Perhaps you were born in February or know someone who was? If so, you may be interested to learn that amethyst is the birthstone associated with this month, known for its striking purple hue.
Amethyst – February Birthstone Meaning
In this guide, will provide you with advice on how to select the finest amethyst birthstones and respond to these inquiries:
- Where can you find amethyst?
- What exactly is green amethyst?
- What distinguishes artificial amethyst from natural amethyst?
A Brief History of Birthstones
The origin of birthstones can be traced back to biblical times, where it was recorded that 12 precious gemstones were inserted into the breastplate of Aaron, worn by the High Priest of the Israelites. These stones were believed to represent the 12 tribes of Israel.
Over time, various cultures and religions adopted this concept, associating the 12 stones with the 12 months of the year. As a result, numerous birthstone charts have been created, with many modifications made over the years.
Currently, the jewelry industry recognizes two primary birthstone charts: the modern birthstones and the traditional birthstones. While the modern birthstone list retains some of the traditional gems, new stones have been added. The current list of birthstones is as follows:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine or Bloodstone
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl or Alexandrite
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot or Spinel
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal or Tourmaline
- November: Topaz or Citrine
- December: Turquoise or Blue Zircon
Amethyst – February Birthstone
The February birthstone, amethyst, is highly sought after in the world of colored crystals. It is a favorite among both fine jewelry enthusiasts and those who practice crystal healing. Amethyst is a type of quartz that ranges in shades of purple. It has consistently been recognized as the birthstone for February, appearing on both modern and traditional birthstone lists.
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Whether you are seeking advice on selecting top-quality amethyst jewelry or are curious about its metaphysical qualities, this guide will provide you with comprehensive information on the purple gemstone associated with February.
Amethyst Crystals History
Amethyst, aside from being the February birthstone, was highly valued in ancient times. However, it was used for different purposes than it is today.
The name amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated.” The ancient Greeks believed that wearing amethyst crystals would prevent drunkenness. As a result, goblets and chalices were often crafted from amethyst to reinforce this belief.
The ancient Egyptians also used amethyst for talismans and jewelry, primarily for protection, which remains one of its modern uses. Amethyst jewelry, such as signet rings and other types of rings, was widely worn. They also believed that wearing the stone protected them from negative thoughts and intentions while bringing clarity to the wearer.
Today, amethyst continues to be highly regarded for its beauty and metaphysical properties. Whether it’s for protection or promoting mental clarity, amethyst remains a beloved gemstone with a rich history.
Amethyst Crystals Healing Properties
Many of the healing properties that ancient cultures attributed to amethyst have been carried over to modern-day crystal healing practices. As a result, amethyst crystals are a favorite for those new to crystal practices.
The properties of amethyst are believed to assist the wearer or user in several ways. They can bring a sense of calm, promote restful sleep, and induce vivid dreams. Additionally, amethyst is believed to protect against negative energies, purify energy, and act as a general healing stone.
Moreover, amethyst is thought to help users’ access higher states of consciousness, promoting spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Overall, amethyst remains a widely used crystal with a variety of properties that make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced crystal practitioners alike.
Where to Find Amethyst
Amethyst can be found in various locations across the globe, as quartz makes up almost 12% of the earth’s crust, including the purple varieties. The largest producer of amethyst is Brazil, with other significant locations including Zambia, Uruguay, South Korea, Russia, the United States, Madagascar, Mexico, and Canada.
With its widespread distribution, amethyst can be sourced from many locations, each with its unique characteristics and variations in color and quality. These differences in origin can influence the value and desirability of the amethyst crystals obtained from these locations.
Tips for Selecting High Quality Amethyst Crystals
Amethyst gems are not considered precious gemstones, unlike rubies or sapphires. Since it is a semiprecious stone, it is unlikely that you will have the opportunity to select your preferred amethyst when shopping at upscale jewelry stores like Kay or Zales.
Typically, these retailers carry lab-created or synthetic amethyst, which is even less expensive than natural amethyst.
Despite not being as exorbitant as other high-quality colored gemstones, it is still recommended that you choose your own amethyst if you are in the market for a high-quality amethyst ring or other amethyst jewelry items. In this section, we will discuss how to select an amethyst that meets your specifications.
Color
The color of amethyst stones varies from light lavender purple to deep, rich purple, and they may exhibit secondary colors of reddish purple or bluish purple. The saturation of amethyst gems is crucial to their color quality, and they are often affected by color zoning, where the purple saturation does not reach the entire crystal. Amethyst can be heated to achieve a yellow color, known as heat-treated citrine.
Typically, color zoning reduces the value of a crystal. However, with amethyst and citrine, color zoning creates a unique gemstone called ametrine. Keep in mind that the purple color of amethyst is the main attraction, and if you want the best amethyst color for your necklaces and rings, you should opt for the dark purple variety.
The most valuable amethyst color is a deep purple with red and blue flashes, also known as Siberian amethyst. The Siberian color of amethyst is more about its color than its origin.
Carat
If you’re in search of a large stone for your jewelry, amethyst is an excellent choice since there is an abundant supply of it. Amethyst geodes produce sizable crystals inside cathedrals, making it easier to obtain large stones.
Due to the ease of finding amethyst, it shouldn’t be as expensive as other stones, even in larger carat weights. However, larger amethyst cathedrals and geodes are considerably pricier than smaller faceted amethyst stones. These larger pieces can weigh hundreds of pounds and cost thousands of dollars.
Clarity
Amethyst specimens can vary from opaque stones to completely transparent gemstones. Opaque stones are usually utilized for decorative purposes and crystal healing, whereas transparent amethysts with minimal natural inclusions are commonly used in fine jewelry.
Although there may be highly included amethyst, transparent ones should not be difficult or expensive to obtain. It’s advisable to avoid purchasing opaque amethyst for a February birthday present and instead opt for a stunning transparent purple one, which can be easily found at an affordable price.
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Cut
Although the cut of an amethyst is not given as much importance as its color or carat weight, it is still a crucial factor. The cut quality serves as the foundation for the durability and brilliance of the stone.
Custom cuts and fantasy cuts are considered to be the best cuts for amethyst. Fantasy gemstones are not optimized for reflection and sparkle but are instead carved from the back to create beautiful images.
RECOMMENDED: What Are Fantasy Cut Gemstones?
If you prefer traditional amethyst shapes, brilliant cut shapes are recommended to showcase the darker purple amethysts. Light-colored amethyst can look stunning in both step-cut diamond shapes and brilliant-cut diamond shapes.
Where to Purchase Amethyst Gemstones
When it comes to purchasing amethyst jewelry, most jewelry stores and online jewelers offer a limited selection of pre-set options. Chain retailers typically sell lab-created amethyst rings in sterling silver or 10kt white gold for under $200.
Although Kay Jewelers offers brands like LeVian or Sofia Vergara with higher quality amethyst stones, you’re paying more for the brand name rather than the actual quality.
For those seeking a truly spectacular amethyst ring or other jewelry pieces, it’s recommended to choose a local or online jeweler that offers loose amethyst stones. If they can source a specific amethyst for you, that’s a great option.
An easy and reliable option is to purchase from Brilliant Earth, one of the few online jewelry retailers that carry stunning loose amethyst stones.
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Using their 360-degree movie, you can examine the purity and color of different amethyst shapes. A small number of amethysts are present, but they are all a deep purple color.
After finding the ideal amethyst, you may either choose an engagement ring setting or buy the stone unset. The loose amethyst sold by Brilliant Earth is all guaranteed to be real amethyst.
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Natural Amethyst vs. Synthetic Amethyst
Amethysts made in a lab are less expensive than those made naturally. The results of an amethyst gemstone tend to produce larger crystals with superior clarity and saturation in a quiet laboratory setting.
The characteristics of created amethyst stones are identical to those of natural amethyst. The brilliance, crystal structure, and durability are basically same.
A natural amethyst and a manufactured amethyst cannot be distinguished by the typical consumer. Amethyst can be produced hydrothermally or it can be smokey quartz that has undergone gamma radiation treatment.
Types of Amethyst
Most commonly known as the purple birthstone for February, amethyst has various types found in specific locations with distinct features. These types are also given unique trade names.
Here are some types of amethyst and their characteristics:
- Siberian Amethyst – this type is characterized by a deep, rich purple color with flashes of red and blue in the light.
- Vera Cruz Amethyst – hailing from Mexico, this type is characterized by its lilac shades.
- Chevron Amethyst – distinguished by white chevron bands alternating between purple amethyst and white quartz.
- Brandberg Amethyst – this type of amethyst is found in Namibia and is characterized by a smoky grayish purple color.
The phrase “green amethyst” may appear occasionally. This trade name is seen as deceptive. Amethyst is always a violet-purple color. Green quartz is what is referred to as green amethyst. Green quartz and amethyst are both varieties of the quartz mineral; however they are quite different in terms of chemical composition.
What Is the Price of Amethyst?
Amethyst is known for its affordability, especially in smaller carat weights. Faceted pieces of amethyst between 1-3 carats can cost between $20 to $100 per carat, depending on various factors, with color being the most important.
Light colored amethysts typically cost around $20 per carat, while medium colored purple amethysts can cost approximately $40 per carat. The best quality amethyst, such as Siberian colored amethyst, can cost up to $100 per carat.
February Birthstone Jewelry’s Wearability
The popularity of gemstone jewelry, including engagement rings, has risen, with a shift towards lab-created diamonds over natural ones. While both diamonds and colored stones have their place in fine jewelry, some gemstones may not be practical for frequent or certain weather condition wear. This can be especially problematic if you’ve selected a gemstone for your engagement ring that is not durable enough for everyday use, despite proper care.
Thankfully, amethysts are a harder gemstone that can withstand scratches from dust and dirt particles in the air. The Mohs scale provides a measure of a mineral’s hardness, with amethyst scoring a 7/10 on the scale, indicating good durability.
Amethyst is regarded as having excellent wearability. This makes it a fantastic choice for all types of birthstone jewelry, including necklaces, rings, and earrings made of amethyst.
RECOMMENDED: Best Amethyst Earrings
Amethyst should be cleaned with a solution of warm water and mild soap. Dry completely before storing it someplace it won’t be damaged. Avoid using steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners on your jewelry. Extreme heat should be avoided because it can affect the color of amethyst.
Conclusion
February-born individuals have hit the jackpot with their birthstone – the gorgeous purple gemstone called amethyst. Not only is it visually appealing, but it is also a practical choice for everyday wear.
Additionally, it is often found in large sizes and free of natural inclusions, making it an affordable option for jewelry lovers.
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Although lab-created amethysts are an alternative, many people choose natural amethysts due to their reasonable cost and widespread availability. The accessibility of natural amethysts has made them a popular choice for both personal adornment and gift-giving occasions.
