Birthstone of February

FEBRUARY: The birthstone for this month is amethyst

February is often a cold, dark, and short month for many people around the world. Amethyst is a gorgeous, richly-colored gemstone, which is a beautiful contrast to this time of year.

Amethyst is the purple variety of Quartz that has fascinated gem lovers for over a millennium due to its mythical powers and stunning beauty. Amethyst has always been thought to be a royal gemstone since the time of the Romans and Greeks. That is why it can be found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia.

Royal Purple Amethyst for queen Elizabeth

Amethyst is found worldwide in a wide variety of color ranges, from lilacs with pink undertones and gauzy lavenders all the way up to deep plums and raspberries with hints of red and blue, even some rich brown versions. Some of the popular varieties of Amethyst are Chevron Amethyst, Brandberg Amethyst, Rutilated Amethyst, and Ametrine.

The deeper colors are the most precious with strong reddish-purple or deep purple with no color variation throughout the stone. Siberian Amethyst from Russia and Rose de France from brazil, are better examples showing even color throughout. With the correct cutting, this gem can display dramatic color changes from red to blue when viewed from different angles.

Note: Amethyst crystals are sensitive to sunlight; if they are exposed for too long, the color can fade considerably, and this cannot be reversed.

Amethyst History:

A famous quote about amethyst, “If it is not purple, it is not amethyst.”

This purple color has long been considered a royal color. In the past, purple was so challenging to produce that only royalty or the very rich could afford it, so you can imagine how valuable the naturally occurring purple crystal, amethyst was in historical times.

In 1901, Egyptian workers were clearing the tomb of the Pharaoh Djer, when they came across a gruesome find (an arm stuck inside a hole). The arm was removed, and the wrappings unraveled to reveal four bracelets of gold, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and amethyst. Which are now on display in the Cairo Museum.

The modern name amethyst arises from the ancient Greek word amethystos, meaning a remedy against drunkenness. Ancient predecessors believed that if you wore an amethyst, it would protect you from getting drunk.

Amethyst is an ideal gemstone to wear; people wear amethyst as a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength (mental and physical peace) as well as it is also believed to induce peace, serenity, and temperance in you, plus it will restrict sensual and alcoholic intoxication.

Healing Properties of Amethyst:

Increases nobility, Inner peace and healing, Positive transformation, Balance, Relieves stress, Courage, Communication.

• Amethyst is a robust and shielding stone; it protects the wearer from all types of harm, such as electromagnetic stress and evil wishes from others.
• It is excellent for balancing mood swings; moreover, it relieves stress and strain, soothes irritability, dispels anger, rage, fear, and anxiety.
• It helps you become more focused, enhancing memory and improving motivation.
• It encourages you to dream and assists in remembering and understanding dreams.
• It fights against cancer by strengthing the immune system, cleanses the blood, and enhances the body to bear less pain.
• Amethyst treats diseases of the lungs and respiratory system, skin conditions, and cellular disorders.
• Astrologists recommend amethyst for overcoming financial stress, professional instability, and unhealthy addictions.