If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – the 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. 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. Consider buying a stunning amethyst for the king or queen of your heart – or treat yourself to a royal present. If your birthday is in February, then wearing an amethyst can also be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength. This gemstone is universally recognized for its stunning violet to deep purple hues and profound energetic benefits, historically treasured by royalty, spiritual leaders, and healers. It represents peace, protection, purification, and higher consciousness. Its soothing vibration is ideal for reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing intuition, making it one of the most cherished gemstones worldwide. As a member of the Quartz family, Amethyst is durable enough for jewelry while also powerful for meditation and healing work.
The journey of amethyst from ancient myth to modern jewelry box is a testament to its enduring allure. While the primary and official February birthstone is amethyst, historical and alternative lists provide a rich tapestry of choice for those born in this month. Traditional February birthstones have always included amethyst, while modern charts also highlight alternative stones that resonate with February’s spiritual themes. These gemstones are deeply connected to intuition, emotional strength, and mental clarity. Whether for healing, jewelry, or spiritual growth, February birthstones carry powerful meaning and long-lasting significance for those born in this month. 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. 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.
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. 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. Amethyst was also believed to keep the wearer clear headed and quick witted in battle and business affairs. Renaissance Europeans thought it calmed lovers overrun by passion.
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. In medieval times, the birthstone month of February was often worn by royalty as a symbol of power, purity, and divine connection. The historical journey of amethyst is marked by its transition from a stone of the elite to a more accessible gem, yet it has never lost its symbolic weight. Its association with clarity of mind and protection against intoxication made it a practical and symbolic talisman across various cultures and eras.
Geological Formation and Sources
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. Its distinctive purple color is the result of trace amounts of iron and natural irradiation during its formation. 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. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for faceted jewelry, where light can pass through the stone unimpeded, showcasing its vivid color.
The primary sources of high-quality amethyst are found in several key countries. According to the available information, Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar produce high-quality stones. These locations are renowned for their amethyst deposits, which yield crystals with a range of purple hues, from the pale lilac of some Brazilian specimens to the deep, saturated violet of Uruguayan and Zambian gems. The geological conditions in these regions—such as the presence of hydrothermal veins and specific temperature and pressure regimes—are ideal for the formation of large, well-formed amethyst crystals. While amethyst can be found in many parts of the world, the commercial mining operations in these countries are the most significant sources for the global gem and jewelry market.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of amethyst is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and consumers alike. As a member of the quartz family, it shares many characteristics with its relatives but possesses unique attributes that define its value and use.
Chemical and Physical Characteristics
- Chemical Formula: SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide)
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for everyday jewelry.
- Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Refractive Index: 1.544 to 1.553
- Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Color: Purple, ranging from pale lilac to deep violet.
The table below summarizes the key gemological properties of amethyst as derived from the provided sources.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Pale lilac to deep violet purple. Intensity depends on iron content and irradiation. |
| Hardness | 7 on the Mohs scale. |
| Chemical Composition | Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂), a variety of quartz. |
| Clarity | Often free of inclusions, allowing for excellent clarity and brilliance. |
| Cut | Can be faceted into various cuts, such as round, oval, and emerald cuts. |
| Transparency | Typically transparent, which enhances its brilliance when cut. |
| Luster | Vitreous, giving it a glassy shine. |
| Affordability | Remains relatively accessible compared to other precious stones. |
Color and Clarity
The captivating purple color of amethyst is its most defining feature. The hue is a direct result of trace amounts of iron incorporated into the crystal lattice during growth, combined with natural gamma irradiation that activates color centers. The most valued amethyst exhibits a deep, saturated purple with flashes of red or blue, often referred to as "Siberian" color, though this term is now more historical than geographical. The stone's clarity is another significant advantage. While inclusions can occur, high-quality amethyst is typically eye-clean, meaning it lacks visible internal flaws. This clarity, combined with its color, makes it an excellent gem for faceted jewelry, where it can display remarkable brilliance and fire.
Cuts and Durability
With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is sufficiently durable for most types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. It is resistant to scratching and chipping under normal wear, though care should be taken to avoid sharp blows. Its vitreous luster and good transparency allow gem cutters to shape it into a wide variety of popular cuts. The sources note that it can be faceted into various cuts, such as round, oval, and emerald cuts, making it a versatile choice for jewelry design. The emerald cut, with its step facets, can highlight the stone's color depth, while brilliant cuts maximize its sparkle. The affordability of amethyst, despite its beauty and durability, makes it an attractive option for both everyday wear and special occasion pieces.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Amethyst is steeped in symbolism and is widely regarded in metaphysical circles as a stone of spirituality, sobriety, and peace. Its association with the crown chakra—the energy center located at the top of the head—is central to its metaphysical identity.
Spiritual and Emotional Significance
In spiritual practice, amethyst is believed to activate and balance the crown chakra. Activating this chakra helps individuals connect with intuition, higher awareness, and their soul purpose. February birthstones help balance and open the Crown Chakra, creating a sense of peace, detachment from negativity, and alignment with higher truth. 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.
For those born under the zodiac signs of February, amethyst holds particular significance. Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) 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. Pisces (February 19 – March 20) 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.
Modern Metaphysical Applications
Today, amethyst is regarded as a powerful crystal for meditation, stress relief, and emotional well-being. Its soothing vibration is ideal for reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing intuition. Many practitioners use it to cleanse negative energy, promote a calm mind, and facilitate deeper meditative states. The stone is also associated with enhancing intuition and spiritual insight, making it a popular tool for those seeking to expand their consciousness or connect with their inner wisdom. While these beliefs are rooted in tradition and modern crystal healing practices rather than scientific gemology, they contribute significantly to the stone's enduring popularity and cultural relevance.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and integrity of any gemstone. Amethyst, with its good hardness and clarity, is relatively easy to care for, but it does have specific vulnerabilities that owners should be aware of.
Cleaning Methods
Amethyst can be safely cleaned using warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Gently scrub the stone and its setting to remove any dirt or oils, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated amethyst, but caution is advised for stones that have been fracture-filled or dyed, though such treatments are uncommon for this gem. Steam cleaning is not recommended, as the high heat can potentially cause damage or alter the stone's color.
Storage and Precautions
To protect your amethyst jewelry, store it separately from other pieces to avoid scratches. Keep it in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box. Avoid exposing the stone to extreme heat or direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as intense heat can cause fading or damage to the crystal structure. Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or high temperatures (above 300-400°C) can cause the purple color to fade, as the irradiation that created the color can be reversed. While amethyst is durable for everyday wear, it is advisable to remove jewelry during strenuous activities or when using harsh chemicals to prevent accidental damage.
February 18th: A Specific Birth Date and Its Associations
For those born on February 18th, the birthstone associations extend beyond the monthly gem. According to specific birthdate charts, individuals born on this day have amethyst as their official birthstone. Additionally, alternative birthstones for February 18th include zircon and pearl. For this specific date, other gemstones are also listed: topaz and turquoise are associated with the personality traits of those born on this day, which are described as thoughtful and caring. Furthermore, for those born on February 18th, which falls under the Aquarius zodiac sign (January 20 – February 18), garnet is listed as a gemstone for friendship, loyalty, and trust, and turquoise is an alternative gemstone for Aquarius.
The Chinese Zodiac for 2026 is also noted for those born on February 18th, indicating the Horse sign. For this specific date, Wednesday birthstones are amethyst and cat's eye gemstones, and the gemstone for 11 pm is iolite. These associations provide a layered and personalized approach to birthstone selection, allowing individuals to choose a gem that resonates on multiple levels—monthly, daily, zodiacal, and even hourly. This specificity underscores the deep cultural and symbolic connections that have been woven around gemstones over centuries.
Conclusion
Amethyst stands as the primary and official birthstone for February, a gem of profound beauty and historical significance. From its mythological origins in ancient Greece to its adornment by royalty like Catherine the Great, amethyst has consistently been associated with clarity, protection, and spiritual wisdom. Its geological formation as a purple variety of quartz, colored by iron and natural irradiation, results in a durable and visually stunning gemstone. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and a clarity that often lacks inclusions, it is perfectly suited for a wide array of jewelry designs, from faceted rings to elegant pendants. The gem's affordability makes its royal allure accessible to a broad audience.
Beyond its physical properties, amethyst carries deep symbolic weight. It is intrinsically linked to the crown chakra, serving as a tool for meditation, intuition, and emotional balance. For the zodiac signs of Aquarius and Pisces, which dominate the February calendar, amethyst offers grounding and protection, enhancing their innate qualities. Proper care, involving gentle cleaning and protection from extreme heat and sunlight, ensures the stone retains its vibrant color and brilliance for generations. For those born on specific dates like February 18th, the birthstone associations multiply, offering choices like zircon and pearl, and connecting to broader systems like the Chinese Zodiac. Ultimately, amethyst is more than a beautiful purple stone; it is a timeless emblem of peace, clarity, and inner strength, making it a truly fitting gem for the month of February.