February Birthstone Amethyst: What is February Birthstone? Color, Meaning

Introduction to February Birthstone

What is the February Birthstone?

February is known for the birthstone amethyst, a kind of quartz. For generations, gems of this color have been cherished. Amethyst is a representation of beauty, creativity, and love. It is a stunning stone that is often used to create jewelry such as bracelets, pendants, and brooches.

What is the color of February's Birthstone?

The birthstone for February is amethyst, a purple quartz stone with colors ranging from light lilac to deep violet. However, the purple birthstone's name derives from the Greek term "amethyst," which means "a remedy against drunkenness". In ancient Greek mythology, the gem was associated with Bacchus, the god of wine, since its color is similar to that of wine. Some believe the birthstone's purple color and wine-like appearance make it a form of therapy (or medicine).

What Is Amethyst?

Amethyst is a stunning variation of quartz, one of the most abundant minerals on the earth. However, when the quartz matures into amethyst, it experiences a unique transformation. Iron, in trace quantities, enters the crystal structure as it grows.

It is this iron, which has something unique and distinct about it (compared to the iron present in many other minerals), that enables the amethyst to emerge in its most ideal form in a vibrant purple color. Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it a durable gemstone. This makes it suitable for rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

The Origin and History of Amethyst

Amethyst is a quartz gemstone. The royal purple amethyst is a quartz crystal that originated in massive geodes containing volcanic gas bubbles. Amethysts have been worn by monarchs for generations to symbolize love, wealth, sincerity, and happiness. Before significant reserves were found in Brazil, amethyst was valued equally to turquoise, sapphire, ruby, and emerald.

Furthermore, Amethyst's history stretches back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks revered the stone, not just for its beauty but also for what they believed were its protective properties. The stone's name is derived from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not drunken."

The ancient Greeks believed that wearing an amethyst made one impervious to the effects of wine and other intoxicating spirits. Having an association with the sacred and used in many ancient ceremonial contexts, the amethyst has, throughout history, been linked with power, authority, and even divinity.

Amethyst: February Birthstone Facts

Feature	Description
Color	Purple (light lilac to deep violet)
Hardness	7 on the Mohs scale (relatively durable)
Chemical Composition	Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with trace amounts of iron
Crystal System	Trigonal
Birthstone Month	February
Associated Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Symbolism	Peace, serenity, courage, spiritual wisdom, protection against intoxication

Different Colors & Characteristics of Amethyst

Below are a few of the most well-known color variations of Amethyst. Each of the Amethyst has its unique characteristics. 

Classic Amethyst: Classic amethyst gemstones are a rich purple and symbolize power and elegance. This deep purple is the crowning glory of amethyst beauty.

Rose De France Amethyst: Rose De France Amethyst, sometimes known as light lavender, is more delicate. The rosy undertone and romantic vibe of this species are beautiful stuff. 

Green Amethyst: Green Amethyst is a soothing alternative to purple. Green amethyst, commonly known as prasiolite, is rare and green in color. This captivating color is the result of the thermal treatment of amethyst crystals, which turns them from dark purple to green.

Bi-Color Amethyst: This type of amethyst is a combination of two colors, such as purple and violet. It also features multiple shades of pink, light green, and reddish purple, with brilliant color flashes throughout the stone.

February Birthstone Amethyst Meaning and Symbolism

The amethyst, February's birthstone, has a rich symbolic history and deep meaning. Amethyst has been revered for millennia for its profound and strong virtue, unlike many stones, which are appreciated for their appearance. Amethyst was famed for its purity and protection throughout pre-classical and classical eras.

The ancient Greeks and Romans believed amethyst had magical and therapeutic properties. Thus, they often decorated vases and goblets with them to keep wine clean and avoid intoxication. 

Furthermore, people choose amethyst jewelry as a symbol of luxury and prosperity as well as for its securing and protecting qualities. Since purple—the color of amethyst—is linked to luxury.

Benefits of Amethyst as February Birthstone

Beyond its beauty, amethyst as the February birthstone offers many benefits, such as:

• Amethyst relieves anxiety and stress by affirming love. Amethyst's purple color highlights the crown chakra (energy center). This energy center is related to the most powerful stages of consciousness. And amethyst helps people meditate and connect with divine direction. 
• The ancient Greeks and Egyptians believed the stone could help them sleep and shield them from psychic attacks and aura-damaging strikes.
• It is also believed that this gemstone can improve blood circulation in the physical body, which can aid in the healing of wounds and the alleviation of tension.

Authentic Amethyst Birthstone options to buy online

GemFly offers authentic February birthstones. Express your style and honor with your GemFly beautiful February birthstone:

This gorgeous African Amethyst necklace, handmade in 925 oxidized metal and weighs 13.47 grams, has 7.75 carats of rich, purple amethyst, symbolic of Africa's bright landscapes.

How to Choose the Perfect February Birthstone Amethyst Jewelry

Here's a simple guide to choosing the proper amethyst jewelry:

• Color: High-quality amethyst stones appear deep purple. Be wary of gemstones that have either lighter or darker colors or varying degrees of transparency.

• Clarity: Select an amethyst that is visible to the naked eye and free of defects for the finest appearance and brightness.

• Cut: Select a well-cut amethyst to enhance its color and sparkle. Avoid those that do not sparkle or reflect light well.

Caring for Your Amethyst Jewelry

Quartz crystal amethyst is a 7-hardness gemstone that is strong but fragile and easily dismantled if it is not taken care of properly. Discover how to clean and care for amethyst jewelry:

How to Clean your Amethyst Jewelry

• Step one: Make a water-soap solution. For this, mix warm water (as warm as your hands can handle) and a few drops of mild liquid soap (like dish soap or baby shampoo) in a bowl. 
• Step two: Soak your jewelry in the water-soap solution for about 15 to 20 minutes. 
• Step three: After soaking, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the amethyst and its setting. It will help to remove surface dirt and debris.
• Step four: Gently and thoroughly rinse your Amethyst Jewelry under warm water (not hot) to clean the soap solution (as well as scrub dirt or oil) from it.
• Step five: After rinse, gently dry the amethyst jewelry with a soft cloth (lint-free towel).

Caring Tips for Amethyst Jewelry

• To clean amethyst jewelry, use warm (not hot) water, a toothbrush, and a small dish with a mild soap-soft, lint-free cloth.
• When not in use, store your amethyst jewelry in a velvet pouch or a box lined with cloth. 
• Avoid wearing jewelry where dampness or chemicals may scratch it. 
• After each usage, carefully wipe the amethyst jewelry with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or oils.
• Avoid using ultrasonic or streamer cleansers, as they have the potential to damage or loosen gemstones. 
• Avoid stone-scratching cleansers and abrasives. This includes ammonia, bleach, and other harsh cleansers.
• First, inspect your jewelry for damaged or loose pieces. Seek expert help if you detect problems.

Pro Caring tips: Cleaning your amethyst jewelry at home is usually enough, but if it's extremely filthy or has many fine details, contact specialists for a thorough cleaning using delicate jewelry instruments.

 

Conclusion 

Amethyst is the birthstone for February. Its long traditions and royal deep purple color make it one of the most valued and beautiful jewels. The Ancient Greeks considered purple as a lavish color that was rare in nature. Thus, amethyst was a gemstone that adorned not only their jewelry but also their crowns.

Historically, amethyst is associated with luck, wealth, mental clarity, and emotional tranquility. Whether you're a February baby, lapidary, or follower of zodiac signs, if you love the color purple or jewelry, amethyst is the stone for you!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About February Birthstone Amethyst

Q1. What is the second birthstone for February?

Ans. Amethyst is February's major birthstone, however many people consider jasper the second. 

Q2. What is the lucky stone for February?

Ans. Amethyst is considered a lucky stone for February due to its spiritual significance, availability, and beauty. 

Q3. Why was amethyst chosen for February?

Ans. Amethyst is being chosen as the February birthstone because of its rich history, therapeutic properties, and association with love and compassion.