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.
Amethyst, February’s birthstone, is a purple variety of quartz known for its violet hues, which can include hints of red. Found around the world, this gemstone has been admired for centuries for its beauty and symbolism.
The ancient Greeks called it “amethustos,” meaning “not drunk,” because they believed wearing amethyst or drinking from cups made of it could protect against drunkenness. Amethyst jewelry dates back as early as 2000 BC, and the gemstone appears in religious traditions as well. Some historical accounts describe Saint Valentine wearing an amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid, while amethyst is traditionally identified as one of the twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Its rich purple color also made amethyst a symbol of royalty. It decorated English regalia during the Middle Ages and was prized by clergy for its religious significance. Once valued alongside diamonds, amethyst became more widely accessible after abundant deposits were discovered in Brazil during the 19th century.
Throughout history, amethyst has also been associated with intelligence and clear thinking. Astronomer and physician Camillo Leonardi attributed qualities such as sharper intellect and sound business judgment to the gemstone.
Today, amethyst remains a favorite for its history, symbolism, and distinctive purple color, which complements both warm and cool tones.
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 buying amethyst, your first step should be to visit an American Gem Society jeweler who is trained and certified to ensure 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 in 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.
