Amethyst: The February Birthstone

Amethyst, as it has been mentioned, has been used since ancient days. Greeks named the stone ‘amethyst’, derived from the word ‘amethystos’, which means ‘not drunken’ Here, one can see how people of that time believed that the stone could prevent one from getting intoxicated. To ancient Greeks and Romans, amethyst gemstone charms were used around the neck and the gem was placed on glasses to abstain from drunkenness.

In Ancient Egypt, they wore the amethyst crystal as a shield against the ill-fated energy, and the rich also flaunted the stone. During the Middle Ages, even the Catholic Church had a liking for it. The latter was a symbol of their faith and clerical intelligence as well as could be placed in the bishops’ rings. Previously many considered amethyst of equal value as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. This was not the case, especially before the discovery of folks with large deposits in Brazil in the 1800s.

Out of all the gemstones, one can easily pick Amethyst stone by the shiny purple color of the gemstone. The shade can be altered and so is the brightness.

• Color: Amethyst crystal varies in tone from pale lilac to deep violet. The most sought-after gems are the deep dark reddish blue tones of Amethyst. It is often compared to the Tanzanite stone. 
• Transparency: This gem is of semi-clear to clear nature which means that it is capable of transmitting light through it to reveal the gem’s colors.
• Crystal Structure: Some of the amethysts found are often embedded in geodes or the lining of volcanic rock; the amethyst gemstone appears in six-sided crystals.
• Luster: Amethyst has a glass-like luster when it has been polished and this makes it very attractive.

Amethyst crystal looks great and has many important features that make it so well-liked.

• Hardness: Amethyst shares a position with quartz as being the 7th on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it hard enough to be used in most jewelry kinds including; rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc.
• Composition: Quartz is a mineral that is commonly work-hardened, and amethyst is one of its variants. It derives its purple shade from small quantities of iron and other elements in the crystal lattice of rubies.
• Heat Sensitivity: It is appreciable to note that a high temperature can alter the color of an amethyst gemstone. Some of the stones, particularly the amethysts may change color to either yellow or green on exposure to heat. 

Amethyst stone can be found in many regions of the world, and some places have a specifically good reputation for mining the stones.

• Brazil: Rich sources of amethyst are available in Brazil, particularly in the province of Rio Grande do Sul. Many individuals are familiar with the fact that Brazilian amethysts are large and have intense shades.
• Uruguay: It also produces much amethyst crystal as well as gold, silver, copper, uranium, phosphate, and hydropower. Their stones are sometimes darker and more intense in their shade of purple than those from Brazil.
• Zambia: Zambia gives gem lovers precious amethyst that is characterized by deep rich purple which can occasionally give both blue and red reflections. These are tiny ones but they are sought after because of the depth of color they possess.
• Russia: Russia has been one of the major suppliers of high-quality amethysts for many years and the Ural Mountains is one such location. These gems are known as ‘Siberian’ amethysts. It is because they are stunningly purple-colored with secondary undertones of red and blue.
• United States: In the United States, major quantities of the amethyst gemstone can be obtained from Arizona and North Carolina. Stones from these regions tend to be far less dark when one compares them with stones from Brazil or Uruguay, for example.

Pisces, (February 19 – March 20) has a link with amethyst crystal. Pisceans lay make-believe that this stone has a way of calming and protecting the water bearer. It is believed to make them more intuitive, reduce stress in them, and make them develop. It also calms anybody’s emotions and shields you against negativity. 

Although it is associated with Pisces Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) it can also be advantageous to them as well. It is believed in the literature to make clear and sharpened thoughts and provide inner harmony to Aquarians.

The general populace tends to have an image of the amethyst crystal as a stone possessing potent curative and spiritual properties. Some people refer to it as the ‘Stone of Sobriety’ as it was believed to have the ability to halt any drunkenness and clear its end user’s brain. Today people use it to treat affective disorders, lift spiritual levels, and enhance their physiological condition.

Emotional Healing

• Amethyst gemstone has a relaxing power therefore useful in handling stress, anxiety, or depression. 
• It is also strongly thought to level out the emotions, bring one a sense of calm, and also reduce any negative thinking. 
• Just like when you wear it or perhaps meditate using it, you are likely to have a better emotional state of mind.

Spiritual Healing

• For many people, amethyst crystal falls under the category of the so-called ‘spiritual stones’ and is used in mediation and various spiritual activities more often.
• Some believe that it develops extra sensory abilities, spiritual consciousness, and psychic powers. 
• Since Amethyst can guide you to higher realms of potential and spiritual growth, persons having spiritual pursuits opt for it.

Physical Healing

• The practices in crystal healing state that it's the Amethyst stone that influences a person's physical well-being.
• It is also used to boost the immune system and treat sleep disorders like insomnia, headaches, and muscular tension.
• Others take the view that this stone is going to eradicate toxins from a person's body and improve his general health.

Yes, amethyst gemstone is not so delicate and it is very difficult to damage it but it requires good care so that it may remain attractive and shiny. Here's how to look after your amethyst jewelry and stones:

• Keep out of long-term sunlight: If one leaves an Amethyst in the direct sunlight for a long enough period then it might be observed that the stone becomes colorless. If you want to maintain that bright shade, it is best to store your amethyst piece in a dark place, preferably at room temperature, when it is not in use.
• Wash it: Buff the amethyst crystal frequently to remove the tendency of the dirt and oils that tend to stick to the gem. For cleaning this type of work, warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush should be used. Strong chemical solutions and ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended for use on the surface as these will only damage the stone.
• Stay away from heat: One downside of amethyst is that it doesn’t take heat too kindly and it will alter its color when exposed. Do not expose an amethyst to heat such as leaving it in the car and placing it close to heat-producing items.
• Storage: Keep your jewelry with amethyst stone in its box or place, not with other gemstones. Scratching can be prevented by the addition of this fact: store your amethyst in a soft pouch or jewelry box, preferably if it has some lining.
• Checks: If you have your amethyst mounted on a ring, pendant, or any other jewelry, then regularly check the placement of the stone. The construction may be weak and thus cause the stone to fall out or suffer significant damage.

1. Why is Amethyst a February Birthstone? 

Amethyst crystal is assigned to February because of its history and the meaning it has for people as a stone that offers protection, helps in spiritual development, and maintains harmony. 

2. Does Amethyst relieve stress?

Yes, it is true because Amethyst is the stone that is said to banish stress and anxiety; that is why it has the name of the ‘stone of peace’’. Just like other stones like Moldavite, Opal, and Aquamarine, Amethyst too provides a stress-free life. 

3. What are the proper ways in which I should take care of Amethyst jewelry?

Do not expose Amethyst gemstone to direct sunlight so as not to cause it to dull and never rub it with anything rough, directly clean it with warm soapy water and keep it in a different section from other jewelry.