away the material that interferes with your design.
Each process gives a greater polish to the stone. All of these are processes you can accomplish yourself if so desired.
In areas where amethyst are located, amethyst sometimes forms in hollow, crystal-lined geodes so big you can stand in them. These geodes come in all sizes and make beautiful works of art. Geodes are rock structures with delightful and colorful mineral material inside.
There are many traditions that follow the Amethyst. Egyptians decorated their breastplates with Amethyst for protection in war. During the Middle Ages, Crusaders wore Amethyst in the belief they would protect them from the disease of the new lands they were conquering.
Amethyst in Greek and Roman Mythology
Mythology tells the story of Artemis (Diana in Roman mythology), in fear of Dionysus (Bacchus in Roman mythology, though he is sometimes called Baccus in Greek mythology, also), the god of wine, turned a beautiful nymph into a gem for protection against intoxication. Dionysus poured wine onto the stone and gave it this beautiful color, although some versions of the story say it was his tears that gave the stone its color. Amethyst comes from the greek word “amethystos” which means not drunk.
Because of their belief that Amethyst protected against drunkenness, both the Greeks and Romans carved drinking cups out of the stone. Carved Amethyst cups are still available today.
Care and Cleaning for your Amethyst
To clean your Amethyst use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Do not use steam to clean amethyst.
The Amethyst has a hardness of 7.0 on the mohs scale. The mohs scale indicates its harness and scratch resistance. The hardness starts with 1.0, the softest, and goes to 10.0, the hardest. If you store softer stones next to harder stones there is a risk of the harder stone scratching the softer one. It is best to store jewelry individually wrapped in cloth or in a jewelry box with separate areas for each piece.
For centuries the Amethyst has captured the eye and heart of people everywhere. Over the years the Amethyst has touched the hearts of poets.
Poem
... this little piece of amethyst this little piece of amethyst was from a geode broke, and now, beheld, it calmly sits as if it were bespoke. between my palms, my hands betwixt, the stars are enveloped, and thereupon my eyes are fixed: a universe of hope.
At Joseph’s Jewelry, we carry numerous elegant Amethyst jewelry pieces catering to every budget, and desired style. We are here to help residents in Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Jupiter and Port St. Lucie to find your perfect jewelry piece, complete a jewelry set, or make a custom jewelry design as unique as you are! We will also repair and restore your jewelry pieces and watches whether or not they were purchased through us. Come in anytime to check out our unique diamond rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and Citizen Eco Drive watches in stock for a celebration, last-minute gift, or spontaneous surprise.