According to the Gregorian Calender, Amethyst is the February birth stone. This is linked is with the Star sign Aquarius, the ‘Water Bearer’ which runs from January 21st – February 19th. As with many of the gems, there are significant meanings and notable healing properties attributed to Amethyst.
Initially, birth stones received a bad public reaction as they were devised by the American National Association of Jewellers as a commercial venture. The list was produced in 1912 in Kansas City, Missouri and included one gemstone for each month of the year. Despite the fundamental reaction, this list is still valid to this day.
What is most notable about the gemstone are the rich colors of red, purple, and lilac that come in the shape of a hexagon. In the past, purple had religious connotations concerning grief and loss which changed as color production developed to be considered an indication of status, often associated with royalty. There are only a few select places where the gem is actively sourced in South America and Africa.
Among the healing properties of this gem are headaches, sleeplessness, arthritis, and most famously, addiction cessation. Taking its name from the Greek ‘Amethystos’, it is often called the ‘Sobriety Stone’. This gem is most often attributed to curing alcoholism and restricting drunken behavior along with other addictions and vices. Drinking from a cup made of amethyst is said to increase business success.
Greek myth suggests that the god of wine, Bacchus, became intolerant of mortals, threatening to feed the next mortal he found to the tigers. Unfortunately, this would turn out to be a beautiful mortal girl called Amethyst who was walking to worship another Goddess, Diana. In an attempt to spare her from her fate, the Goddess turned the girl into a tree of quartz. Seeing the lengths Diana had gone to to protect her, Bacchus realized he was at fault and he stained the tree with wine, turning the girl purple.
Amethyst is a highly regarded gem, the largest of which can be seen at the Natural History Museum in London at 343 carats. It is given to couples celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary and provides the owner with peace, courage, balance, and inner strength. Burning the gem makes it turn yellow and is known as ‘burnt amethyst’.
As the owner of the February birth stone, bearers can expect assistance with a collection of ailments, inability to become too drunk, and a peace and stability in their life.
Now you can find unique and beautiful jewelry that will set a February birth stone apart. Distinctive birth stone pieces that will fit the needs of any fussy shopper can be easily found.
