In line with the Gregorian Calender, the February birth stone is Amethyst. Part of the ‘Water Bearer’ sign of Aquarius (Jan 21st – Feb 19th) this stone promotes healing and comes with a rich, historical meaning. This precious gem is also an important feature of Greek mythology.
According to record, a list was devised by the American National Association of Jewellers to assign a gemstone to every month. The list was created in Kansas City, Missouri, in early 1912. The list suffered a negative public reaction as it was seen as a purely commercial venture, although the list is still accepted today.
Found and extracted mainly in Brazil, South America and Zambia, Africa, Amethysts are part of the crystallized quartz (silicon dioxide) family. They are normally hexagonal in structure and comes in lilac, red and purple shades. The purple variety was historically associated with religion, penitence and mourning. Due to the complex nature of producing the color purple, the gem has since been linked to wealth, power and royalty.
This notable gem is attributed to healing headaches, arthritis, problems with the circulatory system, insomnia and most impressively, withdrawal of addiction. Amethyst comes from the Greek ‘Amethystos’ which translates as a remedy for drunkenness. Labeled the ‘Sobriety stone’, it is said to prevent drunken behaviour and even cure alcoholism. Drinking from an Amethyst cup is also attributed to good luck and shrewd business dealings.
According to legend, Bacchus the Greek god of wine was fed up of humans and proclaimed that the next one he came across would be fed to his tigers. Amethyst was the pretty mortal who was to feel the wrath of an angry god, casually making her way to pray to the goddess Diana. Diana could see what Bacchus was planning and tried to save the human by transforming her into a pillar of quartz. When Bacchus noticed what he had done he poured red wine on the pillar which turned her purple.
The gemstone promotes stability, peace, balance, courage, and inner strength for the owner. It is also the gemstone for the 17th wedding anniversary. The largest amethyst known today is kept at the Natural History Museum in London, at 343 carats. Heating amethyst causes a change in color. The yellow hue that appears under higher temperatures produces the very popular ‘burnt amethyst’.
Surrounded by myth and legend, the February birth stone can allegedly cure a plethora of ailments, stop you from being drunk and promote calm and balance in the life of the wearer.
Now you can find unique and beautiful jewelry that will set a February birth stone apart. Distinctive birth stone pieces that will fit the needs of any fussy shopper can be found easily.