February Birthstone
This post includes affiliate links from which we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
It’s abundant enough to be found in any jewelry shop yet fine enough to be set in the British Crown Jewels. Besides its gorgeous lush purple color, what’s so special about the amethyst? Read on to find out more about the star of the quartz family.
What is Amethyst?
The purple amethyst is the most valuable and popular crystal in the quartz class. A stone of natural clarity, it is a silicone dioxide that measures 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Another plus is that it can be found in large carat weights allowing for bigger bolder designs.
The Color Purple
Amethyst comes in a variety of shades of purple, from light lavender to deep violet. It can have a warm reddish purple color or a cool blueish-purple. The variation is dependent on the amount of iron oxide present which gives the gem its color. The more iron, the deeper the purple. Without the iron, you simply have clear quartz. There is some controversy over whether a green quartz should be called a green “amethyst.” Since there is no official regulating body to determine the naming of gemstones, you will find the green variety of this stone marketed as both quartz and amethyst.
Where Does Amethyst Come From?
The word “amethyst” comes from the Greek word, “amethystos,” meaning “not drunken.” Some historians interpret this to mean that ancient people used the stone to reduce the effects of the drink. Until the 1800’s, the amethyst was considered a precious stone as it was mined in such limited supply. As other deposits were discovered, its scarcity diminished and so did the price, making it one of the most affordable gemstones on the market. Today it is classified as a semi-precious stone and found in locations such as the U.S., Africa, Siberia, India, Madagascar, and Morocco. Brazilian amethysts are among the best in the world.
Amethyst’s History
Amethyst has been found in jewelry dating back to 4,000 BC and is mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the gemstones of the twelve tribes of Israel. Purple has been the color of royalty for millennia and used in robes,scepters, and crowns for centuries. Many of the crown jewels of various royal dynasties have large amethysts set in their design.
The Meaning of Amethyst
Today, amethyst is a gift for a 6th and 17th anniversary, and most notably, it is the birthstone of February. It is believed to have metaphysical properties which include enhanced mental focus, peace, and creativity.
*Please note that all metaphysical/ healing properties are for informational/entertainment purposes and do not constitute advice or recommendation concerning the treatment of physical, mental, or emotional medical conditions. The Jewelry Junket does not guarantee the validity of any of such statements.
