February's Amethyst

A birthstone is a gemstone that is associated with your birth month. It is said to bring you good luck and health when worn. Especially during your birth month. Astrologers believe that gemstones bring you super natural powers. The birthstone for February is the amethyst. It has many powers and you can't help but mention how beautiful it is.

Amethyst is the Modern and Traditional birthstone for February. It contains quartz which is the second most abundant mineral found in the earth's crust. It ranges in color from a pale lilac color to a dark purple color that is almost black. It is very sensitive to heat. If heated it will change to a brownish-yellow color. Most amethysts on the market today have been heat treated to bring out a deeper purple color. This color is of more interest to buyers than the pale lilac color. Citrines are only amethysts that have been heated. The amethyst has a Mohs scale of hardness at 7. This means that is a hard gemstone.

It is abundant and found in many place such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, Australia, Madagascar, Russia, Germany, Canada, North Carolina, Montana, and Colorado. The different localities produce different color or shade or amethyst. The color, shape, inclusions, and character of formation are unique to the locality. Any expert can look at an amethyst and usually tell where it comes from.   

Amethyst symbolizes calm, peace, and tranquility. It has been said to protect you from bad dreams. If you put an amethyst under your pillow at night you will have sweet dreams.

It is considered help for those struggling with addiction. Through out time, one would drink from an amethyst goblet to keep from getting too intoxicated. It is a strong source of help for those that are struggling with some type of an addiction. It soothes and protects them. The Greek meaning of Amethyst means “sober”.

The amethyst was a common gemstone of royalty because of the purple color. The amethyst was found in crowns, jewelry, and goblets of many a royal family. Cleopatra wore a signet ring with amethyst in it. St. Valentine wore an amethyst ring with a engraved Cupid figure on it.

It is sometimes used in place of the diamond in engagement rings. It is also given for the 4^th, 6^th, and 17^th wedding anniversary. It makes the bond of love stronger. Amethysts were once considered more valuable than diamonds.