FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE
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If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – the purple variety of quartz
that has captivated mankind for millennia. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into
many shapes and sizes, and it can be manufactured in a lab as well as mined.
Amethyst, the February birthstone, can be found in the collections of royal families
throughout Europe and Asia. Now it’s within reach of most consumers. Consider buying
a stunning amethyst for the king or queen of your heart – or treat yourself to a royal
present. If your birthday is in February, then wearing an amethyst can also be a symbol
of personal empowerment and inner strength.
AMETHYST BIRTHSTONE
AMETHYST BIRTHSTONE MEANING & HISTORY
The name “amethyst” derives from the Greek amethystos, which means “a remedy
against drunkenness,” a benefit long ascribed to the purple birthstone. Because of its
wine-like color, early Greek mythology associated the gem with Bacchus, the god of
wine. Amethyst was also believed to keep the wearer clear headed and quick witted in
battle and business affairs. Renaissance Europeans thought it calmed lovers overrun by
passion.
Amethyst is the gem traditionally given for the sixth wedding anniversary. Wear it in
celebration of your wedding nuptials or as your February birthstone and you’ll be in
royal company: Catherine the Great (Empress Catherine II of Russia, 1729–1796) had a
penchant for the gem and decked herself in amethyst necklaces, earrings and other
ornaments. The famous jewelry connoisseur Wallis, Duchess of Windsor (1896–1986),
made a memorable statement when she wore a lavish Cartier-designed amethyst
bib necklace to a gala in Versailles in 1953.
The Duchess of Windsor’s bib-style necklace boasts 28 step-cut amethysts, one oval
faceted amethyst, and a large heart-shaped amethyst in the front, as well as turquoise
cabochons and brilliant cut diamonds, all suspended from a rope-like gold chain.
Courtesy: N. Welsh, Cartier Collection © Cartier
Historically, royals have admired the deep purple hue of the February birthstone since
at least the days of Alexander the Great. Amethyst lore also includes several claims to
mystical powers, including that it would convey strength and wit to those who wore it. If
you celebrate a February birthday, wearing an amethyst can be a symbol of personal
empowerment and inner strength.
WHERE IS AMETHYST FOUND?
Russia was the major source of amethyst until the 19th century, when large deposits
were found in Brazil. Once as rare as ruby or emerald, amethyst was suddenly in
abundance. Today, the most important sources of amethyst are in Africa and South
America. Brazil is still a major supplier, especially its southernmost state, Rio Grande
do Sul, though the rough amethyst mined there tends to have a lighter color than
amethyst found in other countries. Amethyst from Brazil sometimes forms in hollow,
crystal-lined geodes so large you can stand in them.
The Anahí mine in Bolivia is another prominent source for amethyst. Hidden in the
Pantanal wetlands, the Anahí mine is shrouded in fascinating lore. It was discovered by
a Spanish conquistador in the 1600s, given to him as dowry when he married Anahí (a
princess from the Ayoreo tribe), forgotten for three centuries, and rediscovered in the
1960s. The Anahí mine is also famous in gem circles as the source of the unusual
bicolored amethyst-citrine crystals called ametrine.
A treasure trove of amethyst and ametrine crystals line the walls of Bolivia’s historic
Anahí mine. Photo: Robert Weldon/GIA
In Africa, Zambia’s Kariba mine is one of the largest amethyst producers in the
world. Amethyst mined there tends to be of superb quality with richly saturated colors.
Amethyst is also found in the United States, just 46 miles (74 km) outside of Phoenix,
Arizona. The Four Peaks amethyst mine is located high in the most rugged part of the
Mazatzal Mountains. A remote location, hot summer temperatures, and a lack of water
and power at the mine make for challenging conditions. Yet this jagged, arid,
rattlesnake-infested terrain produces some very fine dark purple and purplish red
amethyst crystals.
The Four Peaks amethyst mine is in a remote area northeast of Phoenix, Arizona.
Photo: James Shigley/GIA
AMETHYST BIRTHSTONE CARE & CLEANING
Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is appropriate for
daily use in rings and other jewelry, but over time it may show wear and require
repolishing. Because this February birthstone is more susceptible to damage than
harder gems such as rubies, sapphires and diamonds, you risk scratching your
amethyst jewelry if you place it next to these harder stones...
Heat treatment is the most common technique for improving the color and marketability
of natural amethyst. Heat treatment can’t make pale amethyst darker, but it can lighten
the color of very dark amethyst and make it more attractive. It can also remove
unwanted brownish inclusions in some amethysts. Some amethyst turns yellow – to
citrine – with heat treatment.
Heat treating amethyst results in a permanent change in color. However, submitting it to
intense heat may render it slightly more brittle than usual, and care must be taken not to
damage pointed faceted corners and sharp edges. Note, too, that excessive heat can
remove the color entirely, and some amethyst fades with prolonged exposure to strong
light. Though the color is stable with normal use, this is not a birthstone to wear to the
beach every day.
Amethyst birthstone jewelry can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner, but steam
cleaning is not recommended. A soft brush with mild soap is the safest option.
As you shop for the February birthstone, you’ll also encounter lab-created amethyst.
Having the same chemical and physical properties as its natural counterpart, synthetic
amethyst has been known since the 1970s. In some cases, it is very difficult to
distinguish natural from synthetic amethyst without access to advanced gemological
testing. The GIA Laboratory can tell the difference, but many in the jewelry industry do
not request testing because of the cost and time required to determine the origin of what
is a comparatively inexpensive gem. Still, merchants are required to tell you if a gem is
natural or synthetic.
This amethyst and diamond ring set in recycled 18k gold is part of the Galaxy
Collection, designed by Arya Esha. Courtesy: Arya Esha