The Ultimate February Birthstone Guide

If you were born in February, you're very lucky. February is a month of love. A time for Valentine's Day and to remember love - emphasizing the importance of love in our lives. February is also special because of the beautiful gemstone associated with it. If you have a February birthday your birthstone, the amethyst, is beautiful and memorable.

February is the shortest month of the year. In the northern hemisphere, it is often cold and dark. However, the light of the amethyst offers positivity and hope to the wearer. It also is a symbol of stability and courage, and it imparts a feeling of needed warmth to all who view it. It makes sense that this beautiful stone is representative of this particular month.

If you want to learn more about the February birthstone, read on. In this informative post, you'll discover everything you've ever wanted to know about the amazing gemstone that is amethyst.

Amethyst: A Gift From Earth

Amethyst is a very special gift from the earth. This gemstone is made up of quartz crystals which grow inside of geodes. Geodes are vessels that look like regular rocks on the outside, but when they are cracked open, they reveal an interior of shimmering crystals. These crystals can be a number of different colors and types, but amethyst crystals are a purple color and hexagonal in shape.

Even scientists are not completely sure how geodes form. However, most believe that the process begins with the creation of a hollow rock. These rocks are made of cooled lava and can be found wherever there have been volcanoes. As the lava cools, gas cavities form; the exterior hardens and the interior remains vacant. The hollow space in these rocks fills up with a liquid made of silica and traces of iron. Over time, this substance forms into crystals of amethyst. Scientists have not yet determined the reasons that these crystals turn purple, but it's believed that the color is due to the iron content.

Because our earth has a vast volcanic history, amethysts can be found in many different places around the world. Many of the amethysts that are mined and sold for jewelry were found in South America, especially in Brazil and Uruguay. In the United States, amethyst is commonly found in North Carolina and Arizona.

Perfectly Purple

Everyone knows that amethyst birthstones are a deep purple, but did you know that amethysts have been found in every hue of the purple spectrum? The most valuable shade of amethyst is a dark, reddish-purple. The lighter tones, including amethysts that are almost pink, look great in jewelry.

Because purple is a color that is symbolic of royalty, amethysts have a regal look and feel to them. It's no wonder they are so popular all around the world.

History

People have been enchanted by the beauty of amethyst for thousands of years. Even prehistoric humans in France over 25,000 years ago used and wore this gemstone as a decorative piece.

Many also believe that St. Valentine wore a ring made of amethyst, with an image of Cupid engraved in it. Valentine's Day is celebrated in February to this day. This connection further makes amethyst a fitting February birthstone.

This stone was popular in Macedonian Egypt as well; many believe that the famous signet ring, worn by Cleopatra, was carved from amethyst.

People have been enchanted by the beauty of amethyst for thousands of years. Even prehistoric humans in France over 25,000 years ago used and wore this gemstone as a decorative piece.

This stone was popular in Macedonian Egypt as well; many believe that the famous signet ring, worn by Cleopatra, was carved from amethyst.

People have been enchanted by the beauty of amethyst for thousands of years. Even prehistoric humans in France over 25,000 years ago used and wore this gemstone as a decorative piece.

This stone was popular in Macedonian Egypt as well; many believe that the famous signet ring, worn by Cleopatra, was carved from amethyst.

Power, Symbolism, and Meaning

Due to the long relationship between humans and amethyst, there is a lot of documentation of the ways it was used by different cultures over time.

The Egyptians believed that amethyst held magical powers. They placed it in the tombs of the pharaohs to help protect them on their journey to the afterlife. In the nearby Arabian Empire, people wore amethyst jewelry at night as they believed it helped to deter nightmares.

Amethyst was also popular in ancient Rome and ancient Greece. In a myth shared by both cultures, the god of wine, Bacchus or Dionysus, poured his purple wine on a young maiden named Amethyst after the goddess of the hunt, Diana, turned her into a white crystal to protect her from his revenge. As a result, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that an amethyst stone promoted sobriety. The word amethyst comes from a Greek word, amethystos, which literally means "not intoxicating".

In the Middle Ages in Europe, healers used it in a number of ways. It was used to sharpen foggy minds and to improve sleep and as medication for a number of ailments. Many carried a piece of amethyst with them cleanse their chakras and to ward off evil spirits and black magic.

Due to the long relationship between humans and amethyst, there is a lot of documentation of the ways it was used by different cultures over time.

Applications

Today, people wear or carry amethyst for a number of different reasons. It's still used for healing and can help plants, animals, and humans to recover from all sorts of ailments. For humans, it can be used to cure insomnia, to ward of nightmares, to reduce hyperactivity, and to counteract negative energy.

Amethyst promotes creativity of all kinds. Many artists, writers, musicians, poets, and inventors keep amethyst nearby when the time comes to focus on their work.

This gemstone is soothing and calming and can help ward off conflict and communication difficulties. Because of these qualities, it is helpful in relationships, especially in intimate ones.

Most of all, amethyst is wonderful for promoting temperance. This application draws from the myth about Bacchus. If you wish to overcome bad habits, carry some amethyst in your pocket for strength. If you frequently overindulge in things that are bad for you, amethyst may aid you in breaking that cycle.

Amethyst Rings

A great way to wear amethyst all the time is by wearing it in a ring. Amethyst is a great gemstone for anyone, but if your birthstone is the February birthstone, then it's especially perfect for you.

If you're looking for a simple, stylish piece that also includes copper, you might consider the Raw Earth Tungsten Ring. If you'd prefer something a little more colorful, then the Deep Space Black Ceramic Ring might be more your style. Want even more color still? The Ember Ring showcases all the colors of the rainbow with the help of a beautiful fire opal.

At Patrick Adair Designs, we offer a wide variety of beautiful rings. Whether you love amethyst or a different birthstone, we have something in our shop for you.