The birthstone for February is the amethyst, with its beautiful purple color. This birthstone belongs to the quartz family of crystals.
Amethyst Brings Luck
Crystalline quartz with a purple hue is called amethyst, a stone traditionally worn as protection against drunkenness and to support a sober, dignified life. Amethyst shows dichroism: the stone takes on a bluish-purple or reddish-purple tone depending on the angle you look from. In sunlight, the purple shifts from light pink to deep violet.
The name comes from ancient Greece: it combines 'a', meaning not, and 'methustos', meaning intoxicated.
Amethyst has characteristic inclusions that resemble zebra stripes, fingerprints or feathers.
Meaning of Amethyst
Amethyst is protective, purifying and relaxing, bringing harmony and inner peace. This stone clears the mind, making room to understand your own behavior and your own choices. That is why, if you have bad habits or addictions, it can help you leave them behind. Since the Middle Ages the stone has been used across Europe as protection against witchcraft, and above all it is considered a remedy against drunkenness.
History of the February Birthstone
Amethyst is a royal lucky stone, used in the crowns of kings and emperors and regarded as a wonder that protects against dark magic. It was said to help the Romans and ancient Greeks stay sober, in an age when excessive drinking was seen as a sign of weakness. According to Greek mythology, a maiden named Amethystos declared that she wished to remain a virgin; Artemis heard her prayers and turned her into a white stone. The humiliated Dionysus poured wine over the stone, which transformed into purple crystals: and so the amethyst was born. In ancient China small cameos were carved from it and there was a lively trade. In the Middle Ages it was highly prized in Europe as a symbol of lovers and as protection against witchcraft.
Aquarius and Pisces
Besides being the February birthstone, amethyst is also linked to the zodiac signs Aquarius and Pisces. So you can use it for zodiac-inspired jewelry as well.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): garnet and amethyst
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): amethyst and aquamarine
Aquarius can choose between the January stone, garnet, and the February stone, the magnificent amethyst. Pisces can go for amethyst or aquamarine.
Amethyst at Mama Jewels
Besides jewelry with the February birthstone, we offer a wide collection of birthstone jewelry. Would you like to create a one-of-a-kind piece with amethyst? That is possible in our studio: one of our experienced goldsmiths will work with you to set an amethyst in a beautiful ring, pendant or bracelet.
Ordering the February Birthstone Online
Gemstone jewelry is often unique and not always available in a range of sizes. If you want to order a gemstone ring online, we will size it for you in our studio. To find the right size, take a look at our guide. Amethyst can be set in other jewelry too.
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Find amethyst and all the birthstones in our collection.
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