February is the shortest month of the year, but it has some beautiful birthstones associated with it. Each month has one or more birthstones, which are gemstones that symbolize that month. The official birthstone for February is amethyst, a purple variety of quartz. Some other stones considered birthstones for February are garnet, onyx, and moonstone. The colors of these stones range from rich reds to pale purple. Let’s take a look at the meanings and healing properties associated with February’s birthstones.
Amethyst
Amethyst is the official birthstone for February. It is a variety of quartz that occurs in purple, lilac, and mauve shades. The word amethyst comes from the Ancient Greek word “amethystos”, meaning sober. There is a legend that the wine god Bacchus was angered when he encountered a maiden named Amethyst who refused his affections, so he vowed to ruin her by making tigers devour her. The goddess Diana turned Amethyst into a pillar of crystal to protect her, and that crystal became the stone we know as amethyst today.
Amethyst ranges from a pale lilac color to a deep, rich purple with red undertones. The most prized amethyst has a vivid purple color. Inclusions and color zoning in the stone can create unique patterns. Amethyst has been a prized gemstone for centuries and was especially valued by ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Chinese. It was often featured in royal jewelry and adornments.
The healing properties ascribed to amethyst relate to its purple color. The color purple has long been associated with royalty, luxury, spirituality and imagination. Purple is thought to have a calming and soothing energy. Amethyst purportedly brings peace, balance and stability. It helps relieve stress and anxiety. Some believe it can ward off nightmares and insomnia when placed under the pillow. Amethyst is said to help develop intuition and psychic abilities. It brings wisdom and enhances memory and focus. This serene stone can help stabilize moods and emotions.
Garnet
Garnet is another birthstone for February. This stone comes in many colors, but the one most associated with February is deep red garnet. Garnets occur in shades of red, orange, yellow, green, pink, brown and black. The name garnet may come from the Latin word “granatum” meaning pomegranate, in reference to the red color. Garnets have been used in jewelry for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egyptian and Roman civilizations.
Red garnet symbolizes passion, energy and vitality. Its rich color is connected to the heart, love and courage. Red garnet is thought to boost low libido and increase sexual desire and intimacy. It inspires commitment in relationships. It helps release old anger and promotes self-empowerment. Red garnet speeds up metabolism and regeneration. It has a strong and stimulating energy that can boost motivation.
The garnet is actually not a single mineral but a group of minerals with similar crystal structures and chemical compositions. The most common garnets that make up the red garnet birthstone are pyrope and almandine. Pyrope garnet ranges from burgundy to crimson red. Almandine garnet is a dark red or reddish-brown.
Onyx
Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, a form of quartz. It has parallel bands of black and white. The name comes from the Greek word for “claw” or “fingernail” due to its resemblance to the colors of a fingernail. Onyx has been used in jewelry and ornamental carvings for thousands of years.
Black onyx symbolizes mystery, protection and new beginnings. Because it is black and associated with darkness, it can help end unhealthy patterns or negative thinking and guide one through difficult transitions. Onyx absorbs and transforms negative energy. It helps bring strength in challenging times and imparts self-confidence. Onyx is also thought to be helpful for letting go of unhealthy attachments or grief.
Some onyx contains white bands or zones, which contrast the black. The white areas symbolize purity and hope. Onyx with white is linked to balance, insight and intuition. White onyx provides perspective when one is surrounded by confusion or darkness. It brings clarity to complex situations.
Moonstone
Moonstone is considered a birthstone for February in some circles. As its name indicates, it is connected to the moon. Moonstone exhibits a bluish-white sheen called adularescence that resembles moonlight shining on water.
Moonstone represents new beginnings, renewal and insight. Its shimmering light is thought to help “light the way” in darkness, uncertainty or transition. It enables one to absorb energies well and let go of blockages. Moonstone brings balance and harmony and adaptive change. It facilitates intuition, inspiration and healing.
Moonstone is believed to be strongly connected to the moon’s feminine energy and cycles. It attunes one to the natural rhythms of nature and the universe. Moonstone is thought to enhance fertility, ease PMS symptoms and facilitate childbirth. It has a nurturing, comforting energy that helps release insecurities.
Healing Properties
In summary, here are the healing properties associated with the main birthstones for February:
| Stone | Healing Properties |
| Amethyst | Calming, soothing, reduces anxiety and stress, balances moods, enhances intuition and memory |
| Garnet | Energizing, boosts libido and intimacy, releases anger, increases self-empowerment |
| Onyx | Protection, absorbs negative energy, strength in difficult times, letting go |
| Moonstone | New beginnings, insight, balances emotions, enhances intuition and creativity |
Conclusion
February’s purple amethyst, red garnet, black onyx and pearly moonstone offer a variety of healing properties and symbolic meanings. Amethyst provides spiritual soothing and emotional calm. Red garnet energizes the libido and vitality. Onyx protects against negativity and facilitates letting go. Moonstone aligns one with feminine intuition and universal rhythms. These February birthstones provide balance through their complementary energies. They facilitate spiritual growth, passion, protection and creativity according to the meanings ascribed to them. Individuals who resonate with certain stones may find inner harmony from wearing or gifting February birthstones.