Amethyst - Gemstone for February
Beautiful purple birthstone for those born in February
Amethyst is the birthstone for those born in February and is the zodiacal gemstone for Aquarius.
Naturally mined Amethyst is a beautiful translucent deep purple to light violet member of the crystal quartz family.
Normally Amethyst is not treated in any fashion but if amethyst gemstones are heated they turn a pale yellow color that is similar to citrine. Citrine is also a crystal quartz but natural yellow citrine is rare. So quite often heat treated amethyst is a stand in for yellow quartz.
Amethyst is a semi-precious gemstone that is available in abundance so it is also a very cost effective choice of gemstone. The least expensive shades of amethyst are pale lavender; the most expensive are dark violet showing flashes of red when viewed under incandescent light.
Historically crystals may well be one of the oldest gemstones used by man. It was found in a prehistoric grave that dates back to 20,000 bc and amethyst has also been unearthed in ancient Egyptian ruins in the form of beads and good luck charms.
All varieties of crystal quartz are said to have supernatural powers. The reason for this is quite simple: when manipulated correctly quartz crystals give off a magnetic charge. You more than likely have owned a watch that was powered by a quartz crystal.
Amethyst is said to be a crystal of contentment and is used for focusing in meditation. A piece of amethyst placed before a white candle with pine incense burning is very conductive to meditative practices.
It is said that Amethyst’s magnetic charge stimulates the intellectual side of your life because it increases activity of right-side brain. Also, ancient Greeks considered it a gemstone of Dionysus. Dionysus’ ancient Roman equivalent is Bacchus – well known as the god of wine. Therefore, it is considered kind of kitschy to wear amethyst to cocktail parties.
Amethyst is a fairly hard gemstone – on the Mohs scale of hardness (diamond being a 10) amethyst comes in at a 7. Therefore, it is appropriately set in all types of jewelry. It is also the gemstone for the 6th wedding anniversary.
The image on this page is a lavender and emerald amulet shown with 4mm round lavender amethyst beads.
What to wear with amethyst? Create a monotone look by wearing purple with amethyst.
If you are looking for an elegant pair of lavender shaded amethyst drop earrings check out In Style magazine's Frugal FInd for February - Amethyst drop earrings by indulgems at shoptwigs.com.
Another quick pick would be the 14k gold filled amethyst drop necklace by Viv & Ingrid.
