Good news for those who are born in February! Amethyst, your birthstone, is one of the most economical gems praised for its beauty. The February birthstone has a deep natural color and is available in abundance. Most common colors are purple, lighter lilac and violet. Amethyst is a variety of the Quartz.
Amethyst is also called Jamuniya or Kathela in Hindi.
History of Amethyst
Amethyst is derived from the ancient Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “to prevent intoxication.” It is believed in ancient Greek that the stone protects the wearer from drunkenness and hence supports them in keeping a balanced mind.
Beliefs regarding Amethyst
- Amethyst geodes or crystals are believed to absorb negative energy.
- Amethyst help to stay cool headed.
- Amethyst is widely believed to be of great use to those who practise meditation.
- This February birthstone is thought to avoid distraction of mind from stress, fear and anxiety.
- It is also supposed to help cure illness such as headache, depression, grief, despair, insomnia.
- Amethyst is believed to stabilize blood pressure
Importance of Amethyst in Astrology
For those who believe or follow astrology, the February birthstone, i.e. Amethyst, is significant. Let us understand how:
Ruling planet: Saturn (Shanti).
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius, Pisces. Ruled by planet Uranus.
Represents two Chakra – “Crown Chakra” and “Third Eye Chakra”
What does the above mean? Amethyst is considered useful for people in research work like science and mathematics.
It is also known as the lover’s gem resembling faithfulness and true love. Also used as wedding anniversary stone for 4th or 6th year of marriage.
Use of Amethyst in Jewelry
Amethyst has some beautiful collections of colours like purple, violet, light Pink, and plays an important role in the field of jewelry.
With a hardness of 7 on the mohs scale, it makes the stone more durable to be used in jewelry. The highest grade amethyst, Deep Russian, is in demand of collectors as they look beautiful in fine jewelry. Gemstone studded jewelry has been trending since a while. The use of Amethyst studded jewelry is increasing as Jewelry Designers keep playing around with colours and creativity for their latest collections.
Mines
The countries considered as the biggest sources of Amethyst are India, Argentina, Uruguay, Madagascar, Bolivia, and Sri Lanka.
Brazil is the main source of Amethyst. The big sized geodes are found in Brazil from the state of Minas Gerais, hence reducing the average price of amethyst worldwide.
Highest quality amethyst are found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Siberia.
Formation of Amethyst
Amethyst are formed in hollow igneous rocks wherein they crystalise in the inner walls of the rock. This phenomena happens due to the gas cavities formed from bubbles. Silica-rich liquid containing trace elements of iron get filled in these gas cavities and crystalise to form Amethyst.
Chemical Composition of Amethyst is Silicon Dioxide.
Student visit Hong Kong Jewelry Show as a part of education expedition and Amethyst geode company at Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Famous Amethyst
The Empress of Uruguay is the largest Amethyst geode in the world. It stands at a height of 3.27 meters tall and weighs 2.5 tonnes. Thousands of perfect crystals were formed inside the geode and it was found around 130 million years ago in lava.
Amethyst Colors
The February gemstone can come in various colours like shades of purple, violet, light pink and light blue.
Cause of color in amethyst is Iron as a trace element and /or Irradiation treatment.
Ametrine gemstone is mined mainly in Bolivia, and is a mixture of amethyst and yellow Citrine, thus gaining popularity in jewelry.
Note: Green amethyst is misnomer for stone called Prasiolite, the green quartz.
Identification of Amethyst
A rough Amethyst can be identified based on its crystal form which a certified Gemologist can identify. To learn more you can check out
Polished Amethyst can be identified by inclusions and optical features. If you’re curious to understand this research, check out the most recognised Graduate Gemologist Course at J. K. Diamonds Institute of Gems & Jewelry.
Treatment
Heat and Irradiation are the two treatments done to Amethysts. Learn how to identify different types of treatments at J K Diamonds Institute.
Pricing
Deep Purple violet amethyst with flashes of red color are highly priced.
Transparent stones are preferred in jewelry.
We hope you find this comprehensive guide on Amethyst – The February Birthstone useful. Do let us know your feedback and experience in the comments.
