Those born in February are lucky to have the amethyst as their birthstone. The amethyst crystal comes in variety of purple shades, from rich indigo, to pale violet, to dark raspberry. Amethyst pairs well with both warm and cool colors, so it truly makes any outfit pop.
Amethyst is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making it more affordable than most other gemstones. It is one of several varieties of quartz, and it has a crystal trigonal structure. Amethyst has a hardness of 7, making it durable and resistant to scratching. Due to color zoning, one stone can show zones of darker and lighter colors. Amethyst crystals can be huge, as one displayed in a museum weighed 164 pounds! Amethyst can also form huge, hollow geodes lined with crystals.
The word amethyst is derived from Greek, and translates into “not drunken.” As the story goes, the wine god Bacchus angrily declared that the next person who crossed his path would have a hoard of vicious tigers descended upon them. A young girl named Amethyst was on her way to worship the goddess Diana, when she happened upon Bacchus. Before the tigers could kill her, Diana saved Amethyst by turning her into a clear crystal. A remorseful Bacchus poured grape juice over her as an offering, thus turning the crystal purple.
Amethyst has been used to adorn jewelry, amulets, and other decorative pieces since ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed the amethyst prevented intoxication, keeping the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. In the Catholic religion, amethyst symbolizes piety and purity. Chinese philosophy deemed that the stone could amplify the flow of prosperity into a home. Amethyst is also said to clear the mind of negative thoughts and anxiety.
Although special to February, amethyst can be worn year round. The stone’s beauty and general affordability make it perfect for both special occasions and everyday wear. Our jewelers know how to best display the amethyst’s rich color and structure, and will be happy to help you pick out the perfect piece.
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