Amethyst, February's Birthstone
History
This gemstone is notorious for is deep purple to light violet hues giving it a royal appearance. As a variety of quartz, it has been used throughout the millennia of mankind’s history. Its name derives from the Greek word, amethystos, meaning ‘a remedy against drunkenness”, as in ancient times it was believed it could prevent one from getting intoxicated. It was also believed to keep the wearer clear headed and quick witted in battle and business affairs. With its wine-like color, in early Greek Mythology it was a gemstone associated with the God, Bacchus, the god of wine.
Throughout history, amethyst was valuable as much as a diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire until large deposits were found in Brazil. Purple was seen as a royal color and since it was difficult to mine and expensive, only the elite could have access to it.
Valk and Radix Ring
Spiritual Meanings
Ancient lore states that Amethyst contains mystical powers and convey strength and wit to those who wore it. This stone has been noted for increasing one’s personal empowerment and inner strength. The spiritual meaning of amethyst of is said to bring goundedness, tranquility, and calm to the wearer. It is highly regarded as a stone to soothe one’s fears and connect through mediation on both emotional and spiritual levels.
Amethyst is good for those who are looking to relieve stress and anxiety in their lives as well as the symptoms that accompany such as fatigue and headaches. It is also a gemstone that actives one’s spiritual awareness, opens intuition and enhances psychic abilities.
image from gia.edu
Sourcing & Materials
In ancient times, Russia was the main source of mining for amethyst until the 19th century. These gems can be found inside of geodes within sedimentary and volcanic rock where inside the geodes, over millions of years turn to crystals. As amethyst is a form of quartz, these geodes form from silicon dioxide with trace amounts of iron slowly crystalizing turning to amethyst.
Today, Amethyst is found worldwide from Brazil as the largest producer as well as South and North America, Africa, Canada, Mexico, Russia, and Sri Lanka.
image from diamondbuzz.blog
Colors
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz (silicon dioxide) which is in the same family as clear quartz and citrine. The only difference is Amethyst is purple. Rarely, both purple and yellow colors can be found in the same quartz crystal.
The color of purple in an amethyst range form light lilac with pink undertones, lavender all the way to deep violet, plum, raspberry with hints of blue, red, and even brown.
The most sought-after amethysts have deeply saturated colors with dense reddish purple to deep purple yet not too dark as in some lighting can appear dim.
Another popular color is called “Rose de France” which is valued for it’s pale rose or lilac hues.
These gemstones are rarely treated to enhance their color as it reduced the natural purple. These gemstones typically formed without inclusions inside and when buying amethyst make sure to look for eye-clean gems with attractive color.
image from Gemorex
Cleaning & Care
Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness meaning it can withstand daily use in jewelry but over time may show wear and tear then require re-polishing. It should also be taken care of not to be abused or worn with harder gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, or sapphires.
When cleaning your amethyst, you can put it in an ultrasonic cleaner, but it isn’t recommended and the vibrations can damage the gemstone if it’s been dyed, filled, or loosen in your jewelry settings. Steam cleaners should never be used as these stones should not be subject to high temperature or pressure.
Amethyst is a gemstone that is sensitive to sunlight, so keep in mind when wearing it in direct sunlight or leaving it exposed for long periods of time in the daylight as it can lighten and fade the color of this gem.
For cleaning, the best methods at home are using some mild dish soap in warm water and stir it together. Place your amethyst in the liquid and allow it to soak for 25 mins to allow any dirt to loosen. After soaking, use a soft toothbrush to wipe away any dirt and rinse with clean water. Allow it to try on a cloth and wipe the jewelry and stone gently.
For all jewelry, it is important to store it individually in bags and store in a safe place as amethyst can be easily scratched by harder gemstones such as diamond, ruby or sapphire.
Do you have a February Birthday, or do you know someone who does? Share this blog with them. Subscribe to the Newsletter to be the first to know about jewelry tips & tricks, sales, and fresh inspiration.
Is there a topic you would like to hear about? Comment below or email me directly at jewelry@krisaveri.com!
Cheers,
Kris