February Birthstone

Amethyst is February’s birthstone, considered the month of love and desire. Amethyst, with its exceptionally attractive purple color, has fascinated humankind since Alexander the Great. Its lilac to deep purple shade can be molded into various cuts and shapes to suit your preferences.

Amethyst is a valuable gemstone that can be mined and manufactured in the lab. The February birthstone has lured kings and queens from ancient eras with intriguing qualities.

Read more about Amethyst in this article and become enlightened about its value and importance.

Explore and buy Amethyst jewelry HERE.

Amethyst Origin

The word “Amethyst” originates from the Greek word “Amethystos,” meaning “a remedy against drunkenness” or “not drunk.” The ancient Greeks believed that Amethyst could ensure sobriety by preventing drunkenness. People in taverns used it as a decorative stone in wine goblets. Amethyst was also believed to possess healing properties by treating ailments ranging from headaches to severe insomnia.

Amethyst is produced in various shapes around the globe. Russia was the primary source of its production until the 19th century, when, gradually, Brazil dominated the world by producing large deposits of Amethyst later in the century. Presently, the most abundant sources of Amethyst are located in South America and some parts of Africa.

The ancient bases of Amethyst imply that if you are born in February, wearing an Amethyst in your jeweler can symbolize great history accompanied by style, inner strength, and empowerment.

Amethyst Symbolism

The birthstone of February carries a rich history and deep underlying symbolism. We believe one needs to be familiar with the symbolism attached to its existence to applaud its beauty and value.

Greek mythology states that Amethyst, a beautiful maiden, was on a journey to worship Diana. The goddess transformed Amethyst into a statue of pure white quartz to save her from Bacchus. As per a legend, Bacchus—known as the god of wine and pleasure—was infuriated with humans and announced that his tigers would kill and eat the first person that came his way.

Feeling humiliated, the god Bacchus poured wine over the statue, giving it a beautiful lilac shade and creating the first-ever Amethyst in history.

Amethyst has since then been symbolizing innocence, purity, and beauty. Moreover, with its healing properties, it was carried by soldiers in battles to seek protection against enemies and heal their wounds and injuries.

To date, Amethyst is excessively valued for its exquisite beauty and historical meaning. It is used in jewelry and crystals for home decoration and often in healing practices. This stunning stone can be the perfect gift for anyone born in February as a birthday present, an anniversary gift, or a Thanksgiving surprise.

Shapes of Amethyst

Amethyst is produced in various shapes according to the gemstone's desired cut and intended use. It is commonly cut into faceted shapes to enhance its sparkle and beauty. These shapes include pear, round, oval, and princess.

Another shape popular among people interested in Amethyst is a cabochon, characterized by a polished round top and a flat bottom. It is majorly used for making pendants, long necklaces, and statement rings.

Amethyst can also be cut into numerous geometric shapes, from simple triangles to complex hexagons. These shapes are usually followed in more modern and contemporary-styled jeweler designs.

In addition, Amethyst, in its tumbled and drilled kinds, is also used in different practices. For instance, tumbled-shaped Amethyst is used in healing and meditation practices, whereas drilled beads are commonly used in bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry items.

Benefits of Amethyst

Amethyst has earned a name worldwide among contemporary stone enthusiasts for its extensive qualities of physical healing and emotional strengthening. Most people believe it is a stress-relieving stone that promotes relaxation and induces calmness by easing anxiety, soothing nerves, and promoting peaceful sleep.

The stone is also believed to aid in spiritual growth and mental development. It is associated with strengthening the wit of the wearer while enhancing intuition, promoting inner peace by bringing tranquility, and boosting the immune system.

From ancient times until the present modernist era, the February birthstone has been assumed to have protective abilities against negative energies and evil attacks. It can allegedly create a spiritual light around the person wearing it by warding off negativity and ensuring security.

Thus, considering its mental abilities, Amethyst enhances mental clarity, making it the best pick for professionals, students, and scholars. Amethyst has many benefits for the body, mind, and soul. While many science seekers may rule against these benefits, it continues to be utilized by many people to help health, healing, and happiness.

Amethyst and the Modern Jewelry

The popularity of Amethyst cannot be denied for centuries to come, making this historical gemstone a popular choice for trending jewelry designs in 2023. Jewelers use natural amethyst crystals to showcase their natural beauty in new and trending styles. Statement rings are one way to add a large amethyst stone, which can make you the center of attraction.

Amethyst can also be paired with other mixed metals of gold, silver, and rose gold shades to make a perfect fit for any outfit. Whether a raw or geometric amethyst, it never fails to add a touch of beauty and elegance to any ornament or jewel.

How to take care of an Amethyst

Any piece of jewelry can lose its charm when kept carelessly or stored wrongly, especially when it comes to gemstones, which often require immense attention. Amethyst requires the proper care to make it durable for a decade or two.

The first step is to store it in a soft cotton cloth in a separate compartment, away from other jewelry pieces.

Secondly, avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as it might fade the shine of your Amethyst. It is always preferred to store amethyst jewelry in a cold dark place, far from any direct sunlight when you are not wearing it.

Considering Amethyst's high-temperature sensitivity, we highly advise avoiding heat and chemicals. Please avoid exposing it to chemical-containing products, such as hairspray, cleaning, and perfume, so your gemstone does not discolor. Removing your amethyst jewelry when working in the kitchen or using a sauna to prevent damaging it is best.

Lastly, Amethyst needs proper cleaning at least once a month. It can be easily cleaned at home with a mild soap mixed with water; you can dip it in vinegar and baking soda paste. The latter works like a cleaning product but carries natural properties, making it devoid of harmful chemicals.

However, if the tips do not work, take your amethyst jewelry to a professional cleaner so it can stay beautiful for years.