The Ultimate Guide to Amethyst: February’s Birthstone

Amethyst Background

Amethyst derives its name from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated,” reflecting the ancient belief that this stone offers protection against drunkenness.

This stunning gemstone is renowned for its vibrant purple hues, ranging from light lilac to deep plum. The color intensity can differ within each stone, influenced by the unique cuts’ angles.

As a quartz variety, amethyst’s chemical composition consists of silicon dioxide. Quartz forms in lava when gas bubbles are trapped, allowing crystals to develop inside the cavities. These cavities fill with silica-rich liquid, leading to crystal formation within volcanic rocks.

Where Are Amethysts Mined?

Amethysts are sourced from various locations across the globe, including Brazil (where they form as geodes within volcanic rocks), Uruguay, South Korea, Russia, the United States, and South India. Some Brazilian geodes are so large that a person can stand inside them! These naturally formed geodes take millions of years to develop, with most originating from prehistoric times.

Amethyst Birthstone Meaning

Many view amethyst as a potent spiritual gemstone symbolizing calmness and tranquility. It is believed to alleviate stress and strain, soothe irritability, balance mood swings, and dispel anger, rage, fear, and anxiety. For those with February birthdays, amethyst serves as a symbol of empowerment and inner strength.

Similar to other gemstones like diamonds, amethyst quality is evaluated using the 4Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

• Color: The most critical factor in amethyst valuation is its color. The gem should exhibit a reddish to deep purple hue without any color zoning (bronze-colored tints), as zoning reduces the gem’s worth. Stones that are too dark can appear dull and shadowed under certain lighting conditions.
• Clarity: High-quality amethysts are “eye-clean,” meaning they lack visible inclusions. Stones with inclusions are typically of lesser quality and often transformed into beads. Brazilian amethysts generally have fewer inclusions than others.
• Cut: Amethysts can be cut into various shapes, including oval, triangle, cushion, emerald, and unique freeform designs.
• Carat: When buying amethyst, note that its price does not significantly rise with larger carat sizes, making it an excellent choice for larger jewelry designs.

Gemstone treatments are rare except in two scenarios: to enhance color and reduce inclusions or to transform it into another type of gemstone. Amethyst is often treated to lighten its color or to convert it into another quartz variety.

Shopping for Amethysts

Amethyst gifts are delightful both to give and receive, with numerous options available. Whether for a loved one’s February birthday or simply due to their admiration for amethysts, these captivating stones are perfect for occasions like holidays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, Mother’s Day, or as a “just because” present.

Explore earrings, necklaces, rings, engagement rings, and jewelry sets for gift inspiration. Amethyst rings are particularly popular, especially for engagements and promises.

When choosing rings, apply the 4Cs to assess each piece and prioritize color. Factor in budget and personal preferences, especially for gifts.

Caring for your Amethyst

To maintain your jewelry’s sparkle, proper care is essential. Store your jewelry in a lined, compartmentalized box to prevent harder stones from scratching it. Heat-treated stones may be more brittle, requiring extra care for faceted corners and sharp edges.

Amethyst jewelry can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner unless dyed or with filled fractures, but avoid steam cleaning due to heat sensitivity. A soft brush with mild soap is the safest method for everyday debris removal.