Amethyst Crystal Meaning (2023)
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS--
Have you ever wondered why purple is part of the sea of red and pink Valentine's Day colors so popular in February? Look no further than amethyst, the stunning birthstone for this romantic month.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- What Is Amethyst?
- Amethyst Meaning
- Amethyst Symbolism
- Spirituality
- Zodiac
- Celebrity
- Amethyst Color
- Amethyst Structure
- Amethyst Mines
- Amethyst History
- Amethyst Popularity
- Anniversary Anniversary
- Other February Gemstones
WHAT IS AMETHYST?
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, but rather than a clear stone, it is purple from iron impurities in the crystal structure as well as the effects of different types of irradiation.
AMETHYST MEANING
Because of its widespread availability, amethyst has been given many symbolic meanings and associations since it was first used as an ornamental stone or talisman. In ancient Greece and Rome, amethyst crystals was believed to serve and represent as an antidote or preventative to drunkenness or intoxication. In Europe, deeper purple amethysts were reserved for royalty.
AMETHYST SYMBOLISM
• SPIRITUALITY
Other qualities associated with amethyst include piety, humility, sincerity and wisdom, as well as spirituality. The stone represents faithful love and chastity, along with sincerity, calmness, patience and peace.
• ZODIAC
Today, amethyst is not only associated with the February birthstone, but is also a symbolic gem for the zodiac signs of Aquarius and Pisces.
• CELEBRITY
For those who love the glamour of Hollywood and royalty, you can enjoy an amethyst ring knowing it is a favorite of many celebrities and royalty. This style has adorned the fingers of top names including Kate Middleton, Queen Sylvia and Halle Berry.
AMETHYST COLOR
The shade of purple can range from the lightest lilac to deep, rich purple, and may also have blue or reddish undertones in the color resulting from other trace elements in the crystal. Deeper colors with reddish tones are the rarest and most highly valued, but all shades of amethyst have their own distinctive beauty.
AMETHYST STRUCTURE
Because of the uniform crystalline structure of amethyst, the carat weights of these stones can be quite large and dramatic. This means that smaller stones are generally much more common and less expensive, but amethyst is highly valued when it reaches large carat weights with relatively flawless structures.
AMETHYST MINES
Amethyst is mined all over the world, with productive mines found in Brazil, Uruguay, South Korea, India, Zambia, Austria, Russia, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Canada. In the United States, these purple stones are mined in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In addition to all these major mining sites, amethyst can also be found in smaller quantities in many other locations around the world, making it widely available for all types of jewelry. Amethyst was once considered one of the cardinal precious gemstones, until large deposits were discovered in Brazil in the 1700s, at which time the crystal was "demoted" to semiprecious gemstone.
AMETHYST HISTORY
Long before amethyst stones were cut, polished and faceted to be mounted in jewelry, the stones themselves were engraved and carved into protective figures and amulets, even as early as 2000 BC. The carvings were often used on goblets and scepters, or smaller carvings were fashioned as beads for rings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants.
AMETHYST POPULARITY
Today, amethyst is popular in a variety of jewelry settings. Large, dramatic amethyst stones are often mounted alone and can be very impactful in a simple piece of jewelry, or these stones are mounted with diamonds or other accent stones for additional glamour. This gem is popular in Art Deco rings and jewelry, and is often found in all types of gold settings, including not only classic yellow or white gold, but also rose gold and two-tone designs.
In addition to rings, amethyst is popular in necklaces, brooches and earrings, and it is possible to find lovely matched pieces of amethyst to create complete sets of coordinating jewelry with the beauty of this stone.
AMETHYST ANNIVERSARY
Amethyst is also considered the anniversary gem for the sixth and seventeenth wedding anniversaries. In healing practices, amethyst is said to help promote the healing of wounds and brings clarity.
OTHER FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONES?
Because of its versatility, amethyst is the only widely recognized birthstone for February, but there are other gems casually associated with this romantic month as well. Blood-stone and garnet are occasionally considered alternate February birthstones depending on the classification, and other gems are associated with different star signs in the month, including agate, sapphire, ruby, opal, and turquoise. Still, amethyst stands alone as the most popular option and the go-to stone for celebrating special days in February.
VINTAGE ENGAGEMENT RINGS FOR EVERYONE:
No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
FIND THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING:
Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Amethyst Rings today to celebrate this romantic month!
SUZANNE SACHS
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