AMETHYST
Courage & spirituality
Amethyst is the purple variation of Quartz. It can be found in a broad range of purple nuances such as violet, purple and lavender.
FEBRUARY'S BIRTHSTONE
Amethyst is February’s birthstone, and is also the birthstones for the zodiacs Aquarius & Pisces. Each month has its own unique gemstone to represent it. Carrying your birthstone is said to bring good luck. You can carry your birthstone as a good luck amulet, or your loved ones’ birthstone as a symbol of love.
SYMBOLISM
Amethyst is the gemstone for courage and spirituality. Carry a piece of Amethyst jewellery when you need to gather up the courage. Amethyst is said to cleanse the aura and is thus a great gemstone for meditation. It’s also said that Amethyst makes its carrier mild and lovable.
Learn more about gemstone symbolism in our large Gemstone Encyclopedia here.
SPIRITUALITY
Amethyst is often claimed as a peace stone, whose presence is calming and can produce tranquil and soothing dreams, that are said to bring the dreamer closer to the Divine. This peace and clarity are also transferred to the awoken mind and is said to create more decisiveness and
remove negative energy.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR AMETHYST JEWELLERY
Since Amethyst is a 7 on Mohs’ hardness scale, the gemstone is a durable stone for jewellery. Avoid sudden, large changes in temperature, since this may cause the stone to fracture, and avoid prolonged exposure to intense light, since this may cause the colour to fade.
Amethyst can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water, and can also be safely cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner.
WEDDING DAY GIFTS
Many gemstones are connected to a special anniversary. Amethyst pieces of jewellery are traditionally given as a gift on the 6th wedding anniversary.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Legends say that Amethyst was created by the god of wine, Bacchus. He had gotten furious at the mortals and swore that the next who crossed his path would be eaten by tigers. He was met by a beautiful young girl named Amethyst, who was about to pray to the goddess, Diana. When Diana realized Bacchus’ vow, she turned Amethyst into a pillar of clear quartz to protect her from the tigers’ attack. As soon as Bacchus saw this happen, he regretted his malice and poured wine over Amethyst, leaving her with the beautiful purple colour.
AMETHYST'S GEMMOLOGY
Amethyst is a Quartz gemstone. Quartz is colourless but can take on a purple colour when affected by the Earth’s elements. When quartz has taken a purple colour, it’s referred to as Amethyst. When you measure a gemstone’s hardness, Moh’s Hardness Scale is used. The scale varies from 1 10, where 10 is the hardest – here is the diamond, which is the hardest gemstone. Amethyst is a 7 on Moh’s Hardness Scale.
ALL AMETHYST JEWELLERY
Shop the birthstone of February here
GARNET
Passion & confidence
AQUAMARINE
The gemstone for intellect, focus & clarity
DIAMOND
Invincibility, strength & love
GREEN AGATE
The gemstone for harmony, health & protection