Amethyst: February's Birthstone

 

If it was good enough for Cleopatra…

It’s said that the signet ring worn by Cleopatra was an amethyst. It is also thought to be the favorite  stone of Saint Valentine, who wore an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid.

Amethyst was used in France as a decorative stone as far as 25,000 years ago.  It has been found among the remains of Neolithic man, (9500BC, the “New” Stoneage). And the ancient Greeks believed that this gemstone held many powers, among them protection against intoxication. In fact, the word Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning sober.

 Amethyst is the purple variety of the mineral quartz. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust. (The Feldspar group being the most prevalent). 

Once considered more valuable than diamonds, Amethyst is found in Brazil, Canada, Australia, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka; and in the United States. Were it not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive

Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it can and does have a wide range of purple shades from a faint mauve to a rich purple. It is unparalleled in beauty, even among more expensive purple gemstones.

Heat can transform an amethyst into a naturally rare mineral called citrine. In addition, even without heating, the violet color of an amethyst may fade over time.

Amethyst and Citrine

 A gift of amethyst is a lovely idea.

Amethyst is associated with spirituality, wisdom, sobriety, and security. According to old legend and general beliefs worldwide,  amethyst is considered to make the wearer calm and in control of his various emotional levels.  The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. Many believe it strengthens the bond in a love relationship, so it is an ideal anniversary or engagement gem

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Norah