Amethyst: What Makes the February Birthstone Special?

The world of gemstones and by extension the market for fine jewellery are dominated by the top four gemstones. I don’t think it is necessary to mention what those gemstones are, but they are the gems which correspond to four main colours: blue, green, red and white or the glass-like colourless glow. The dominance of these four gemstones is firmly set and there has been little in terms of competition for the top four spots.

One gemstone, however, that whilst not as distinct in terms of rarity, nonetheless has made itself known as a valuable addition in terms of its distinct purple hue. So as to close off the top gemstones in the world with a characteristic purple variant. And that gemstone is amethyst. In this post we will look at the key features of the famous purple gemstone: understand what sets it apart from the rest and why it is a top choice for those born in the month of February as their birthstone.

Amethyst Mineralogy and Character

When it comes to understanding what makes amethysts special, a good place to start is its distinct mineralogical features. Amethyst is a variant in the quartz family of crystals and is a gemstone with a long history of use. Distinguished by its distinct purple hue, amethyst today is one of the most popular gemstones in the world. Since amethysts are part of the quartz family of crystals, the reader might be wondering how exactly they differ and considering that there are other gemstones that come in the quartz family of crystals things do get a bit interesting.

The first thing to consider is that amethysts are technically quartz crystals. This means their mineralogies are virtually identical: they are both silicon dioxide minerals that feature a respectable level of durability scoring a solid 7 Mohs for hardness. The notable difference between the average quartz crystal stone and an authentic amethyst gem is the presence of colour.

The Colour of an amethyst is a function of its unique process of development. Amethyst during its crystal growth stage, takes deep underground, inside basalts that occur in volcanic rocks; that when subjected to irradiation, when combined with the presence of trace minerals like iron, notably the ferric iron (Fe3+), contributes to its famous purple hue.

Amethyst Countries of Origin

Generally a secondary concern for birthstone buyers, but the country of origin of gemstones is an interesting factor in this equation. In the world of gemstones, buyers tend to associate certain values with the place of their gemstone’s origins, this is notable in the world of sapphires. With amethysts, however, which are found in a wide range of nations, the determining factor is the colour of the stone. 

Whilst the leaders of the pack tend to be in regions that are known for volcanic rocks: so countries such as Brazil, parts of Russia, the United States and even nations as far apart as Korea. Interestingly countries such as Ceylon (Sri Lanka) which are not known for volcanic activity, also contain rich amethyst deposits, much of these in the form of secondary deposits, and the gemstones are known for their rich colours.

However, the most popular sources of amethyst remain the vast gemstone mines in South America. In nations like Brazil and Uruguay, where igneous rock deposits contain within them geode: rock cavities that feature amethyst crystal growth. These gems are mined before being cut and polished for gemstone use. However, in terms of use, amethysts have been found and adopted into popular use all across the world, through virtually all major time periods. During the Renaissance period, the genius Leonardo Da Vinci is known to have attributed the ability to think clearly and enhanced concentration to the amethyst stone.

Amethyst Quality Factors

Amethysts as mentioned in the intro are not among the top tier of gemstones. However, that does not mean they are not valuable. Amethyst in the world of gemstones and fine jewellery sit somewhere in the middle between the top precious gemstones and semiprecious ones. Amethysts are distinguished in the gemstone world as the trade mark purple gemstones. This is important since purple as a distinct hue is somewhat rare in the world of natural gemstones.

Besides the somewhat obscure purple sapphire and the incredibly rare purple diamonds, there aren’t many natural purple gemstones in the market. Amethysts here have distinguished themselves as this top purple gemstone in the world. When it comes to picking a top-quality amethyst gemstone the key factor is undoubtedly its colour. The presence of a rich purple hue is a key marker of the stone’s quality. However, when it comes to picking gemstone jewellery, the principles of carat, cut, clarity and of course colour remain significant.

Amethyst Meaning and Significance

When it comes to purchasing a top gemstone, or a birthstone that suits your style and month of birth, there are other sentimental, historical and for those who believe it, mystical factors that work into it. To understand the meaning of amethysts, we need to look back into their early history of use.

The origin of the word ‘amethyst’ comes from the Greeks, where it was associated with a remedy for alcoholism, and later traditions associated it with being calm and level-headed. Long considered as the gemstone of royalty, amethysts are a natural fit as purple is the colour of nobility and is a great choice for those who wish to communicate a sense of class and status.

Making up one of the twelve foundation stones, amethysts are rich in symbolic and spiritual value. And in case we forget, they are the gemstone of the month for the month of February. The month of February is also the month of Valentine, and it is naturally a romantic but also stylish choice. And in darker hues, it is a great choice for men's jewellery, as the deeper tone communicates a sense of strength and clarity.

For those interested in the Vedic and Hindu mystical traditions the Amethyst correspond to the crown chakra: the final and highest stage in the chakras or centres of power that make up a person. The amethyst stone is believed to enhance the transfer of spiritual energies within and through that person. And is understood to enhance the wisdom of the wearer of the February birthstone, giving them greater control over all aspects of their lives, by regulating the thoughts and flow of energies throughout the person’s body.

Buying Amethyst Jewellery

No discussion of birthstone is complete without engaging the question of gemstone jewellery. And with amethysts, the options are nearly endless. However, there is a difference between being able to choose from a wide range of gemstone jewellery and selecting one that works for you. With amethysts, the choices a potential buyers, like someone born in the month of Feburary, are rather interesting.

Whilst the market for top jewellery, in the fine engagement rings, and necklaces range is dominated by diamonds, sapphires and the like, amethysts have established themselves as viable alternatives that can cater to the stylistic variety and quality, and wider accessibility that modern customers are looking for in their gemstone jewellery. With amethyst jewellery, you can opt for either the premium level jewels, like amethyst engagement rings or top amethyst gemstone jewellery like amethyst necklaces, amethyst pendants and the like.