Amethyst brings a regal touch to February.
In a month that is often cold, dark and dreary in many parts of the world, amethyst offers brilliance and cheer. The amethyst birthstone is a gorgeous, richly colored gemstone, which is a beautiful contrast to this time of year.
Amethyst is composed of quartz, which is the second most abundant mineral found in Earth’s crust, next to feldspar. The gemstone gets its color from irradiation, iron impurities, and the presence of trace elements. It has a good toughness, and its hardness is a 7 on the Mohs scale, the same as other quartz, making it a good option for jewelry.
While amethyst is most commonly recognized to be a purple color, the gemstone can range from a light pinkish violet all the way to a deep purple that can read more blue or red, depending on the light. Sometimes the same stone can have layers or color variants, so the way the gemstone is cut plays a role in the way the color shows in a finished piece.
Amethyst often occurs in geodes or in the cavities of granitic rocks. It can be found all over the world, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Zambia.
As a purple quartz, February’s birthstone color is a beautiful blend of violet and red that can be found in every corner of the world. The ancient Greeks named it “amethustos” to mean “not drunk” because they believed wearing amethyst or drinking from cups made of it could protect them from drunkenness. Ancient wearers believed the gemstone could protect them from drunkenness.
Amethyst, along with the deep purple color, has been associated with royalty for centuries. English regalia were decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst jewelry has been found and dated as early as 2000 BC.
Some historical accounts say that Saint Valentine had an amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid. For those familiar with Old Testament history, amethyst was one of the twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel.
For many years, amethyst was held to be one of the most precious gemstones, often favored by royalty or exclusively by the clergy as a symbol for the deity of Christ. Amethyst was even held in the same regard as the diamond for many years. It wasn’t until the discovery of more abundant supplies of amethyst in Brazil during the 19th century that it became a gemstone enjoyed by more than just the wealthiest buyers.
Many wearers of amethyst throughout history and even today prize the gem for its symbolism as well as its beauty. Astronomer and physician Camillo Leonardi once said that amethyst helps quicken intelligence, get rid of evil thoughts, and render men shrewd in business matters.
Today, many wearers simply prize the amethyst gemstone for its beautiful shade of purple and the way it complements both warm and cool colors.
Whether you’re purchasing amethyst gemstone jewelry for yourself or a loved one, you’re acquiring beauty that will stand the test of time. Amethyst makes a great gift for individuals born in February or as a celebratory milestone for a sixth or 17th wedding anniversary.
Of course, you’re also welcome to purchase amethyst gemstones “just because.” It’s a beautiful gemstone that ranges in color from a light pinkish violet to a deep red or blue-purple violet. It complements a number of metals and settings. Amethyst works well with warm or cool colors, so it’s safe to say it goes well beyond special occasion jewelry and can be worn every day.
When looking to purchase amethyst, your first step should be to visit an American Gem Society jeweler who is trained and certified to ensure that you have the best information to make a great purchase.
Next, check the color of the stone. Amethyst often has “stripes” or layers of color from how and when it was formed. It takes a skilled lapidary to cut and polish the stone to evenly show its overall color. Avoid brownish or rust colored tints to the stone. Be careful the color is not too deep or else it can appear black in some lights.
Just like with diamonds, you can also look for clarity in an amethyst gem. Most gemologists will favor a richly colored stone with some minor inclusions (not eye-visible), since the color of this gemstone is so highly prized. In lighter colored amethysts, visible inclusions will greatly reduce the value of the stone.
Since amethyst is relatively plentiful, the price differential in carat sizes isn’t usually terribly significant. This can be a great gemstone for statement jewelry pieces that are sure to turn heads.
Larger amethyst rings, earrings, or pendants can make a stunning addition to a jewelry collection, but even smaller amethysts can be deeply and richly colored, making subtler pieces beautiful, too.
