A Definitive Guide to the February Birthstone: Amethyst

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by Suzanne Sachs — 5 min read

THE BASICS --

The stunning amethyst is a distinctive birthstone for February, with great significance for the month and rich with meaning for any February birthdate, anniversary, other special occasion. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, commemorating a special anniversary, or marking any significant life event, this gemstone exudes undeniable allure and charm. But amethyst’s beauty extends far beyond one month, and the more you know about this gorgeous gemstone, the more you will want to wear it every day of the year.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About the February Birthstone
  
• Amethyst
• Factors to Consider When Choosing the February Birthstone
• Amethyst Color
• February Birthstone Healing Properties
• February Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
• February Birthstone Crystal Uses
• Vintage Amethyst Rings
• Other February Birthstones
• Choosing the February Birthstone

About the February Birthstone

Amethyst

Amethyst, one of the most cherished semi-precious gemstones, is not only captivating with its rich purple hue but also steeped in geological history and unique characteristics. Here are some key facts about amethyst:

• Unique Composition: Amethyst is a form of quartz (silicon dioxide) with iron infused within its tetrahedral crystalline structure.
• Unique Color: Exposure to natural radiation gives amethyst its distinct, vibrant purple color.
• Unique Structure: Its broadly uniform crystal structure makes it easier to find in larger carat sizes.
• Unique Abundance: Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, ensuring amethyst remains widely available and has been cherished for centuries.

Whether valued for its unique composition, captivating color, or enduring availability, amethyst continues to be a timeless and beloved gemstone.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the February Birthstone

Amethyst Color

While purple is the only color for amethyst, the stone actually comes in many different purple shades, ranging from very light whitish-lilac to a deep, rich, dark purple or violet-black hues. Undertones may be reddish or bluish, giving even more dimension to the stone’s coloration. Those undertones are caused by different impurities and trace elements in the stone's crystal structure, and vary based on the overall composition of the gem. Natural radiation enhances amethyst’s color, and over time the stone’s color can change. Some amethysts may become lighter or look washed out as they age, but that can give a delicacy and airiness to vintage jewelry.

Amethysts with the darkest purple and red undertones are the rarest color combination, and therefore often considered the most valuable. Other hues can be equally attractive, however, and should be considered for their own individual beauty.

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February Birthstone Healing Properties

The February birthstone, traditionally associated with amethyst is believed to possess various healing properties and benefits.

Amethyst Healing Properties

Amethyst is renowned for its soothing effects, helping to reduce stress and promote a serene state of mind while also enhancing meditation and spiritual insight to foster a deeper connection to higher consciousness. Additionally, it aids in stabilizing emotions, encouraging inner peace and mental clarity, and is believed to heighten intuition and psychic abilities, guiding one toward greater self-awareness and insight.

 

Amethyst Inclusions

Amethyst inclusions, as with any gemstone, refer to unique features, imperfections, or foreign materials naturally trapped during its formation. These inclusions can vary in size, shape, and visibility, contributing to the distinct character of each amethyst specimen. One specific type of inclusion often observed in amethyst is the presence of fine, needle-like mineral crystals, which create captivating internal patterns and enhance the stone's natural beauty.

February Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism 

These gemstones have been popular for millennia, particularly in ancient Egypt as early as 2000 BC and with royalty in the Middle Ages. The deepest purple shades are most often associated with royalty, often because anything dyed a deep purple was exclusive and expensive, making purple gems even more desirable.

In addition to being the official February birthstone, amethyst is also the gemstone associated with the sixth and seventeenth wedding anniversaries, as well as two Zodiac signs: Aquarius (January 21 to February 18) and Pisces (February 19 to March 20).

The deep, rich purple of high quality amethyst is often symbolic for fantasy and magic, but that isn’t the only meaning behind such a glorious purple color. Amethyst combines the serenity of blue with the passion of red, creating a balance that symbolizes sincerity, peace, and calmness.

February Birthstone Crystal Uses

Because of amethyst’s emotional associations, the crystal is often used as part of meditations or prayers, and smaller amethysts are often fashioned into prayer beads. This is particularly popular in Tibet as part of the Buddhist faith. Believed to be a natural tranquilizer, an amethyst crystal can facilitate a calming state, and these stones are also believed to help foster creativity, increase wealth, and promote personal balance. To do so, raw, polished, or faceted amethyst is often used in pendants or protective amulets.

Vintage Amethyst Rings

With so many uses for this widespread and easily available gem, it is no surprise that amethyst has been a popular choice for many vintage rings and other jewelry pieces. Setting amethyst in silver or white gold helps showcase its pure color, while yellow or rose gold settings will enhance any red tones in the gem's crystal structure. Many amethysts are set with diamond accents for additional sparkle, and these stones are especially popular in Art Deco rings not only for their bold color, but also because the larger gems can be easily cut to show off the iconic geometry of the era.