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February Birthstone: Amethyst Meaning, History, Properties, and Where to Find It

If you were born in February, you're lucky to have amethyst as your birthstone. This beautiful purple gemstone has been admired for thousands of years, not just for its stunning color but also for the deep meanings and legends attached to it. Whether you're looking for a special gift, are curious about its history, or want to find amethyst yourself out in nature, there's a lot to explore.

In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about February's birthstone — from its history and symbolism to how it forms, where to find it, and how to take care of it. Let's get started!

What Is the February Birthstone?

Amethyst is a type of quartz crystal, known for its vibrant purple color that can range from soft lilac to deep violet. Scientifically, amethyst is made mostly of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), the same mineral that makes up clear quartz and other forms of quartz like citrine and rose quartz.

The purple color happens because of small amounts of iron and exposure to natural radiation over millions of years. Without that iron and radiation, amethyst would just be plain, colorless quartz!

Thanks to its beauty and its relatively good durability (it ranks 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness), amethyst has been a popular gemstone for jewelry, carvings, and ornamental objects for thousands of years.

The Meaning and Symbolism of Amethyst

Throughout history, amethyst has symbolized a wide range of meanings, and many people today still believe it carries special energies.

In ancient Greece and Rome, people thought amethyst could protect against drunkenness. In fact, the name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not intoxicated." People would wear amethyst jewelry or drink from amethyst cups hoping to stay clear-headed after a night of celebration.

Over time, amethyst gained a broader reputation for promoting calmness, clarity, and balance. It became associated with peace, wisdom, and spiritual growth. Some cultures believed it could even help with emotional healing, stress relief, and better decision-making.

Today, many people still see amethyst as a stone of serenity and strength. It's popular among those who practice meditation, mindfulness, and energy healing.

If you follow astrology, amethyst is linked to the zodiac signs Pisces and Aquarius, both of which fall into or around the month of February.

The Rich History of Amethyst

The story of amethyst stretches back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians carved amethyst into beads and amulets, believing it protected them in battle and brought good luck.

The ancient Greeks and Romans associated it with Dionysus (Bacchus), the god of wine. According to one legend, Dionysus was angry with mortals and decided to unleash his tigers on the next person he saw. That person happened to be a young maiden named Amethyst. The goddess Artemis saved her by turning her into a pure white quartz statue. Dionysus, feeling guilty, poured wine over the statue, staining it purple — and thus, amethyst was born.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, amethyst was considered a symbol of royalty and religious authority. Bishops often wore amethyst rings, and it was a favorite among kings and queens. The gemstone was also believed to protect its wearer from witchcraft and evil thoughts.

Even today, some of the British Crown Jewels contain large, spectacular amethysts.

Clearly, amethyst's reputation as a stone of power, protection, and peace is deeply rooted in history!

Amethyst's Physical and Metaphysical Properties

As the birthstone of February, Amethyst isn't just pretty — it also has some interesting scientific and metaphysical features.

Physically, amethyst is:

• A type of quartz crystal.
• A 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it's relatively tough but can still scratch or chip if you're not careful.
• Usually found growing in geodes (hollow rocks lined with crystals inside) or in veins inside other rocks.

Its signature purple color is caused by tiny amounts of iron impurities and exposure to natural radiation underground over millions of years.

Metaphysically, many people believe amethyst can:

• Calm the mind and relieve stress.
• Enhance spiritual awareness and intuition.
• Protect against negative energy.
• Support restful sleep and even prevent nightmares.

Whether or not you believe in crystal healing, it's easy to see why amethyst's gentle, soothing energy appeals to so many people.

Colors and Varieties of Amethyst

While we usually think of amethyst as simply "purple," there's actually a whole range of shades and varieties.

Amethyst can be:

• Pale lilac or lavender.
• Medium purple with flashes of red or blue.
• Deep, rich violet that looks almost royal.

The most valuable amethyst color is often called "Siberian" amethyst, which is a deep purple with reddish and blue undertones. Surprisingly, while this name originally referred to amethyst from Siberia, today it's mostly about the color quality, not where it's from.

You might also come across Chevron Amethyst, which shows beautiful, natural patterns of purple and white quartz layered together in zig-zag or chevron shapes.

Amethyst can even change into other gemstones. When it's heated naturally or in a lab, it can turn yellow or orange, creating a gemstone known as citrine!

Where Amethyst Is Found Around the World

Amethyst forms in several parts of the world, often in volcanic rocks or hydrothermal veins, where hot, mineral-rich water created the perfect conditions for crystal growth.

Some of the most famous sources of amethyst include:

• Brazil: Brazil is the world's largest producer of amethyst, especially from the Rio Grande do Sul region. The crystals here can grow huge — sometimes bigger than a person!
• Uruguay: The Artigas region produces extremely high-quality, dark purple amethyst that's highly prized.
• Zambia: African amethyst tends to have beautiful bluish-purple colors.
• Russia: Particularly from Siberia, historically producing the deepest, richest colors.

Other countries like the United States, Canada, Madagascar, and India also produce beautiful amethyst, though often on a smaller scale.

RELATED READ: Collecting Amethyst: Exploring Its Meaning, Uses and Properties

Rockhounding for Amethyst: Can You Find It Yourself?

Absolutely! One of the coolest things about amethyst is that you can actually find it yourself with a little patience and the right tools.

In the United States, some great spots to dig for amethyst include:

• Four Peaks Mine, Arizona: Famous for producing dark, high-quality amethyst, sometimes used in fine jewelry.
• Jackson's Crossroads, Georgia: One of the most famous amethyst sites in North America. Visitors have found deep purple and even bi-colored crystals.
• Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada: Known for unique amethyst with red hematite inclusions.

Where to Find Amethyst in the U.S.

Amethyst is found in many places around the world, but it's also abundant in the United States. Some of the best-known locations can be seen using this map:

If you're thinking about trying to find amethyst, make sure to:

• Research local rockhounding laws.
• Bring basic tools like a rock hammer, chisel, gloves, and protective glasses.
• Always get permission if you're digging on private land.

And don't forget: the best seasons for rockhounding are usually spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the ground isn't frozen or too muddy.

(You can also check out Rockhounding.org's guides on where to go gem hunting legally!)

How to Buy Amethyst: Tips for Getting the Best Stone

When buying February birth month stone, amethyst, it helps to know a few key things so you can pick a beautiful stone and avoid getting ripped off.

First, color is king. Look for a vibrant purple color without too much brown or gray. Stones that are too light or too dark might be less valuable. Ideally, you want a stone that's evenly colored throughout.

Clarity is important too. While small inclusions (internal flaws) are normal in natural stones, the best-quality amethyst is usually eye-clean, meaning no obvious flaws are visible to the naked eye.

Cut also matters. A good cut will bring out the stone's brilliance and make the color pop. Well-cut amethyst should sparkle when you move it in the light.

A word of warning:
Some fake or cheap stones are just dyed quartz or glass made to look like amethyst. If a deal seems "too good to be true," it probably is. Buying from a reputable dealer or asking for a certificate of authenticity is a good idea if you're spending a lot.

As for price, amethyst is one of the more affordable gemstones. You can find lovely pieces of jewelry for under $50, but high-end stones, especially large ones with perfect color, can cost several hundred dollars or more.

How to Care for Amethyst Jewelry and Specimens

Amethyst is fairly durable, but it still needs some basic care to stay beautiful over time.

Here's how to protect your amethyst:

• Keep it out of strong sunlight. Over time, UV rays can fade amethyst's color.
• Avoid harsh chemicals. Household cleaners, perfumes, and hairspray can damage the stone.
• Use gentle cleaning methods. Warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush are usually all you need.
• Store it separately. Amethyst can scratch softer stones and be scratched by harder stones like sapphire or diamond, so it's best to keep it in its own pouch or box.

With a little love, your amethyst can stay vibrant for generations!

Conclusion

Amethyst is so much more than just February's birthstone. It's a gemstone with deep history, rich meaning, and timeless beauty. Whether you admire it for its stunning purple color, its calming energy, or its fascinating place in history, amethyst has a lot to offer.

And the best part? You don't have to be royalty or a professional gem hunter to enjoy it. You can visit rockhounding sites, buy a piece of jewelry, or simply keep a small crystal as a reminder of calm and balance in your life.

If you're ready to start your own gem-hunting adventure, make sure to explore Rockhounding.org for tips, guides, and the best places to find natural treasures like amethyst!

Happy rockhounding!

Frequently Asked Questions About Amethyst - February Birthstone

1. Is amethyst expensive?

Not usually. While some very high-quality pieces can be pricey, most amethyst jewelry is affordable, making it a great choice for gifts or personal wear.

2. Can amethyst fade over time?

Yes. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause amethyst to lose its rich purple color.

3. Is amethyst safe to wear daily?

Yes! It's durable enough for daily wear, though you should still be mindful to avoid rough activities that could scratch or chip it.

4. What is the birthstone for February and what does it mean?

The birthstone for February is amethyst. Traditionally, amethyst symbolizes peace, clarity, and spiritual strength. It was once believed to protect against drunkenness and promote a calm, balanced mind.

5. Why is amethyst the February birthstone?

Amethyst was chosen as February's birthstone because of its deep associations with serenity, royalty, and protection during ancient times. Its connection to winter's end and spiritual renewal fits February's themes of hope and transition.

6. What color is February's birthstone supposed to be?

Amethyst is primarily purple, but its color can range from light lilac to deep violet. The most prized amethysts have a rich, deep purple hue with flashes of red or blue.

7. What is the spiritual meaning of amethyst?

Spiritually, amethyst is believed to calm the mind, strengthen intuition, and protect against negative energy. It's often used in meditation and healing practices to promote emotional balance and clarity.

8. Is amethyst a valuable gemstone?

While amethyst is beautiful and historically considered precious, today it is generally affordable. However, deep-colored, flawless amethyst can still command higher prices, especially large or rare specimens.

9. Where is amethyst commonly found?

Amethyst is found in several places around the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Russia, and parts of the United States like Arizona and Georgia. Some of the world's finest crystals come from these regions.

10. Can you find amethyst crystals yourself?

Yes! Rockhounds can dig for amethyst at sites like Four Peaks Mine (Arizona), Jackson's Crossroads (Georgia), and Thunder Bay (Ontario). Always check for legal digging options and get permission when needed.

11. How do you care for amethyst jewelry?

To care for amethyst, avoid direct sunlight for long periods, keep it away from harsh chemicals, and clean it gently with mild soap and water. Store it separately to avoid scratches.

12. Can amethyst fade or change color over time?

Yes, prolonged exposure to sunlight or high heat can cause amethyst to fade or even change color. Keeping it away from strong UV light helps preserve its vibrant purple hue.

13. What is the difference between amethyst and purple quartz?

Amethyst is a type of purple quartz. Its color comes from small amounts of iron and natural radiation over millions of years, making it distinct from other quartz varieties like clear quartz or citrine.

14. How do I know if an amethyst is real?

Real amethyst usually has a consistent but natural-looking color, with minor inclusions. Fake amethysts are often glass or dyed quartz and may look overly perfect. Buying from reputable sellers and asking for certification can help.

15. Is amethyst linked to any zodiac signs?

Yes, amethyst is associated with the zodiac signs Aquarius and Pisces, which both have birthdays in or around February. It's believed to enhance intuition, creativity, and emotional balance for these signs.

16. Can amethyst help with anxiety or stress?

Many people believe amethyst has calming properties that can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support emotional healing. It's often used in mindfulness and meditation practices for this reason.

17. What's the best type of amethyst to buy?

The best amethysts have deep, rich purple color with flashes of red or blue and are free from visible inclusions. Look for stones that are well-cut to enhance their brilliance.

18. What's the difference between amethyst and citrine?

Amethyst and citrine are both quartz varieties, but amethyst is purple while citrine is yellow to orange. Interestingly, heating amethyst can sometimes turn it into citrine!