Amethyst: The Birthstone for February

Tap to Read ➤ Kanika Khara

The February birthstone is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the wearer. Read on to know more about the gem.

" The February born shall find sincerity and peace of mind, Freedom from passion and from care, If they, the amethyst will wear ." - Gregorian Birthstone Poem

A birthstone is a gemstone traditionally related to a person's birth date and if worn, is generally thought to bring good luck and health to that particular person.

Birthstones are available in a colorful array of sparkling jewels and glowing gems, where each stone has its own story in history and myth. From the annals of history until today, these stones have made a special place in the hearts and minds of the human race.

Amethyst

The 12 zodiac signs are an astrological interpretation of birthstones along with the 12 calendar months. The February birthstone, the amethyst, is considered for all Aquarians, i.e., people born between January 20 - February 18.

The term amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethystos , which means remedy against drunkenness, something that is clearly reflected in the attributes of this stone. Amethyst belongs to the Quartz (silicon dioxide) family, and comes in different shades of violet and bluish-violet colors.

Once considered to be more precious than diamonds, amethyst is a popular gem used in jewelry.

Also, it is a naturally occurring crystal that is found within the rocks, and has a hexagonal crystal structure. The deposits of this gemstone are commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Zambia, Russia, Sri Lanka, India, and United States.

Color

Pale lilac, red-violet, and deep rich purple are some traditional colors associated with this gem. Over generations, these colors have reflected different aspects of life. Socially as well as religiously, Christian symbolism has been characterized by the color purple, which originally has a symbolic meaning of repentance and mourning.

Properties

Properties associated with amethyst include stability, peace, balance, courage, internal strength, sincerity and a calm disposition. Its healing properties are effective in treating health problems relating to the withdrawal symptoms of any sort of addiction, headaches, insomnia, arthritis, pain relief, circulatory system problems and general healing.

With reference to its Greek name, amethyst is also considered as a sobriety stone, believed to prevent drunkenness, treat alcoholism, and other types of addictions. Hence, it acts as a stabilizing force for those trying to overcome addictive behavior.

History of Amethyst

The history of amethyst takes us back to Greco-Roman mythology, where it finds mention in the book 'Birthstones' by Willard Heaps. According to this book, Bacchus - the Roman God of Wine, was outraged by Diana, the huntress. For revenge, he declared that the first person he would meet on his way through the forest would be eaten by his tigers.

But the first person to cross his path was an attractive maiden, Amethyst who was on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. Terrorized, she called upon the goddess to save her, and in front of Bacchus, she was transformed in to a pure white, sparkling image of a stone.

Realizing his mistake and repenting his cruelty, Bacchus poured grape wine over her, thus giving the stone the exquisite violet hue of the amethyst. Hence, the carryover to non intoxication was quite relevant, and so in ancient Rome, amethyst cups were commonly used for wine so that the drinkers would have no fear of overindulgence.

Besides this, the early Egyptians believed that the amethyst possessed good powers, and so, was kept in the tombs of pharaohs. Also during the medieval period, the stone was used as medication to drive away sleep, sharpen intellect, and save the wearer from sorcery or black magic.

Moreover, it was also thought to bring victory in battle. According to the Arabian mythology, the amethyst was supposed to protect the wearer from bad dreams and gout, hence was conceived as a stone of loyalty and power.

February Birthstone: Attributes And Their Meanings

Let's see the dates and information about the birthstones and flowers associated with the month, February and the Aquarius zodiac sign, along with the meaning, symbolism, and different personality traits.

Colors of Amethyst : Lilac, purple, mauve Symbolism : Stability, peace, balance, courage, inner strength, sincerity and a calm disposition Alternative Birthstones : Garnet, Jasper Birth Flower : The Violet Symbolism : Faithfulness, humility, chastity Personality Traits of Aquarius : Independent, creative, entertaining, stimulating, progressive

This gem, not only is pretty to look at, but, with its healing powers and positivity, can double up as an amazing and a very useful birthday gift for your loved ones born in February or those with the Zodiac sign Aquarius.