February Birthstone

With its stunning purple hue and rich history, it's no surprise that amethyst has been adored for centuries. As the Aquarius/Pisces and February birthstone, amethyst has been adorned by royals, celebrities and those seeking to benefit from its spiritual properties. Amethyst jewellery is also used to celebrate the 6th and 17th years of marriage!

Found all over the world, Amethyst is a widely popular gemstone and one of the most well-known birthstones

Overview of the February birthstone:

What is amethyst
What colour is the February birthstone?
Where is amethyst found?
The spiritual significance of amethyst
The history of amethyst
February gemstone jewellery

WHAT IS AMETHYST?

Amethyst is purple quartz. The name comes from Ancient Greece, derived from the word methustos, which means intoxicated. The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst gemstones helped to protect against drunkenness. Renaissance Europeans also believed that it calmed lovers overrun by passion.

The amethyst stone can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes and is often found in jewellery or in geodes.

WHAT COLOUR IS THE FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE?

Amethyst is most commonly recognised for its stunning purple colour, but there isn't just one shade when it comes to this birthstone! Amethyst can range from pale lilac to a deep purple and then a blend of purple and red. Sometimes it can be so light that you can barely see the purple, or so dark that it is nearly opaque.

WHERE IS AMETHYST FOUND?

The February birthstone can be found in almost every corner of the world. It is, however, predominantly found in Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Zambia. Up until the 19th century, Russia was the main source of amethyst, until large deposits were found in Brazil.

Today, Zambia's Kariba mine is one of the largest amethyst producers in the world.

THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF AMETHYST

As well as being the February birthstone, amethyst also happens to be one of the seven chakra stones. Chakra is an ancient meditation practice that originates from an old Sanskrit word, translating to 'wheel'. It is believed there are 7 different chakras around your body, and the amethyst stone can be used to help you connect with your brow/third eye chakra.

Beyond this, people have believed for centuries that the amethyst stone has the ability to heal, enhance spiritual awareness and ward off evil thoughts.

AMETHYST FACT SHEET

Chemical formula:	SiO2
Main varieties of amethyst:	Amethyst Quartz Ametrine Cactus Quartz Canadian Amethyst Lavender Amethyst Veracruz Amethyst
Hardness:	7
Colours:	Pale lilac, reddish-purple, purple, or violetish purple.
Spiritual meaning:	Amethyst is one of the 7 chakra stones and is said to be incredibly healing
Health benefits:	Amethyst is believed to have a wide variety of healing properties. It is said that amethyst can: Enhance the immune systems Promote digestive health Regulate hormones Reduce headaches Improve the skin’s appearance

THE HISTORY OF AMETHYST

Having been found and dated as early as 2000 BC, amethyst has had a very long history. In ancient times, it has been associated with religions, myths, folklore, cultures and more.

For many years, the amethyst was one of the most precious gemstones - both because of how rare it is and its vibrant purple colour (a colour often associated with royalty). For this reason, it was favoured by royalty and the clergy. You can find amethyst in the Imperial Sceptre of the British Crown Jewels, in the jewellery of Queen Elizabeth II, Cleopatra and Catherine the Great (among others!).

The amethyst stone was also one of twelve gemstones in the Breastplate of Aaron - worn by the High Priest of the Israelites

FEBRUARY GEMSTONE JEWELLERY

At Shiels, we have the widest range of amethyst jewellery. Since amethyst complements both warm and cool colours, you can find February birthstone jewellery set in both yellow and white metals.

Love a bit of sparkle? Opt for one of our amethyst rings or bangles! You can choose from minimalist designs to bolder, statement pieces that will complement any outfit. To match, you can’t go past a pair of amethyst earrings either. We have simple amethyst studs, dainty dangle earrings and more!

And to complete your look, an amethyst necklace or amethyst pendant is a must. Choose from stunning teardrop-shaped pendants to pendants surrounded by zirconia crystals or other coloured gemstones.