The word “amethyst” comes from the Greek word amethystos, which means “a treatment against drunkenness,” a quality that has long been associated with the purple birthstone. Early Greek mythology connected the gem with Bacchus, the deity of wine, because of its wine-like tint. Additionally, amethyst was thought to maintain its wearer logical and astute in both combat and professional situations. It was believed by Renaissance Europeans to calm lovers overcome by passion.
The jewel that is customarily given at the sixth wedding anniversary is amethyst. You’ll be in regal company if you don it in honor of your wedding or as your birthstone for February. Empress Catherine II of Russia (17291796), known as Catherine the Great, loved the gemstone and adorned herself with amethyst necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry. Wallis, Duchess of Windsor (18961986), a well-known jewelry enthusiast, created a lasting impression in 1953 when she attended a gala in Versailles wearing a pricey amethyst bib necklace by Cartier.
In This Article...
What are February’s two birthstones?
Jasper is a lovely, earthy stone for jewelry and is thought to be associated with courage and wisdom. It is also helpful for fostering strength and stability.
For February birthdays, two exquisite birthstone possibilities are amethyst and jasper. Amethyst’s violet tones and green jasper’s rich, earthy tones are stunning on their own and in combination. Visit our Education Center for more details about amethyst, ametrine, and bloodstone, and browse our whole selection of amethyst and jasper.
Why was February’s birthstone amethyst chosen?
Since the time of the ancient Greeks, beautiful purple amethysts have been cherished. The Greeks connected these stones with the wine god Bacchus because of their hue, which resembled grapes. Since the word “amethyst” in ancient Greek meant “not drunk,” they believed that wearing one might keep you sober. Amethyst jewelry, according to gemstone lore, makes its owner wise and logical. Amethysts are said to increase intelligence and shield against negative thoughts, according to the artist Leonardo da Vinci.
Amethysts are widely used in royal and holy jewelry because purple has traditionally been regarded as a regal color due to its rare beauty and the high cost of producing the color for cloth. Amethyst is a gemstone that is frequently used in Tibetan prayer beads because it is thought by Buddhists to improve concentration. Amethyst has been equated by many civilizations with courage, tranquility, and harmony. It has also been said to be able to treat sleeplessness and ease pain.
Amethysts were as valuable and costly as emeralds, sapphires, and rubies until the 19th century, when a significant amethyst resource was found in Brazil. Large amethysts were able to be utilized more frequently in jewelry thanks to the abundance of Brazilian gems, despite the fact that this decreased the gems’ financial value. The Art Deco and Retro eras’ striking cocktail rings frequently feature them.
What is the February gem?
Amethyst. Everywhere in the world, one can find amethyst, a purple quartz that is a stunning combination of violet and red. The word for “intoxicated” in Ancient Greek is methustos, from which the name was derived. People in ancient times who wore the gemstone thought it might keep them sober.
February is what color?
The birthstone for February is amethyst, a form of quartz with a stunning purple color that ranges from a combination of deep violet and red to a lighter lilac hue. Ancient Greeks thought that wearing the stone prevented intoxication and helped the wearer maintain a level head.
What does the amethyst represent?
Perhaps some of the first Christians connected the amethyst with Christ because of its reputation for taming physical desires. The purple hues of the diamond symbolized spiritual purity. Its crimson and purple tones symbolized how pain chastens and purifies. Some people thought the hues made reference to Christ’s wounds and suffering. Amethysts were so employed to speed the recovery from injuries.
Amethysts have metaphysical overtones in many cultures. Some people think that amethyst, which is frequently regarded as a stone of peace, induces peaceful dreams by putting the dreamer in closer contact with the Divine. The awake mind is similarly characterized by its calmness and clarity. Amethysts are reputed to promote free thought in both the mental and spiritual realms. This diamond is frequently kept by psychics along with their tarot cards or other oracular tools.
Is wearing your birthstone lucky?
Gemstones have a unique past. They were employed to remove restrictions in the mind, the spirit, and the body. Numerous gem therapists think that by wearing these crystals on your body, you can connect to the energy of the planet.
That same concept is used while wearing birthstone jewelry. They’ll make you feel calmer and more collected, and they can even be lucky charms.
Your birthstone is regarded as the ultimate lucky charm. Gemstones have been used as good luck charms for ages. It functions best when the wearer is wearing jewelry with their unique birthstone.
Additionally, it is thought that certain birthstones might offer protection against various threats. Others believe it may protect against natural disasters, while some wear it to prevent nightmares.
Even though these claims are unproven, wearing something lovely like a birthstone would undoubtedly make you feel lucky and safe. That is all you actually need at times.
JanuaryGarnet
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is said to protect its owner when they are traveling. Because the gem resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed, the name “garnet” is derived from a term that means “seed.
FebruaryAmethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is thought to improve communication and offer the wearer bravery. Only royalty could wear the jewel in the past. The amethyst was believed to protect against intoxication by the ancient Greeks. Amethyst is really derived from the Greek word amethystos, which means “sober.”
MarchAquamarine, Bloodstone
Drinking the water the aquamarine, the birthstone for March, had been bathing in was said to cure stomach, liver, and heart ailments. Early sailors thought that aquamarine talismans bearing engravings of the sea god Neptune shielded them from the perils of the ocean.
The bloodstone, a dark green gemstone with scarlet flecks, is another birthstone for March.
AprilDiamond
The diamond, the birthstone for April, has long been associated with courage and is a symbol of unending love. The Sanskrit word for diamond is vajra, which also means lightning. In Hindu mythology, Indra, the king of the gods, used vajra as his weapon.
MayEmerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, was a favorite jewel of Cleopatra’s. It has been linked to love, rebirth, and fertility for a very long time. This stone was even dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, by the ancient Romans. Emeralds are now considered to represent knowledge, development, and patience.
JunePearl
Pearl, the birthstone for June, has traditionally been associated with purity. The goddess of love Aphrodite was thought by the ancient Greeks to have created pearls out of her dried up tears of ecstasy.
JulyRuby
The ancient Hindus revered ruby, the birthstone for July, as the “king of stones.” It was thought to keep the wearer safe from evil. The intense red color of the ruby now stands for passion and love.
AugustPeridot
Peridot, the birthstone for August, represents fortitude. Due to its pale green hue, it is frequently referred to as the “evening emerald.” The green peridot crystals discovered in volcanic ashes were once thought to represent the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess. This diamond was thought to ward off nightmares when set in gold.
SeptemberSapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, was long supposed to ward off evil and poisoning. It was thought that putting a poisonous snake in a sapphire container would cause it to die. The sapphire, which has historically been a favored stone of priests and rulers, stands both innocence and knowledge.
OctoberOpal
Opal, the birthstone for October, represents loyalty and assurance. The term is derived from the Latin word opalus, which means “precious jewel.” Opal-set necklaces were worn to ward off evil and preserve vision.
DecemberTurquoise
Turquoise, the birthstone for December, is viewed as a love charm. It is also a representation of luck and success, and wearing one is said to calm the mind and shield the person from harm. Particularly turquoise rings are said to ward off evil spirits.
Learn More
Do you know your natal flower now that you know your birthstone? See our page of flowers by birth month!
Enjoy our birthday facts, history, folklore, and other fun stuff on our birthdays page.
What stone was my birthstone?
A birthstone is simply a gemstone that is linked to a person’s date of birth. Wearing a birthstone is thought to bring luck and good health. Depending on their connection to the planets, several gemstones are thought to possess supernatural abilities. Many societies used to associate a particular gemstone with births occurring during each sign of the zodiac, but throughout time, this custom was changed to correspond with calendar months.
Birthstones have their origins in ancient astrology, and over time, several different lists of birthstones have been employed. The one that is most widely used now is based on a list that the US jewelry industry initially made public in the 1950s.
According to calendar months, birthstones are categorized as follows:
January BirthstoneGarnet
This stone is thought to protect its wearer from harm. A garnet also represents unwavering loyalty and friendship. This stone has a long history of being connected to blood purification and is thought to ward off food poisoning, snake bites, and hemorrhaging.
March BirthstoneAquamarine
This gemstone was thought to protect seafarers and ensure a safe journey. The calming hue of aquamarine is thought to soothe the temper, enabling the wearer to maintain composure and objectivity. Additionally, it is thought that this stone delays the effects of aging.
May BirthstoneEmerald
This stone symbolizes rebirth, and those who wear it are said to receive wisdom, luck, and youth. Some people think that wearing an emerald will grant them patience, progress, and wisdom. Furthermore, it is renowned for its capacity to convey deep love.
July BirthstoneRuby
Rubies are thought to ensure health, intelligence, fortune, and success in love. They also excite the senses and the imagination. Ruby is thought to make the wearer intelligent and provide protection from all kinds of misfortunes.
August BirthstonePeridot
According to legend, peridot possesses magical abilities and healing qualities that can ward off nightmares and grant the wearer strength, influence, and a happy year. Additionally, this diamond was worn to ward off evil spirits.
September BirthstoneSapphire
The wearer of sapphire and their loved ones are shielded from harm and enmity. Priests in antiquity thought sapphires were able to foretell the future. The gem is linked to contentment and calm.
October BirthstoneOpal
Through the ages, opal has stood for optimism, innocence, and purity. It was said that wearing it would improve the wearer’s vision. Additionally, it was believed to drive away evil spirits and to favor kids, entertainment, friendships, and emotions.
November BirthstoneCitrine
The wearer’s hope, enthusiasm, and warmth are supposed to be encouraged and guided by this golden gemstone, which is also said to boost vitality and health. Citrines have also been employed as a talisman against the plague, bad skin, and evil thoughts, as well as an antidote for snake poison. They are thought to facilitate digestion and help the body get rid of impurities.
December BirthstoneTurquoise
This gemstone is said to bring happiness and luck to the wearer. Turquoise was a hue that Native Americans connected to the blue sky and the green ground.
What birthstone has the rarest stone?
While some birthstones are more accessible than others, precious gemstones in particular are thought to be relatively scarce. However, given that some really expensive stones are not all that rare and vice versa, price tags can be deceiving when it comes to rarity. For instance, although expensive, April’s diamond is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. Speaking of alexandrite, it is now the most expensive and rarest gemstone on the list of birthstones. Additionally extremely rare, black opals are.
Birthstones provide an intriguing way to select jewelry. They enable people to investigate jewels that they might otherwise avoid. However, birthstones are not always what people think they are, so make sure you are buying birthstone jewelry for the right reasons while making your selection.
