February’s Birthstone: Amethyst

Why is Amethyst February’s Birthstone?

February, the month of romance (*ahem* Valentines Day), new beginnings, and late-winter beauty, is perfectly represented by the amethyst. Known for its deep purple hues, spiritual significance, and calming properties amethyst is ideal for the month’s introspective and heartfelt nature. Here, we’ll explore why amethyst is February’s birthstone, its connection to the zodiac, its history, and the best ways to care for amethyst jewellery.

The Colour and Symbolism of Amethyst

Amethyst’s captivating violet colour can range from delicate lilac to a rich royal purple, giving February’s birthstone a magical and soothing presence. Its name comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated”. At the time the stone was worn as a guard against drunkenness and overindulgence at the time. Ancient Romans also wore amethyst as a protective charm for clear-headedness. Today, Amethyst is a stone of clarity, spiritual protection, and peace (whether alcohol is present or not). The birthstone helps February babies stay grounded and calm in the midst of winter’s chill.

Birthstone and the Zodiac: Aquarius and Pisces

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarians are innovative, humanitarian, and sometimes rebellious. Associated with enlightenment, February’s birthstone amethyst helps Aquarians tap into their innate wisdom and channel their ideas. This make it the ideal companion for the sign that wants to understand things more profoundly. As intellectuals, Aquarians can be detached or overly rational; amethyst encourages connection to emotions, helping express feelings authentically.

Amethyst complements the Aquarian desire for knowledge but also fosters emotional depth and spiritual awareness.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces are dreamy, empathetic, and creative souls. Amethyst helps Pisceans navigate their rich emotional landscape by encouraging self-reflection. It also amplifies their intuition boosting Pisces’ connection to the mystical and the unseen. Amethyst can also help Pisceans channel their artistic flow. This is because February’s birthstone fosters clarity emotional stability to actually bring their visions to life.

Amethyst blends beautifully with the Piscean spirit, enhancing and channeling their natural gifts into productive action.

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The History of Amethyst

Amethyst has captivated people for millennia due to its beauty and believed powers. Ancient Egyptians used amethyst as a protective talisman. While in the Middle Ages, February’s birthstone signalled royalty and religious leaders due to amethyst’s rich colour and scarcity. European soldiers once wore amethyst amulets into battle, believing the stone would keep them cool-headed and resilient. In Catholic tradition, bishops wore amethyst rings to signify purity and prevent overindulgence.

In the 1500s, French poet Rémy Belleau made a faux Amethyst creation myth. A girl named Amethyste was on her way to worship at the Temple of Diana when she caught the attention of Bacchus, the god of wine, who she rejected. Enraged by her rejection, Bacchus pursued her. In desperation, Amethyste called upon Diana for help and she answered by transforming her into a protective white quartz stone. Her wish to stay chaste moved Bacchus so much that he poured his red wine over the stone. This turned the white crystals purple, giving us amethyst.

This history of spiritual significance endures, and amethyst continues to hold value for its tranquil and grounding energies.

How Amethyst Gets Its Colour

Amethyst is a variety of quartz. Its distinct purple hue comes from iron and natural irradiation within the crystal. This results in captivating shades from pale lavender to rich purple. Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making February’s birthstone durable. But it still requires some care to avoid scratches and fading over time, so here are some tips:

Care and Maintenance of Amethyst

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Long exposure to sunlight can cause amethyst’s colour to fade over time. When not in use, store amethyst jewellery in a shaded, cool place.
• Keep Away from Harsh Chemicals: Protect amethyst from chemicals in cleaning products or cosmetics that can damage its surface.
• Clean with Care: To clean amethyst jewellery, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which can cause the stone to fracture.

By following these steps, you can keep your amethyst jewellery looking stunning and full of life.

Conclusion: The Perfect Birthstone for February

Amethyst is the perfect birthstone for February, a month marked by winter’s beauty and the introspective energies of Aquarius and Pisces. Known for its calming, protective qualities, amethyst helps February-born individuals connect with their creativity and inner strength. Its rich history and spiritual symbolism make Amethyst a meaningful stone that continues to be cherished through the ages—a timeless gem for those born during this reflective, romantic month.