February Birthstone: Amethyst And Its Meaning
The traditional February birthstone is amethyst, a lovely purple variety of quartz, with hues ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. Amethyst is traditionally linked to peace, protection, and spirituality.
The birthstone for February is not only pretty but also full of history and meaning. Keep reading – you’ll love what’s ahead!
Table of Contents
What is the Birthstone for the Month of February?
The birthstone for the month of February is amethyst, a stunning purple gem that belongs to the quartz family. It has fascinated people for centuries with its beauty and charm.
In ancient times, it was one of the most prized gemstones, up there with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. It was often used in royal jewelry, with some of the most famous pieces being:
- The “Kent Amethysts“, one of the oldest sets of British royal jewelry dating back to the early 19th century, consisting of a necklace, hair combs, earrings, and brooches
- The “Napoleonic Amethyst Parure Tiara“, jewelry from the time of Napoleon Bonaparte (late 18th- early 19th century), owned by the Swedish royal family
Feel like a queen with a detailed royal tiara replica.
The affordability – as well as popularity – of the amethyst rose high when large deposits were discovered in Brazil in the early 19th century. It remains one of the most popular gemstones globally till today.
Amethyst forms in geodes, crystallizing inside lava cavities over time. One of the largest amethyst geodes in the world – about 13 ft (4 m) tall and weighing 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg) – is displayed in the American Museum of Natural History.
February Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
The February birthstone name comes from the Greek word “amethystos”, meaning “not drunk”. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed it could prevent intoxication and often decorated their drinking cups with amethyst to ward off the effects of alcohol. While you can test the effect at your next party, I would not bet my driver’s license on it.
Peace and Protection
Amethyst has long been associated with calm vibes and protection. It’s known as the “stone of peace,” calming your restless mind and helping you feel at peace. It also helps you find soothing dreams at night.
People believe amethyst also protects against bad energy, keeping negativity away from your mind and heart. Royals, like the Russian empress Catherine the Great, wore amethyst to guard themselves from harm.
Spiritual and Healing Properties
Amethyst is connected to the third eye and crown chakras. It boosts intuition, sharpens focus, and promotes spiritual growth.
Its deep purple shade reflects its powerful connection to enlightenment and inner balance.
Crystal healers recommend it for better sleep and vivid dreams.
February Birthstone Colors and Varieties
Amethyst is the name for the purple-colored quartz. The February birthstone naturally occurs in a range of purple hues, from light lavender to deep, intense royal purple. The specific color variations include:
- Light Lavender/Pale Violet: A delicate, soft purple with pinkish undertones, also known as “Rose de France”
- Deep Purple: A rich, intense royal purple color that is highly prized
- Reddish Purple: A deep purple with subtle red secondary hues
- Bluish Purple: A purple with blue secondary tones
- Deep Siberian: The most prized amethyst color is known as “Deep Siberian”, with primary deep purple and secondary blue and red hues.
The purple color in amethyst is caused by trace amounts of iron exposed to natural gamma ray radiation in the quartz crystal structure. The amount of iron and the radiation exposure determine the intensity and specific shade of purple.
Heat treatments can also change the shade of violet, creating bolder, darker tones. Each hue offers its own charm, perfect for birthstone jewelry for February.
Alternative “Amethyst” Colors
When amethyst is heated to between 470°C and 750°C, it can transform into several different colors and quartz species:
- Yellow: When heated amethyst turns golden yellow, it becomes citrine.
- Green: Heat-treated amethyst that has turned light green becomes prasiolite (green amethyst).
- Yellow-Purple: Creating a combination of yellow and purple colors in quartz stone is called ametrine.
All of the above color variations can occur naturally but are fairly rare. Most of the popular alternative quartz colors come from the heat treatment of amethyst. This makes the crystals more commercially viable – more affordable, more common, and with stunning deeper shades.
Strictly speaking, amethyst is defined by its purple color – it is the name for the purple quartz variety. When the stone changes to yellow, green, or other color through heat treatment, it is no longer technically considered an amethyst but becomes a different variety of quartz – named by its color.
February Birthstone Jewelry
February birthstone jewelry, with its dreamy purple hues, adds charm to any look. Amethyst is a versatile gemstone used in a wide variety of jewelry, from simple designs to bold styles.
It is a durable gem perfect for everyday wear but also has a stunning look for special occasions. Even more, amethyst jewelry helps you feel calm, tranquil, and balanced throughout the day.
February Birthstone Rings
Wearing an amethyst ring allows the gemstone’s soothing energies to flow through your hand, encouraging clarity and thoughtful decision-making.
Dainty twist branch design ring in Art Deco style.
Elegantly designed ring with genuine round-shaped crystal, available in platinum or 14k solid gold.
Unique UNISEX silver eucalyptus wood ring with crushed natural amethyst between two bands of stainless steel.
Sterling silver ring with delicate leaf design completed with cubic zirconia pieces.
Whether bold or simple styles catch your eye, there’s an option to match your every preference!
February Birthstone Necklaces
An amethyst necklace keeps the stone close to your heart, promoting inner peace and emotional stability throughout the day.
Unique 14k yellow gold star halo delicate pendant. Available in platinum and gold.
14k solid white gold pendant with pear-shaped Amethyst and sterling silver chain.
Handmade stainless steel necklace with a genuine Amethyst set in a free movement bail. Great for stacking or layering.
February birthstone necklaces come in various styles, from simple pendants to intricate chains, to add the amethyst’s timeless beauty to any outfit.
February Birthstone Bracelets
An amethyst bracelet serves as a constant companion. It helps you ward off negative energy, alleviates stress, fostering a serene mindset.
18k white gold plated, available in various lengths to choose from.
Petite adjustable filigree artisan 925 sterling silver bracelet.
Sterling silver bracelet with 2.50 carat oval Amethyst, black leather, and toggle clasp.
February Birthstone Earrings
Amethyst earrings bring the stone’s calming influence near your mind. They can aid in mental clarity and enhance intuition.
Drop dangly 925 sterling silver pear-shaped crystal earrings, hypoallergenic with a rhodium finish.
Handmade 925 sterling silver square faceted stone lightweight earrings.
Minimalist dainty earrings, made with 925 sterling silver.
A pair of sterling silver earrings with genuine amethyst in wisteria flower/grapes fruit design with a hook.
How to Care for Amethyst Birthstone Jewelry
With a little effort, you can keep your amethyst birthstone jewelry clean and safe, looking its best and shining.
- Wash the stone with mild soap and lukewarm water. Fill a bowl, dip the jewelry, and gently scrub with a soft brush.
- Dry the piece with a clean, lint-free cloth. Let it air-dry completely before storing.
- Avoid harsh cleaning tools, strong chemicals, or ultrasonic cleaners. These can scratch or dull your amethyst.
- Store amethyst in a padded box or soft pouch to prevent scratches from other jewelry pieces.
- Keep it away from long sun exposure or high heat to avoid color fading over time.
- Polish your jewelry with a soft cloth to maintain its sparkle and smoothness without damaging the gem’s surface.
- Keep your jewelry away from heat, high temperatures, or prolonged exposure to sunlight – these might fade the stunning violet color.
- Do not wear your amethyst jewelry during strenuous activities such as sports or gardening. Though it scores 7 on the Mohs Scale, making it durable enough for daily wear, sharp impacts may cause chips or cracks.
- For an extra touch, you can charge your jewelry in the moonlight to renew its energy for special occasions.
Conclusion
Amethyst, the February birthstone, is as popular today as it was throughout the ages. Its calm vibes and protective powers, combined with spiritual connections, make it the most sought-after crystal.
Even if you do not believe in amethyst’s powers, the stunning violet hues and sparkle make for a beautiful piece of jewelry, perfect for daily wear as well as any special occasion.
If you are born in February, embrace this very special gem—it’s timeless, personal, and full of charm!
FAQs
What’s the February birthstone, and what does it symbolize?
The February birthstone is amethyst. It symbolizes peace, clarity, and protection. People often associate it with calmness and spiritual growth.
What color is amethyst, February birthstone?
Amethyst is the name for the purple-colored quartz. The February birthstone naturally occurs in a range of purple hues, from light lavender to deep, intense royal purple.
Where can amethyst be found in the world?
Most amethyst found in the world comes from Brazil. Brazil is mining over 90% of the world’s amethyst supply, with Zambia (estimated 20%) and Uruguay (10%) the next.
Other countries with notable amethyst deposits include Mexico, Russia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India, and Germany. In US, amethyst can be found in Arizona, Georgia, Maine, North Carolina, and South Dakota.
