February Birthstone: Amethyst, The Story behind the Stone of Sobriety

Birthstone Amethyst is the stone for those born in February and all lovers of beautiful gems. With its pale lilac to deep purple color, hardly ever anyone can resist its beauty. Carrying a rich history and even richer folklore, this fascinating gemstone’s story is captivating.

Birthstone Amethyst was a beloved gem of the Royals’ families and a significant part of their jewelry collection for many centuries. Once extremely rare to be found, Amethyst was believed to carry powerful energies and healing properties.

So if you are curious to discover why this gemstone is known as the stone of sobriety, love, and strength, continue reading.

The Amethysts Gemstones throughout History

The name “Amethyst” originates from the Greek word “Amethystos,” meaning “sober” or “prevention against drunkenness. The Ancient Greeks believed you could remain sober and drink all night if you wore this gem.

The belief in the sobriety powers of the Amethyst went to the point that they and the Romans used to carve their large vessels used for drinking and keeping the wine from the February Birthstone. Even more shocking is that the legends say Ancient Greeks even added powdered amethysts to their wine to keep them sober.

The Amethyst, because of its wine-like color in early Greek mythology, was linked to Dionysus or, as the Romans called him, Bacchus, the God of wine and fruitfulness.

But not only the deep reddish purple color connects this gem to the God of wine. Another legend tells the story of Dionysus falling for the beautiful maiden called Amethystos. However, she refused him and rejected his love. Asking for protection and sanctuary, the maiden prayed to the Gods to help her keep her chastity.

They listened to her prayers and turned her into a white Maiden Stone. Dionysys, crushed from heartbreak, pain, and grief, poured wine onto the stone, turning it purple. From then on, the February gem is also associated with romance, passion, and love.

In addition, Renaissance Europeans believed Amethyst’s energy calmed lovers overrun by lust, desire, and passion. Moreover, the ones arrayed with Amethyst Birthstone jewelry are thought to be able to keep a clear head and think quick-witted. Accordingly, warriors wore the gem in battles, and merchants used it to make good business deals.

Furthermore, the Amethyst is considered to convey strength, cast out evil thoughts, and shield from negative energy. This is why the purple variety of quartz served as amulets and talismans back in the past.

Ancient Egyptians carved animal-shaped amulets to use for prayer and protection from evil or harm. They also placed these purple color stones in the tombs of pharaohs, convinced they held good powers.

Back in the Middle Ages, talismans made from Amethysts were used to heal the sick. Specifically, patients in what we now know as comatose state, as it was thought the stone has the power to dispel sleep. They also wore Amethyst amulets to protect them from sorcery and black magic.

The healing and protective powers of the Amethyst are also found in Arabian mythology. The transcripts reveal that the stone was meant to protect the wearer from gout and stop him from having nightmares and bad dreams.

The Amethyst ring carved was also greatly employed in antiquity for intaglio engraved stones. Carving in intaglio is a small gemstone with images or inscriptions carved into the flat background of the gem. In ancient times, the process of engraving was counted as a luxurious art form.

The Amethyst Birthstone Biblical Meaning

These gemstones are referred to more than once in the Holy Book. Starting with the Amethyst found in a passage in the Bible that portrays Jesus dressed in purple when he is taunted for claiming to be the King of the Jews.

Following by Christians believing the purple color of Amethyst to be symbolizing the suffering and wounds of Jesus. Hence, being convinced that these gemstones can be used for healing wounds. Also, high-ranking priests wore the stone as a sign of piety.

The earliest concept of Birthstones gems begins with the Bible. In the Old Testament Book of Exodus, Moses’s older brother and prophet owned a breastplate he used to communicate with God. The breastplate is said to be decorated with 12 stones and one of them being Amethyst.

Furthermore, in the New Testament Book of Revelation, this February Birthstone is said to be one of the foundation stones of the Heavenly City (New Jerusalem). In addition, the Hebrew word for Amethyst is “Ahlamah” which means “Dream Stone.” Reading the Bible, the wine-like color of the Birthstone Amethyst also transfigured into the symbolism of Christ’s blood hence the wine-drinking ritual in Christianity.

Ultimately, the emergence of 12 Birthstones designated for every month of the year mainly develops from both these Biblical lists.

The February Birthstone and Famous Historical Figures

Many famous historical figures were found to wear pieces of these beautiful stones, whether as rings, necklaces, earrings, or amulets. Amethyst was hugely popular throughout history and is still to this time. Its beauty is simply timeless.

Pharaoh Djer of Egypt’s 1st dynasty and King Tutankhamun (King Tut) both had Amethyst adornments discovered in their tombs. This jewelry included bracelets and anklets but also the infamous flesh-eating scarabs carved from Amethyst. Fun fact. We might have found the scarabs scary in Mummy’s movies, but back then, they were cut from various quartz and used as amulets for good luck.

Pharaoh Djer of Egypt’s 1st dynasty and King Tutankhamun (King Tut) both had Amethyst jewelry discovered in their tombs. These adornments included bracelets, anklets, and the infamous flesh-eating scarabs carved from Amethyst. Fun fact. Although we might have found the scarabs scary in the Mummy movies, back then, they were cut from various quartz and used as amulets. 

Cleopatra, one of the most famous women in History, also enjoyed this stone. Her Amethyst engraved ring was with the figure of Mithras, a Persian deity symbolizing the Divine Idea, the Source of Light and Life. For one of the most beautiful but also powerful women of the past, the signet ring represented enlightenment and love. Being passionate by nature, Cleopatra used the February birthstone, believing it calmed lovers overrun and helped the person in love to think clearly.

St. Valentine, the patron of love, was also the owner of an Amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid. So now we see an even bigger connection between the purple stone, love, and February. No wonder why this is the month of love and why Amethyst jewelry becomes a gift to celebrate the sixth anniversary of marriage. Now, back to the rings, another interesting fact is that to this day, most bishops still wear an Amethyst ring to signify the union of the bishop and the diocese.

Leonard da Vinci, the famous painter, scientist, and theorist, was also an admirer of this fascinating gemstone. One of the greatest thinkers in the world saw the Amethyst as a source of positive light with the power to unload evil thoughts and sharpen intelligence.

Camillo Leonardi, a famous and prominent Italian astronomer, and astrologer, also supported the beliefs of Leonardo. In one of his writings, he also described the Amethyst as having the ability to quicken intelligence and help you get rid of evil thoughts and harmful intentions.

The Amethyst, a Symbol of Royal Prestige

During the Middle Ages, these gems with purple hues were proudly worn by royalty. Purple was associated with nobility, and British royals wore it on their regalia. At one time, the Amethyst was considered to be of equal value with rubies and sapphires but also with one of the aristocracy’s favorite gems, the emerald.

Being so rare and difficult to find, Amethyst was only worn by people in the highest class in society. But as more sources and large deposits of Amethyst were discovered, the gemstone became more attainable and affordable to the wider masses.

However, becoming more available doesn’t make the Amethyst less attractive and mesmerizing. Wear it if you have a February birthday as your birthstone, to celebrate love, or just because you admire its beauty and powers. But, without a doubt wearing Amethyst jewelry places you in Royal company.

Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, was absolutely obsessed with the stone. She was known for embellishing herself with amethyst earrings, rings, necklaces, and other birthstone jewelry. The longest-serving Empress of Russia had an entire room in the Winter Palace to house her exquisite jewels, including the Amethyst collection.

Queen Mary of Great Britain is another Royal member who loved the February Birthstone Amethyst. Her wedding gift was a grandiose Parure composed of a tiara, necklace, and earrings, all made from Amethyst gems dating from around 1815.

When she was the Duchess of York, Queen Mary wore the Tiara and Parure and made a notable appearance, as seen in portraits taken in the 1890s. She wore these glorious amethyst necklaces and Tiara again in the 1900s as the Princess of Wales.

After Queen Mary’s death, the Amethyst Tiara and Parure were inherited by her family, but they were not pictured wearing it and instead discreetly sold it. With the sale, the Parure became a part of the family of Rorik Ravel, and his wife wore it on their wedding day in 1983.

Lastly, the Amethyst Parure was set up for an auction in 1993, estimated at $75,000-125,000. During that time, Buckingham Palace is assumed to have killed the stories in the British tabloids about Queen Mother allegedly selling the jewelry to settle debts. Finally, the Parure was eventually sold for £55,357 to an anonymous buyer.

The current location and owner of the Amethyst necklace remain unknown. However, the famous Anna Wintour, a fashion icon and editor-in-chief of Vogue, wore the piece at an event in 2007.

In addition, Amethyst has a prime position in England’s Crown Jewels. The beautiful purple gem is set at the top of the Sovereign’s Sceptre with a Cross.

In the last century, the well-known jewelry connoisseur Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, made quite the impression at a gala event in Versatile in 1953. She appeared wearing a lavishing Cartier-designed Amethyst necklace in a bib style made especially for her. This piece of jewelry, to this day, continues to be one of the most recognizable Amethyst necklaces.

Get Familiar with Amethyst Characteristics

February Birthstone Amethyst colors range from pale lilac to deep purple. In fact, in the variety of quartz, Amethyst’s purple color comes from the presence of iron, other trace elements, and natural irradiation.

Compared to harder gems such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, the Amethysts are slightly softer and range 7 on the Mohs scale. However, they still make durable gemstones fitting to be cut and shaped in any way and used in the jewelry industry.

Sources of Amethyst

In the beginning, Amethyst was very rare to be found, which made it an exceptionally priceless gem. Back in the past, most gemstones came from Russia, being the biggest source. That is until the 19th century when large deposits were discovered in Brazil. After that, the cost per carat dropped significantly compared to ruby, emerald, and other precious gems. Amethyst found in abundance nowadays is in Africa, South America, and Bolivia.

Furthermore, as you search for your perfect February Birthstone, you will also find lab-created Amethyst with the same chemical and physical properties. However, if you are looking for one found in nature, ask the seller if it is natural or synthetic.

Amethysts Metaphysical Properties

If you have a February birthday, this is your special gem. It is said to give personal empowerment and inner strength to the people born in February. But even if you are not born in this month, this gemstone can still be perfect for you as it heals the immune system, conveys strength, and attracts love.

People all over the world are fascinated by Amethysts and use them for healing wounds, both emotional and physical. For example, there is a belief that if you rub a wet Amethyst on a pimple, it will cure the blemish.

Known as the stone of clarity and sobriety, it is said to open the portal between Heaven and Earth, allowing communication with the Ascended masters. In addition, a lot of psychic and tarot readers use the crystal.

Perfect for Yoga Meditation

Amethyst is highly favored among Yoga practitioners as it connects with the Crown Chakra. Using it during meditation can help you open the third eye and enhance your intuition. Keeping it close allows the energies to flow freely through you, bringing mental clarity and guiding you toward reaching mindfulness.

How to Take Care of Your Amethyst

Taking care of your precious gem is easy. With normal use, you can count on it to successfully pass the test of time. However, there are just a few simple rules to follow.

The gem is heat sensitive, so it might not be the perfect jewelry to wear at the beach or keep exposed to sunlight for too long. Excessive heat can change its color to green, yellow, blue, and red-orange or even transform it into a naturally-rare mineral called citrine. So just use a soft brush, mild soap, and warm water to clean it. When you store it, keep it separated from harder gems so it doesn’t get scratched or damaged. Finally, wear it with confidence and allow it to work its magic.

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