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, with their colorful array of sparkling jewels and glowing gems, each carry their own story in history and myth, holding a special place in the hearts and minds of humanity from ancient times to the present day.

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 name amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethystos , which means a treatment for drunkenness and reflects the stone's characteristics. Amethyst, a member of the Quartz family, is available in a variety of violet and bluish-violet colors.

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

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 Traditional gemstone colors include pale lilac, red-violet, and deep rich purple, which represent different elements of life. Purple is significant in Christian symbolism, expressing repentance and sadness.

Properties Amethyst attributes include stability, peace, equilibrium, courage, inner strength, sincerity, and a calm disposition. Healing benefits include addiction withdrawal, headaches, insomnia, arthritis, pain relief, circulation issues and overall healing.

Amethyst, from its Greek name, is known as a sobriety stone, believed to prevent drunkenness and treat alcoholism and other addictions. It provides stability for those overcoming addictive behavior.

History of Amethyst Willard Heaps' book Birthstones details the history of amethyst in Greco-Roman mythology. Bacchus, angered by Diana, promised that the first human he encountered in the wilderness would be devoured by his tigers.

The first person Bacchus encountered was Amethyst, a lovely damsel on her way to worship Diana. Terrified, she pleaded to the goddess for salvation, and was turned into a pure white, dazzling stone in front of Bacchus.

Bacchus repented for his transgression by pouring grape wine over her, resulting in the stone's magnificent violet shade. Amethyst wine glasses were commonly employed in ancient Rome to maintain moderation and avoid 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.

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 February Birthstone: Attributes And Their Meanings

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.