February Birth Stone:
AMETHYST
Up until the 18th century, Amethyst was included in the Cardinal group of gemstones, which consisted of the five most valuable gemstones on earth: diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and ... amethysts.
The discovery of extensive deposits in Brazil diminished the value of amethyst stones, which was then considered just a gemstone of different hues of purple.
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, the best quality of which can be found in Siberia, Sri Lanka, the Far East and Brazil. Amethyst can also be synthesized in a laboratory.
Amethyst is always purple, from light pinkish violet to deep purple, but when heated, it becomes ametrine, a combination of amethyst and citrine.
Green amethyst does not exist, it is the name often given to prasiolite.
The word comes from the Greek "amethystos" which means "not intoxicated" because it was believed to protect from drunkenness. Amethysts are supposed to give strength to its wearer. It helps with intuition and calm, serenity and balance. It improves meditation and self-awareness.
As a symbol for royalty, many ancient civilizations used amethyst in their jewelry: from Egyptians to Greeks, Anglo-Saxons to Tibetans.
Amethyst is the state gemstone of South Carolina.
Along with purple gemstones, such as fluorite, lepidolite or sugilite, none is as majestic as amethyst, the stone for February.
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