What’s the meaning of Amethyst?
February’s birthstone has two very different traditional meanings. One stems from the origin of its name, which comes from the Greek word amethustos, meaning “not intoxicated.” According to legend, the gem could prevent drunkenness. Ancient Greeks reportedly drank from Amethyst-encrusted or carved drinking vessels in hopes of staying sober.
The stone's second meaning comes from its association with St. Valentine, a Roman priest who, in 270CE, defied the orders of Claudius the Cruel and performed secret marriages. Executed on February 14 for defying the the emperor's decree, St. Valentine was alleged to have worn an Amethyst ring with a cupid carved on it. Thus, Amethyst has been tied to the saint and romantic love for centuries.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and therefore a gem for the zodiac signs Aquarius and Pisces. It’s also the designated gemstone for the sixth and 17th wedding anniversaries.
Amethyst is tied to the crown chakra, the center of spirituality, and so enhances intuition, meditation, and spirituality. You’ll often find the stone in meditation spaces, as it helps rid the mind of negative thoughts and brings forth humility, sincerity, and spiritual wisdom.
Amethyst – gemstone knowledge
Amethyst is made up of quartz crystals and gets its color from irradiation and trace amounts of iron. This semi-precious stone varies in hue from pale lavender to deep purple. In its natural state, it can present with bands of color sometimes fading to clear. The gem-cutter’s art comes in cutting a stone with a consistent color.
Amethyst – gemstone knowledge
Amethyst is made up of quartz crystals and gets its color from irradiation and trace amounts of iron. This semi-precious stone varies in hue from pale lavender to deep purple. In its natural state, it can present with bands of color sometimes fading to clear. The gem-cutter’s art comes in cutting a stone with a consistent color.
Alluring Amethyst has been revered for centuries for its beautiful color and symbolic meanings.
Where is Amethyst found?
Amethyst is found around the world in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It can be found in the center of geodes, with the six-sided crystals clustering above the geode base on the interior. Large deposits in Brazil and Uruguay are important sources, but it’s also mined in Canada, France, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and the United States (at Four Peaks Mine in Arizona). HAVERHILL sources the gem from Brazil.
Fun facts about Amethyst
• When heat-treated, Amethyst becomes Citrine, the birthstone for November.
• Buddhist monks in Tibet frequently use Amethyst to make prayer beads.
• Amethyst was once considered a cure for headaches.
• The gem was a favorite of Catherine the Great and the Duchess of Windsor. The duchess once wore a bib necklace that featured dozens of large stones interspersed with smaller Turquoise.
• Amethyst is the official state gemstone of South Carolina.
• Queen Amalia’s Parure was a set of incredible Amethyst jewelry passed down through the Bavarian royal family for generations.
• The largest Amethyst geode ever found is the “Empress of Uruguay,” which is over 10’ tall and weighs two and a half tons.
How do I care for Amethyst jewelry?
Amethyst is rated 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it’s durable and appropriate for everyday wear. In 1822 Friedrich Mohs created this scale to rate gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (exceptionally hard), based on their ability to withstand scratches. Amethyst can be scratched by harder gemstones, such as Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Diamond. Store it in your jewelry pouch or box for safekeeping.
Amethyst is durable and so is a very good choice for everyday wear, with a little care. You can wear it in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. The gem’s color can fade if overexposed to light or heat for a prolonged period, however.
Amethyst is durable and so is a very good choice for everyday wear, with a little care. You can wear it in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. The gem’s color can fade if overexposed to light or heat for a prolonged period, however.
Occasional cleaning with a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or mild dye-free dish soap and water is a simple way to maintain the beauty of your jewelry. Let it soak in a small bowl for a few minutes (away from the sink drain), then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely and blot dry with a chamois cloth.
Occasional cleaning with a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or mild dye-free dish soap and water is a simple way to maintain the beauty of your jewelry. Let it soak in a small bowl for a few minutes (away from the sink drain), then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely and blot dry with a chamois cloth.
How to wear Amethyst jewelry
Those who love purple can tell you how versatile this beautiful gem is for styling.
Framed by a white blouse, the royal purple of this Warren Pendant is the star of the show. The gem’s rich tone is a beautiful accent, a pop of color that really makes a statement.
Amethyst pairs beautifully with other cool-toned gemstones. Our Hope Collection features the stone with Sapphires and Nantucket Blue Topaz. Amethyst generates positive transformation, Sapphire guards the innocent, and Blue Topaz promotes peace. One hundred percent of profits from the Hope Collection is donated to Color of Change, which supports racial justice.
Amethyst pairs beautifully with other cool-toned gemstones. Our Hope Collection features the stone with Sapphires and Nantucket Blue Topaz. Amethyst generates positive transformation, Sapphire guards the innocent, and Blue Topaz promotes peace. One hundred percent of profits from the Hope Collection is donated to Color of Change, which supports racial justice.
Consider pairing Amethyst with Diamonds set in white gold to bring out the cooler tones of the gemstone, as with this Rosecliff Stackable Ring.
Consider pairing Amethyst with Diamonds set in white gold to bring out the cooler tones of the gemstone, as with this Rosecliff Stackable Ring.
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FAQ
No, they can range from pale lilac to deep purple. Naturally occurring Amethyst forms in crystals and can have bands of color, but cut gemstones are generally more consistent in hue.
Amethyst can be sensitive to sunlight and extreme heat, but it would take prolonged exposure to cause it to fade. We recommend that you don’t steam-clean it or use an ultrasonic cleaner. It’s always best to store your jewelry in a cloth pouch or box to protect it and keep it from being scratched.
Not at all. People wear gemstones for many reasons, not just because they’re the birthstone for the month they were born. You may choose to wear a stone because you feel a connection to the color, because the traditional meaning resonates with you, or because it reminds you of someone you love, like a child, friend, or a loved one who has passed away. Jewelry is extremely personal, and you should feel free to wear the gemstones that speak to you.
The ancient Greeks believed that it could help prevent drunkenness. Today it’s considered a gem that can help calm the mind and enhance intuition.
Yes, it can. You can wear it while showering, swimming, and exercising.