February’s Birthstone – Amethyst

What do we know about February?  We know there are only 28 days. We celebrate Valentines Day usually by an exchange of cards, candy and/or gifts.  People born in this month, are aware that their birthstone is Amethyst. The big question is, what do you know about this interesting gemstone?   Let’s find out.  

Physical Properties of Amethyst

Amethyst is part of the quartz family. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on our earth.  Quartz is common because it comes in a variety of colors and luster. It can occur in large masses or in crystals. For the record,  Amethyst is a crystal form of quartz.  Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale.  It is dichroic, meaning two colored.

Amethyst’s typical colors are bluish violet or reddish violet.  Once you heat Amethyst it can turn yellow-orange, yellow-brown or darkish brown. Sometimes you will see gemstone Citrine and Amethyst mixed together naturally.  When this occurs, the gem is now called Ametrine .

Geodes and Amethysts

Are you familiar with the term geode?  If so, you know that minerals line the inside of a geode. That mineral is typically quartz.  In Brazil, you can find all sizes of geodes especially big ones with Amethyst crystals. They are stunning!

Additionally, Amethyst is the most valuable stone in the quartz group.  Even though it is the most valuable stone, you still can buy a lot of stone for a little bit of money. Another thing to note, this stone facets up beautifully.  However, lets take a more historical inspection of this beautiful stone.

Amethyst Symbolism and Legends

Amethyst comes from the Greek word meaning “not drunken.”  Centuries ago, people wore Amethyst to ward off drunkenness and to inspire a somber and serious mind. During medieval times, wearing this stone was considered a privilege that should only be given to royalty.   In this century and depending on which article you read, Amethyst is linked to having “supernatural powers.”

This includes being lucky, ensuring constancy, and protecting against magic (Gemstones of the World,By Walter Schumann, 1976).  According to Gem Rock Auctions, (www.gemrockauctions.com)  Amethyst “is known to have tremendous healing properties which may help deal against a variety of symptoms.”

Those symptoms being: headaches, addictions, arthritis, insomnia, circulatory system, pain relief, and general health.  So whatever your beliefs, Amethyst is an excellent choice!