Amethysts can undergo a variety of treatments to alter their hue. However, such stones are now merely a different color variation of quartz and are no longer regarded as amethyst. Heat can change the color of amethyst to hues like yellow, green, blue, and red-orange.
In This Article...
Meanings, Symbolism, and Folklore
- The Greek word amethystos, which means “not drunk” or “a treatment for alcoholism,” is the source of the English word “amethyst.” The Ancient Greeks thought that carrying an amethyst allowed one to consume alcohol all night long without getting drunk.
- Early Greek mythology connected amethyst with Bacchus, the deity of wine, due to its color resembling wine.
- Amethyst was said to keep wearers sharp-witted and clear-headed in conflict and in commercial dealings.
- The romantic ardour of lovers could be controlled, according to Renaissance Europeans.
- Strength and intellect are also supposed to be transmitted through amethyst.
- Amethyst was thought to help cure wounds because, in Christian tradition, its colors symbolized Jesus’ wounds and suffering.
- Its calming influence was believed to provide restful dreams that brought clarity and harmony to the waking consciousness.
- Amethyst represents inner strength and self-empowerment for people born in the month of February.
- According to legend, St. Valentine, the patron saint of love, wore an amethyst ring with a cupid carving.
- Amethyst is said to sharpen intelligence and purge you of negative thoughts, according to Italian astronomer and astrologer Camillo Leonardi.
- Amethysts were previously thought to have healing properties when applied to pimples.
- To commemorate a couple’s sixth wedding anniversary, amethyst is given.
- Possessing an amethyst as a gift in a dream is lucky.
- Giving someone an amethyst in a dream indicates you are forgiving them.
History of Amethyst
Amethysts were thought to have been used in amulets by ancient Egyptians as a form of prayer and protection from danger.
The gem was a favorite of Catherine the Great of Russia, who amassed a collection of amethyst necklaces, earrings, and other beautiful jewelry.
It used to be valued on par with gems like sapphire, emerald, and ruby.
Where Is Amethyst Found?
Before vast amounts of amethyst were discovered in Brazil in the 19th century, Russia was the primary source of the gemstone.
The gem is now found in places like Bolivia, South America, and Africa. North Carolina and Arizona are some places in the US where it can be found.
Amethyst in Jewelry
Amethyst is widely accessible in all sizes and does not experience a significant increase in cost per carat.
Amethyst has a Mohs Hardness value of 7.0, making it suitable for everyday wear in rings and other jewelry. Storage near to tougher gems should be done with caution as there is a chance of scratching.
Why is amethyst the birthstone for February?
Since the time of the ancient Greeks, beautiful purple amethysts have been cherished. The Greeks connected these stones with the wine god Bacchus because of their hue, which resembled grapes. Since the word “amethyst” in ancient Greek meant “not drunk,” they believed that wearing one might keep you sober. Amethyst jewelry, according to gemstone lore, makes its owner wise and logical. Amethysts are said to increase intelligence and shield against negative thoughts, according to the artist Leonardo da Vinci.
Amethysts are widely used in royal and holy jewelry because purple has traditionally been regarded as a regal color due to its rare beauty and the high cost of producing the color for cloth. Amethyst is a gemstone that is frequently used in Tibetan prayer beads because it is thought by Buddhists to improve concentration. Amethyst has been equated by many civilizations with courage, tranquility, and harmony. It has also been said to be able to treat sleeplessness and ease pain.
Amethysts were as valuable and costly as emeralds, sapphires, and rubies until the 19th century, when a significant amethyst resource was found in Brazil. Large amethysts were able to be utilized more frequently in jewelry thanks to the abundance of Brazilian gems, despite the fact that this decreased the gems’ financial value. The Art Deco and Retro eras’ striking cocktail rings frequently feature them.
JanuaryGarnet
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is said to protect its owner when they are traveling. Because the gem resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed, the name “garnet” is derived from a term that means “seed.
FebruaryAmethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is thought to improve communication and offer the wearer bravery. Only royalty could wear the jewel in the past. The amethyst was believed to protect against intoxication by the ancient Greeks. Amethyst is really derived from the Greek word amethystos, which means “sober.”
MarchAquamarine, Bloodstone
Drinking the water the aquamarine, the birthstone for March, had been bathing in was said to cure stomach, liver, and heart ailments. Early sailors thought that aquamarine talismans bearing engravings of the sea god Neptune shielded them from the perils of the ocean.
The bloodstone, a dark green gemstone with scarlet flecks, is another birthstone for March.
AprilDiamond
The diamond, the birthstone for April, has long been associated with courage and is a symbol of unending love. The Sanskrit word for diamond is vajra, which also means lightning. In Hindu mythology, Indra, the king of the gods, used vajra as his weapon.
MayEmerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, was a favorite jewel of Cleopatra’s. It has been linked to love, rebirth, and fertility for a very long time. This stone was even dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, by the ancient Romans. Emeralds are now considered to represent knowledge, development, and patience.
JunePearl
Pearl, the birthstone for June, has traditionally been associated with purity. The goddess of love Aphrodite was thought by the ancient Greeks to have created pearls out of her dried up tears of ecstasy.
JulyRuby
The ancient Hindus revered ruby, the birthstone for July, as the “king of stones.” It was thought to keep the wearer safe from evil. The intense red color of the ruby now stands for passion and love.
AugustPeridot
Peridot, the birthstone for August, represents fortitude. Due to its pale green hue, it is frequently referred to as the “evening emerald.” The green peridot crystals discovered in volcanic ashes were once thought to represent the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess. This diamond was thought to ward off nightmares when set in gold.
SeptemberSapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, was long supposed to ward off evil and poisoning. It was thought that putting a poisonous snake in a sapphire container would cause it to die. The sapphire, which has historically been a favored stone of priests and rulers, stands both innocence and knowledge.
OctoberOpal
Opal, the birthstone for October, represents loyalty and assurance. The term is derived from the Latin word opalus, which means “precious jewel.” Opal-set necklaces were worn to ward off evil and preserve vision.
DecemberTurquoise
Turquoise, the birthstone for December, is viewed as a love charm. It is also a representation of luck and success, and wearing one is said to calm the mind and shield the person from harm. Particularly turquoise rings are said to ward off evil spirits.
Do you know your natal flower now that you know your birthstone? See our page of flowers by birth month!
Enjoy our birthday facts, history, folklore, and other fun stuff on our birthdays page.
Is February’s birthstone amethyst?
The gemstone amethyst is the birthstone for February and the sixth and seventeenth wedding anniversaries. The Amethyst is a kind of quartz that is distinguished by its numerous purple hues, ranging from lilac to deep violet. It has a lengthy and enigmatic past.
What are February’s two birthstones?
Jasper is a lovely, earthy stone for jewelry and is thought to be associated with courage and wisdom. It is also helpful for fostering strength and stability.
For February birthdays, two exquisite birthstone possibilities are amethyst and jasper. Amethyst’s violet tones and green jasper’s rich, earthy tones are stunning on their own and in combination. Visit our Education Center for more details about amethyst, ametrine, and bloodstone, and browse our whole selection of amethyst and jasper.
Amethyst is purple; why?
Amethyst is a purple variation of quartz (SiO2). Its violet hue is the result of complicated crystal lattice substitutions brought on by irradiation, iron and, in certain circumstances, other transition metal impurities, as well as the presence of other trace elements.
What color is February?
Birthstone for February is amethyst. Purple is the birthstone for February. Home > Education > Gems & Gemology > Amethyst, the birthstone for February. Purple is the birthstone for February.
Is your birthstone a stone with a story?
Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, Persians, and Indians all ascribed various gemstones to each month of the year, giving rise to the concept of birthstones. According to the origin legends of birthstones, wearing a gemstone throughout its designated month enhances its curative and restorative properties.
Birthstones are a wonderful way to give jewelry a special meaning and make wonderful presents to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or other significant occasion.
The biblical system, which was developed around 40 AD, is where the modern birthstone system comes from. According to Jewish historian Titus Flavius Josephus, the 12 stones on Aaron’s breastplate had a particular relationship with the astrological signs and months of the year. A list created in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers in America is still in use today, despite some changes along the road, most notably the addition of tanzanite as the December birthstone in 2002.
What birthstone falls on February 10th?
Amethyst. Everywhere in the world, one can find amethyst, a purple quartz that is a stunning combination of violet and red. The word for “intoxicated” in Ancient Greek is methustos, from which the name was derived. People in ancient times who wore the gemstone thought it might keep them sober.
Which month of the year does amethyst symbolize?
The birthstone for February is amethyst, a form of quartz with a stunning purple color that ranges from a combination of deep violet and red to a lighter lilac hue. Ancient Greeks thought that wearing the stone prevented intoxication and helped the wearer maintain a level head.
Why is amethyst used?
boosts nobility
religious consciousness
Psychic prowess
inner harmony and recovery
Body, mind, and soul healing
transformation for the better
MeditationBalance
reduces tension
Communication
Amethyst is a strong and shielding gemstone.
It defends against psychic assault, transforming the energy into love and shielding the user from all damage, such as geopathic or electromagnetic stress and bad intentions from others.
Amethyst is a natural tranquilizer that reduces stress and tension, calms impatience, stabilizes mood swings, and calms fear, anxiety, and aggression.
reduces pain and misery and dispels negativity.
Amethyst stimulates psychic skills, opens intuition, and awakens spiritual consciousness.
It has great cleansing and healing abilities.
Amethyst promotes sobriety and has a sobering effect on excessive use of drugs, alcohol, or other addictions.
It stimulates and soothes the mind, making it easier to focus, remember things better, and be more motivated.
Amethyst helps in dream recall and comprehension.
It eases sleeplessness.
promotes generosity and spiritual discernment.
Amethyst regulates the endocrine system, metabolism, and hormone synthesis.
It improves the body’s ability to combat cancer, boosts the immune system, and eases discomfort. It helps with tissue regeneration and eliminates cancerous tumors. blood is cleaned. relieves stress or discomfort that is mental, emotional, or physical. Amethyst reduces tension and eases headaches. It relieves hearing impairments and lessens bruising, swellings, and injuries. Amethyst is effective in treating gastrointestinal ailments, skin conditions, cellular diseases, and respiratory and respiratory tract illnesses.