Amethyst

Amethyst is the recognized birthstone for the month of February.

Amethyst is a variety of quartz ranging in color from a pale lilac to a rich, deep purple. The most valuable amethyst is a deep purple with rose-colored flashes that give the amethyst its beauty and fire.

Steeped in lore, the amethyst is said to hold many properties. Amethyst was said to be the stone of bishops during the middle ages for its ability to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety – bishops still wear amethyst rings today. In Tibet, the amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha making it a popular stone for rosaries. Leonardo Di Vinci once wrote that the amethyst could dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.

The ancient Greeks believed that wearing an amethyst or drinking from an amethyst chalice would prevent intoxication. According to Greek myth, Dionysius the god of wine, was set into a drunken rage by a mortal’s insult and swore the next mortal that crossed his path would die at the claws of two tigers. A beautiful maiden named Amethyst, on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana, was the next to cross his path. When Diana saw her approach, she turned Amethyst into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the tigers. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his actions when he saw the beautiful quartz statue. His tears stained the quartz purple, creating the purple gemstone and the legend we know today.

Some say it wearing amethyst jewelry, whether in the form of a ring or dangling pendant, will prevent baldness, improve complexion, calm those excited by the throes of passion and protect the wearer from treason and deceit. Considering its historical lore, it is no surprise that amethyst is given as a symbol of peace, protection and tranquility – a lovely birthstone for any February baby.