For those born in the second month of the year, or anyone seeking a gift grounded in tranquility, the February birthstone offers a perfect blend of royal beauty and spiritual depth. While winter's chill still lingers, the vibrant violet hue of Amethyst—the primary birthstone for February—brings a sense of warmth, clarity, and protection. Far more than just a decorative gem, this stone holds centuries of lore, making it a favorite among wellness enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike. As a member of the Quartz family, Amethyst is durable enough for jewelry while also powerful for meditation and healing work. Its soothing vibration is ideal for reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing intuition, making it one of the most cherished gemstones worldwide.
The definitive birthstone for February is the Amethyst. Historically, this gemstone was as expensive as rubies and emeralds until large deposits were found in Brazil in the 19th century. Despite becoming more accessible, it has never lost its association with royalty and luxury. The February birthstone color ranges from a pale, delicate lilac to a deep, intense violet, often referred to as "Siberian" deep purple. This purple quartz has captured human imagination for thousands of years.
History and Lore
The name “amethyst” derives from the Greek amethystos, which means “a remedy against drunkenness,” a benefit long ascribed to the purple birthstone. Because of its wine-like color, early Greek mythology associated the gem with Bacchus, the god of wine. Amethyst was also believed to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted in battle and business affairs. In Greek mythology, it was believed that Amethyst was created when the god Dionysus wept over a young maiden who had been turned to quartz. The tears stained the stone purple, giving birth to this legendary gem.
Renaissance Europeans thought it calmed lovers overrun by passion. Throughout history, the February birthstones have long been associated with spiritual wisdom, inner peace, and healing energy. Many cultures believed that Amethyst had the power to ward off evil, enhance intelligence, and bring a sense of tranquility. In medieval times, the birthstone month of February was often worn by royalty as a symbol of power, purity, and divine connection.
Amethyst is the gem traditionally given for the sixth wedding anniversary. Wear it in celebration of your wedding nuptials or as your February birthstone and you’ll be in royal company: Catherine the Great (Empress Catherine II of Russia, 1729–1796) had a penchant for the gem and decked herself in amethyst necklaces, earrings, and other ornaments. It is said to symbolize courage and inner strength. Today, it is regarded as a powerful crystal for meditation, stress relief, and emotional well-being, making it a perfect birthstone for the month of February.
Geological Formation and Sources
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for millennia. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into many shapes and sizes, and it can be manufactured in a lab as well as mined. The intensity of the hue depends on iron content and natural irradiation during formation. Unlike other gemstones, Amethyst is often free of inclusions, allowing for excellent clarity and brilliance. The birthstone in February can be faceted into various cuts, such as round, oval, and emerald cuts, making it a versatile choice for jewelry.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this birthstone month of February is its affordability. Despite being one of the most beautiful semi-precious gemstones, Amethyst remains relatively accessible compared to other precious stones. Amethyst, the February birthstone, can be found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia. Now it’s within reach of most consumers. Large deposits were found in Brazil in the 19th century, which made the stone more accessible.
Gemological Properties
Amethyst is a member of the Quartz family. It is a purple variety of quartz known for its stunning violet color and is one of the most popular gemstones for jewelry due to its beauty and durability. The February birthstone color of purple comes from February's gemstone Amethyst. Amethyst is a well-known and admired quartz crystal that occurs in beautiful shades of purple.
The feb birthstone is prized for its rich purple color, ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. The intensity of the hue depends on iron content and natural irradiation during formation. Unlike other gemstones, Amethyst is often free of inclusions, allowing for excellent clarity and brilliance. The birthstone in February can be faceted into various cuts, such as round, oval, and emerald cuts, making it a versatile choice for jewelry.
Properties Summary
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Quartz (Silica, SiO2) |
| Color | Pale lilac to deep violet; intensity depends on iron and irradiation |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 (Durable for jewelry) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Common Cuts | Round, oval, emerald, cabochon |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
February birthstones help balance and open the Crown Chakra, creating a sense of peace, detachment from negativity, and alignment with higher truth. Activating this chakra helps individuals connect with intuition, higher awareness, and their soul purpose. People who meditate with Amethyst often experience mental clarity, enhanced focus, and spiritual awakening. This connection makes the February birthstone a cornerstone of spiritual practice and energy healing.
Amethyst is one of the Zodiac birthstones for both Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19) and Pisces (Feb 20 - Mar 20) star signs.
Best Stones for Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Aquarius benefits greatly from Amethyst, which provides grounding, stability, and emotional balance. The stone helps calm the rapid mental activity typical of Aquarius individuals, enhancing focus and clarity. It also boosts creativity and intuition, supporting Aquarius’ visionary ideas. Wearing February birthstones helps Aquarius stay centered, peaceful, and aligned with their deeper purpose. This makes Amethyst an essential stone for enhancing emotional well-being and mental harmony.
Best Stones for Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces individuals connect deeply with Amethyst due to their intuitive and emotional nature. The stone provides protection against emotional overwhelm and enhances spiritual insight, making it ideal for highly sensitive Pisces. Amethyst supports inner peace, dream clarity, and emotional resilience, helping Pisces stay balanced and grounded.
Care and Cleaning
Amethyst is durable enough for jewelry. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, it is suitable for everyday wear, though care should be taken to avoid hard knocks that could chip the stone. It is generally free of inclusions, allowing for excellent clarity and brilliance.
To maintain the beauty of Amethyst jewelry, clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposure to high heat or prolonged sunlight, as these can cause fading in some amethyst stones. Store amethyst pieces separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
February Birthstones: Modern and Traditional Views
In modern gemology, Amethyst is the sole official birthstone for February. February is one of the few months that only have one birthstone, so there is no alternative February gemstone. However, in ancient traditions and older calendars, Bloodstone, Hyacinth, and sometimes Jasper were also associated with the month. Today, Amethyst is almost exclusively recognized as the February birthstone.
Some modern sources suggest Green Amethyst as an alternative, though this is not widely accepted in formal gemology. Green Amethyst is actually Prasiolite, a heat-treated variety of Amethyst, but it is sometimes listed as an alternative in modern charts.
Conclusion
The February birthstone is a timeless symbol of serenity and spiritual insight. Whether you are celebrating a February birthday or simply drawn to the mystic allure of the purple ray, Amethyst offers a beautiful way to enhance your well-being. Its history of royalty, its association with clarity and protection, and its stunning violet hues make it a gemstone of profound significance. By choosing a meaningful piece of jewelry, you carry the stone's history of protection and its promise of inner peace with you, turning a simple accessory into a powerful personal talisman. It is a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength, a royal present for the king or queen of your heart—or a treat for yourself.