Birthstone of February: the Amethyst

Why an amethyst?

Many positive characteristics are attributed to the amethyst. A few of them are beauty, purity and respect. It protects you against the effects of drunkenness, against addiction and it ought to be good for your skin. Amethyst promotes positive thoughts and protects you from malicious interferences. Also, the stone is good against some physical symptoms. People believe it can help against abdominal pain, headache an, insomnia. The amethyst is in Western astrology associated with the Aquarius sign and in Chinese astrology, with the dragon. Amethyst is the symbolic gift for six-year marriage anniversary.

The amethyst stands for

• Warding off drunkenness and addiction
• Protecting from poison
• Bringing pleasant dreams and help against insomnia
• Being sincere
• Spiritual wisdom
• Overcoming fears and cravings
• Curing abdominal pains and headaches

Meaning of the name amethyst

The name amethyst is a combination of some Greek words. 'A' translates as 'none' and 'methystos' translated as 'drunk'. For the Greeks, this was the literal translation. They drank expensive wine from jugs and goblets from amethyst which would ensure them that they would not become drunk. Later, they put an amethyst in a glass. If you were a frequent drinker, an amulet in a necklace was even easier to ward off drunkenness.

The myth of the amethyst

One of the most beautiful myths about the amethyst is the one of the Greek god of wine. Bacchus (or Dionysus) tried to seduce the beautiful girl Amethyste. But she would not give in to him, because she wanted to stay pure. Bacchus begged Diana, goddess of hunting and chastity, for help. Diana turned Amethyste in a beautiful white stone. Dionysus, stunned by this determination, threw red wine over the stone as a sacrifice, and by the color changed, which brought the first amethyst stone.

Royal and spiritual stone

The amethyst was for centuries the main stone for royals and senior clergy. The intense purple or violet color was scarce and therefore very popular and expensive, which suited the state of course. Especially in the British Crown Jewels, this purple stone is represented a lot. We know Catharina the Great loved special jewels and gems. The amethyst was one of her favorites. She even sent a large group of soldiers to Siberia on a difficult journey to find this special mineral. The Catholic Church used the stone often in ornaments and rings because of the symbolization of spiritual wisdom.

Magical and therapeutic stone

A common belief is that the amethyst enhances the flexibility of the skin. This is sometimes welcome in old age. The amethyst has a calming effect: it helps relieve anxiety, depression and stress. The birthstone of February also prevents memory loss, headaches, juvenile arthritis and even cures insomnia. Leonardo Da Vinci also emphasized the therapeutic effects of amethyst. He believed the gem blocked evil and negative thoughts and would fill the heart with goodness and love. This lines up again with this stone being the favorite one of St. Valentine as mentioned before.

Finding places of the amethyst

In the late Middle Ages, amethysts were found mainly in Brazil and Uruguay. Later also in North America, Europe, Africa and, Australia.

Learn more about colored diamonds and stones

Do you want to learn everything about colored gems and colored diamonds? Book a diamond tour at Royal Coster Diamonds in Amsterdam. You see some of the worlds greatest (colored) diamonds, historical artifacts and much more!

Are you looking for a more sparkling (February) gift? Take a look at our Birthstone Collection to get inspired or come to see all our items in real life.