The February birthstone, amethyst, is one of the most popular gemstones and has been worn as jewelry for centuries. This vibrant purple quartz is known for its beauty and durability. Here’s everything you need to know about February’s beautiful birthstone.

If you are looking to give a special and unique Valentine’s Day gift, consider creating a custom piece of jewelry featuring the February birthstone Amethyst. This gorgeous gemstone is believed to help protect its wearer from negative energy while helping to balance their mental and emotional state. Amethyst has long been associated with wealth, spirituality, and love, making it an ideal choice for a romantic occasion like Valentine’s Day.

The History of the February Birthstone

Origins of the Amethyst 

This stone has a long and varied history that goes back to many civilizations in ancient times. Amethyst was purportedly used as early as the 7th century BC by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, also the Romans, Chinese, Aztecs, and Incas. Amethysts were often used to make bowls, vases, boxes, and ornamental flasks.

Amethyst lore and origins for the Ancient Greek

The name “amethyst” is derived from the Latin word “amethystus” and the Greek word “amethustos,” meaning not drunk. The February gemstone is also associated with the God of wine, Dionysus. The ancient Greeks believed that the stone protected them from drunkenness, and they would often drink out of amethyst-decorated goblets.

The myth tells that Dionysus was attracted to a beautiful woman named Amethystos. Dionysus wanted her to join in his revelry, but she declined because she wished to remain chaste. Dionysus was angered and decided to kidnap the girl. As he was carrying her away, she called out to the gods for help, and they turned her into a statue of clear quartz. Dionysus felt sorry for her and wept tears of wine as her feet turned into amethyst.

The color purple as a symbol of Royalty

The color purple has been associated with royalty and the highly wealthy throughout the ages. Amethysts have always been a  favorite of Monarchs and the rich. As such, wearing amethyst stones and jewelry became symbolic of wealth and power.

Romans highly valued amethysts and restricted their use to only the royalty and nobility. The February birthstone was praised and worn by emperors, kings, and queens who would gift their closest friends and family members with amethyst rings and other amethyst jewelry.

Amethyst stone in the Chinese culture

The Chinese also had a great appreciation for amethysts and used them in carvings, paintings, and jewelry. They believed that amethyst would protect them from evil and bring good luck.

Amethyst stone in the Aztec and Incan cultures

The Incas believed that amethyst was a gift from their god Inti. They worshipped it and said that the amethyst gemstone would bless its wearer with good health, wisdom, and prosperity. The February gemstone was also sacred to the Aztecs, who believed it cleansed the soul, turned terrible dreams into good ones, and protected its wearer from harm.

Where is the Birthstone for February found?

Amethysts are found in many countries worldwide, but the most abundant deposits are in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, Zambia, and the United States.

The best way to find amethysts is to look for clusters and geodes filled with sparkly purple crystals. Look for dark purple stones that have a shiny luster. They should also be free from inclusions and cracks.

You can also find the February birthstone in many retail stores online and at Bling Advisor. It is available in various shapes and sizes so that you can find the perfect amethyst stone for you or as a gift for someone special to you.

Color and Appearance: The Purple Hues of Amethyst

Amethyst is a type of quartz that comes in colors ranging from light pink to deep violet, including a range of lighter and darker shades of red, purple, and even white.

Amethyst is known for its beautiful color. There are different variety of amethyst gemstones and colors, including:

• Violet amethyst stones have a bright violet color with more red undertones.
• Lavender amethyst gemstones range from light violet to deep purple with more blue undertones.
• Russian amethyst is a deep dark purple with red and blue tones. The blue color is often more dominant in these stones.
• Rose amethyst, also known as “Rose de France,” is a pinkish-red color with traces of violet and pink undertones.
• Green Amethyst stone is a light to dark green color with traces of violet and white.
• Colorless amethyst gem is a colorless quartz gemstone with fine white inclusions and no visible coloration. It is often known as “White Mexican Amethyst.”
• Smoky amethyst gem is a yellow to brown color with violet undertones.
• Pale lilac amethyst gems are a light purple color.

Scientific and Physical Properties of Amethyst Jewelry

In Nature, you can find an amethyst geode, a crystal-filled round rock formation that can weigh up to 10,000lbs. Amethyst geodes are filled with 2 to 2,500 individual amethyst crystals.

Amethysts are crystalline quartz meaning that they are made up of microscopic crystals stacked on top of each other. Amethyst’s color is created by iron impurities that occur naturally within the mica crystals.

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which is used to measure a mineral’s resistance to scratching, rates amethyst gems at 7, making amethyst a durable and scratch-resistant gemstone.

What are the Benefits of Wearing Amethyst Necklaces and Jewelry?

Besides the enhanced beauty amethyst February birthstone bestows on the wearer, the birthstone for February represents inner strength and personal empowerment.

The Rarity of Amethyst February Birthstone

The amethyst stones are frequently set into rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. Amethyst is a very popular purple stone that is incorporated into an endless variety of jewelry designs and other decorative items.

The purple variety of this month’s birthstone is the most popular type of amethyst jewelry, but it is also found in many other colors. Despite its popularity, people looking for a genuine purple amethyst February birthstone will have to look hard for one that is deep purple and free of any inclusions.

The rarest amethyst stones are the green amethyst and colorless amethyst. Depending on their size and quality, these rare amethysts can be pretty expensive.

Amethyst Stones and Heat Treatment

Some Amethyst stones are heated to produce a more intense purple color. Be aware that not all heat treatment is permanent, and some stones may lose their color over time.

Many people prefer the intense purple color of treated amethyst stones, and Amethyst may be heat-treated in the production of certain gems to intensify its color. Heated amethysts are not considered to be of lesser quality than untreated amethysts.

February Birthstone: Amethyst Jewelry Care and Maintenance

All gemstones require special care to maintain their beauty. The amethyst stone is no exception to this rule.

We recommend that you always take off your amethyst rings or stones when using harsh chemicals as they could damage the gems’ surface. It is also advisable to remove your amethyst jewelry before participating in strenuous activities.

Amethysts can scratch easily, so storing your amethyst gemstones separately from other harder stones is best. Amethysts are best stored when they are not exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity, so be mindful of the environment where you keep your birthstone jewelry.

You can clean this February birthstone with mild soap and warm water. 

For more information on Jewelry maintenance and care, read our blog here.

When Should You Offer Amethyst Birthstone to Someone?

There is no wrong time to give someone an amethyst birthstone. What better way to show your loved ones how much you care for them than by giving them a beautiful piece of amethyst jewelry.

Amethyst birthstone for February Birthdates

Birthstones are typically given to loved ones who share the same birth month. If you are looking for a memorable and unique gift to give someone born in February, then an amethyst birthstone is a perfect choice.

The amethyst gemstone symbolizes friendship, protection, enlightenment, and sincerity. These gorgeous purple gemstones are available in many shapes, sizes, color combinations, and designs.

Amethyst birthstone as an Engagement Ring

Amethysts make excellent engagement rings for people born in February. The deep purple hue of the stone is very flattering and can complement many skin tones.

If you are looking for a unique and different engagement ring, then an amethyst ring could be the perfect gift for you.

Amethyst February birthstone as an Anniversary Gift

Many couples celebrate their anniversary every year with a special gift. Amethyst is the gem for the sixth and 17th wedding anniversary so if you are looking for a unique and memorable anniversary gift, then amethyst birthstones are a great choice. 

In Summary

Amethysts are beautiful gemstones that can offer the wearer a wide range of options: rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Different amethyst hues and forms allow you to find the perfect jewelry for your loved one.

If you’re looking for a truly special gift for someone born in February, try creating a custom piece of jewelry featuring amethysts. Get in touch with one of our specialists to start building your custom piece.

Our specialists at Bling Advisor are eager to answer any questions you might have regarding amethyst gems and jewelry. Feel free to contact us or check our amethyst rings and jewelry selection.