February’s birthstone is the amethyst, a beautiful purple quartz crystal that has long been associated with healing properties and mystical energies. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning and lore around amethyst, its metaphysical and healing properties, and why it’s the perfect birthstone for February.
What is the February birthstone?
The February birthstone is the amethyst, a violet variety of quartz. Amethyst gets its purple color from trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure. The name “amethyst” comes from the Ancient Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “not drunk.” Ancient Greeks and Romans believed amethyst would prevent intoxication if worn. Amethyst ranges in color from pale lilac to deep reddish purple.
Amethyst is the recognized birthstone for February, though some consider it an alternate birthstone alongside pearl. Prior to 1912, amethyst was designated as the guardian stone for Pisces and the official birthstone for February. When the modern birthstone list was standardized, pearl replaced amethyst as February’s primary birthstone, though both stones remain associated with the month.
Amethyst lore and legend
As one of the world’s most popular colored stones, amethyst has accrued much lore and legend over the centuries. Here are some notable examples:
- Ancient Greeks and Romans believed wearing amethyst prevented intoxication. Drinking vessels were often carved from amethyst for this reason.
- Christian legends attribute amethyst’s color to the apostle Matthew, who was originally a tax collector. According to stories, an angel brought him an amethyst stone while he was working in his tax booth. Its divine energy instilled in him piety and celibacy from then on.
- European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle during the Middle Ages. They believed it had healing powers that could keep them calm during conflict.
- Tibetan Buddhists consider amethyst sacred and believe it helps facilitate transformation. Amethyst malas (prayer beads) are very significant in Tibetan spiritual practices.
- In feng shui, amethyst generates good fortune for wealth and success. Feng shui practitioners often place amethyst geodes or crystals in the wealth corner of a home or office.
These are just a few examples of the legends and lore surrounding this February birthstone throughout history across cultures.
Metaphysical properties of amethyst
Amethyst has long been valued for its metaphysical properties and use in healing practices. Among its reputed powers are:
- Promoting calm and balance – Amethyst is said to help soothe emotions and calm nerves, bringing an overall sense of balance. This may be connected to its purple color, which combines calming blue tones with fiery red tones.
- Enhancing intuition and psychic abilities – Many believe amethyst boosts intuition and enhances psychic gifts. Placing an amethyst crystal on the third eye or crown chakra is said to stimulate intuitive thinking.
- Aiding meditation – The serenity inducing quality of amethyst makes it popular for meditation. It’s thought wearing amethyst can help stimulate the mind’s ability to focus deeply and meditate.
- Protective energies – As seen in historical legends, amethyst is revered for protective energies. It’s believed to ward off negative vibrations and evil spirits.
- Inspiring creativity – Amethyst’s high-vibration energies may inspire new ideas and creativity. Historically, artists and inventors have worked with amethyst for an imaginative boost.
Always remember that metaphysical properties are based on personal beliefs. There is no scientific evidence that crystals hold supernatural powers. But many feel amethyst has positive energies that can be tapped through intentional practices.
Amethyst healing properties
Amethyst is also prized for its healing potential. While there is no medical research confirming the healing powers of crystals, amethyst is widely believed to provide certain holistic health benefits, including:
- Stress relief – One of the top healing properties ascribed to amethyst is stress relief. The calming energies of amethyst are said to decrease anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
- Pain relief – Amethyst may help provide pain relief from headaches, joint aches, and arthritis. It’s recommended to place an amethyst stone on painful areas.
- Heart health – Some believe amethyst supports healthy heart function. It may stimulate circulation and blood flow while reducing hypertension.
- Cell regeneration – Amethyst crystals emit specific frequencies said to stimulate cell regeneration. When placed directly on the skin, amethyst may speed wound healing.
- Addiction recovery – In keeping with ancient beliefs, some hold that amethyst aids addiction recovery by promoting sobriety. The calming effect may reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
While scientific evidence is lacking, many crystal practitioners and metaphysical healers continue employing amethyst as a holistic therapy tool. Always discuss any supplements or alternative therapies with your physician when managing health conditions.
How to use amethyst
If you want to use amethyst for spiritual healing or therapeutic purposes, here are some common techniques:
- Wear amethyst jewelry so the stone’s energies remain close to your body throughout the day.
- Meditate with amethyst crystals in your hands or placed on chakra points to facilitate focus.
- Place clusters or points around your home or office to enhance the surrounding energy.
- Carry tumbled stones in a drawstring pouch in your purse or pocket for on-the-go stress relief.
- Try bathing with amethyst so the water can absorb its healing properties.
- Drink water infused with amethyst gem essence to ingest the vibrational frequencies.
- Bring an amethyst elixir spray to mist around your space and cleanse the energy.
When using amethyst stones therapeutically, always listen to your intuition. Notice the effects it produces within your mind and body. With regular use, many feel amethyst gently uplifts the spirit and enhances well-being.
Where does amethyst come from?
Amethyst is found in geological formations across the globe. Some of the most notable sources include:
| Country | Notable Amethyst Sources |
|---|---|
| Brazil | Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia, Ceará |
| Uruguay | Artigas, Lavalleja, Rivera |
| Russia | Ural Mountains, Siberia |
| Zambia | Lusaka, Copperbelt Province |
| United States | North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania |
| Canada | Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland |
| Italy | Alps, Vesuvius |
| Namibia | Brandberg Mountains |
Brazil produces some of the world’s finest amethyst specimens, though rich deposits exist across the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Russia. Different sources can yield amethyst in varying shades of purple.
How is amethyst classified?
Within the quartz species, amethyst is classified into primary and secondary types:
- Primary amethyst – This refers to amethyst that formed completely within the Earth over millions of years. It occurs when trace iron impurities cause purple coloration during quartz crystal growth.
- Secondary amethyst – Many amethyst deposits result from “hydrothermal reconstitution.” In this process, iron leaches into existing colorless quartz, staining it purple. This secondary amethyst often forms in geodes within basalt rock.
While chemical composition is identical, connoisseurs generally prize natural color primary amethyst above altered secondary amethyst. However, both offer the lovely purple shades symbolic of the February birthstone.
What are the key amethyst facts?
Here is a quick summary of key facts to remember about amethyst:
- Amethyst is a variety of quartz crystals that exhibit transparent purple or violet coloration.
- It’s been a prized gemstone for millennia, known for metaphysical and healing properties since ancient times.
- Amethyst ranges from pale lavender to deep purple with reddish hues.
- It measures 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it’s suitable for jewelry wear.
- The name comes from the Ancient Greek “amethystos” meaning “not drunk.”
- Amethyst is historically associated with preventing intoxication and evil.
- It’s considered both a Pisces and February birthstone.
- Major sources include Brazil, Russia, Africa, and North America.
- Amethyst is valued for promoting calm, intuition, creativity, and sobriety.
With its regal purple tones and storied history, it’s easy to see why alluring amethyst is fittingly associated with February’s frosty midwinter season.
Conclusion
Amethyst’s beautiful purple hues and purported healing energies make it the perfect birthstone to brighten up February’s cold winter days. This ancient gemstone carries with it tremendous lore and legend from civilizations across the globe. Whether obtained simply for its beauty or for meditative and spiritual practices, February babies are lucky to call dazzling amethyst their own.
