Alluring Amethyst: The Birthstone for February
February birthdays have a special treat in store for them. The birthstone for this month is Amethyst, a beautiful purple gemstone that is often associated with royalty and spiritual healing. Whether your loved one’s birthday falls in February or you’re just looking for a stunning gift to give from the heart, look no further than Amethyst.
Amethyst has been used as a precious stone since ancient times, with some historians citing its use in jewelry dating back to as early as 2000 BC. Ancient Egyptians believed the stone held powerful protective powers and would wear it to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. The Greeks also believed that Amethysts could protect them from drunkenness and other intoxicants, giving rise to the name “amethystos” which translates to “not intoxicated” in Greek. This tradition remained popular through the Middle Ages up until modern day.
From a geological perspective, Amethysts are crystalline quartz stones that form due to heat-induced chemical reactions between silica-rich solutions and other minerals found within rocks such as iron, magnesium, aluminum, and potassium. Because of these reactions, the color of individual gems can range from light pinkish-purple all the way to deep violet tones; however, most people associate pure purple hues with the traditional Amethyst gemstone. The rarest form of this mineral is Pink Ametrine which is formed when two colors—pink and yellow—are found together in the same crystal structure.
Due to its association with protection, spirituality, royalty, sobriety, and beauty all at once, there’s no better gift than an exquisite piece of jewelry or specimen featuring an Amethyst crystal or several crystals together! Some popular gifts include necklaces and pendants featuring single cabochon cut purple stones while others may feature faceted gems set within rings or bracelets made out of sterling silver or gold settings. If you prefer something more natural-looking then consider purchasing an entire raw specimen. Whether a raw cluster specimen or a specimen on a stand, Amethysts are a stunning decorative piece, sure to please! No matter how you choose to give it away though–your loved one will appreciate it!
Whatever your reasoning behind gifting someone an Amethyst–whether it be for their birthday or any other special occasion–it will surely be appreciated! Not only are they beautiful pieces but they also hold spiritual significance that transcends time itself! With its history stretching back thousands of years–Amethysts make unique gifts that can be cherished forever!
