February Birthstone – Amethyst

The Healing Power of Your Birthstone Amethyst

The February birthstone, Amethyst, is a remarkable gemstone containing the second-highest quartz mineral. Quartz is exclusively found in the earth’s crust, and amethyst displays a broad spectrum of purple hues.

The Amethyst gemstone is highly responsive to heat and undergoes a color change in high temperatures. It is often heated to transform it into a rare mineral called citrine. Those born in February should also be aware that the hue of this stone gradually diminishes with time.

February Birthstone – Amethyst
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February Birthstone – Amethyst

Amethyst Origins of the Birthstone

Until the 19th century, Russia was a major supplier of amethyst. However, with the discovery of vast deposits in Brazil, amethyst became more abundant than previously thought, on par with rubies and emeralds. Nowadays, Africa and South America are the primary sources of amethyst, with Brazil still being a significant supplier. The southernmost state of Brazil is known for its rough amethyst, which has a lighter hue than those found in other countries. Some amethyst from Brazil is so large that a person could stand inside them.

The Anah mine, located in the Pantanal wetlands, is a prominent location for amethyst. It was uncovered by a Spanish conqueror in the 1600s, who received it as part of his marriage settlement with Anah, a princess. The mine is also renowned among diamond enthusiasts for producing the remarkable bicolored amethyst-citrine stones known as ametrine. Bolivia’s historic Anah mine boasts large amethyst and ametrine stones adorning its walls, showcasing the February birthstone.

Zambia’s Kariba mine is a major producer of amethyst in Africa, known for its high-quality stones with rich hues. In the United States, amethyst can also be found in Arizona at the Four Peaks mine, situated in the rugged Mazatzal Mountains. Despite challenging conditions such as remote location, scorching temperatures, and limited resources, this dry and snake-infested area yields excellent dark purple and purplish-red amethyst gems.

What’s February Birthstone?

Amethyst, the birthstone of February, has a hardness rating of seven on the Mohs scale. This makes it suitable for daily wear in jewelry, but over time it may require re-polishing due to wear. Compared to harder gems like rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, amethyst is more vulnerable to damage and may get scratched if placed near them. Heat treatment is the most common method used to enhance the color and appeal of natural amethyst. While it cannot darken pale amethyst, it can improve the shade of very dark amethyst and make it more attractive.

In addition, it can remove unwanted brownish hues in specific types of amethyst. Heat treatment can cause certain amethyst to transform into citrine, resulting in a yellow color. However, subjecting it to excessive heat may weaken it slightly more than anticipated, and caution must be exercised to avoid damaging the pointed faceted corners and sharp edges. Remember that excessive heat can diminish the color, and some amethysts may fade under prolonged exposure to intense light.

When searching for the February birthstone, you may come across lab-created amethyst with the same chemical and physical characteristics as its natural counterpart. Synthetic amethyst has been in existence since the 1970s. Without advanced gemological testing, distinguishing between natural and synthetic amethyst can be challenging.

February Birthstone – Amethyst
February Birthstone – Amethyst

What’s the Meaning of Amethyst?

The Greek word amethystos, meaning “a cure against drunkenness,” is the origin of the name. Due to its wine-like color, ancient Greek legends associated the gem with the god of wine. It was also believed that wearing amethyst could help maintain clarity and intelligence during battles and business matters. During the Renaissance, Europeans believed it could calm down lovers overwhelmed by passion. Amethyst is traditionally given as a gift for the 6th wedding anniversary and can be worn during wedding ceremonies or as a birthstone for February, placing one in distinguished company.

The royal family members have admired the February birthstone’s deep purple hue. According to amethyst legend, wearing this stone can bestow strength and wisdom upon the wearer. The Duchess of Windsor wore a necklace featuring various cuts of amethyst, turquoise cabochons, and brilliant diamonds on a rope-like gold chain. If you were born in February, wearing amethyst can symbolize personal empowerment and inner strength.

What Is Your Birthstone Personality?

Amethyst is a gemstone associated with higher levels of spirituality, abstract thinking, enhanced security, and constructive transformation. If you were born in the month of Amethyst, you possess multiple talents and courage and are appreciated for your honesty. It is believed that wearing amethyst can bring equilibrium, wisdom, serenity, and restraint to the wearer. The captivating purple hues of this gemstone are bound to resonate with many individuals. They evoke a sense of peace and harmony, making it a birthstone suitable for everyone.

Amethyst has been used as a calming stone and is believed to be one of the most powerful healing stones due to its naturally soothing energy. It also promotes love and peace by acting as a natural sedative that blocks negative environmental energies and geopathic stress. Amethyst is highly regarded for its ability to benefit the mind by calming or stimulating it as needed. It is said to help individuals feel more focused, less scattered, and in control of their faculties. Additionally, many believe that Amethyst aids in the decision-making process and helps to bring about spiritual enlightenment.

To sum up, Amethyst is a stunning gemstone that not only exudes beauty but also instills bravery and serenity in its wearer. Hence, it can be inferred that those born in February are fortunate to have it as their designated birthstone.

February Birthstone – Amethyst

Stone Has Properties; Which Include:

  • Energy: Receptive
  • Element: Water
  • Planet: Jupiter/Neptune 
  • Deities: Bacchus, Dionysus, Diana
  • Powers: Dreams, Psychism, Peace, Love, Courage, Happiness
  • Candle Color: Purple/Dark Blue
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