The February birthstone is amethyst, the purple variety of quartz. Its color runs from pale lilac to deep purple, it is hard enough to wear every day, and it is one of the more affordable birthstones. By tradition amethyst stands for a clear head and a calm heart, an idea that goes back to the ancient Greeks.
What is the birthstone for February?
Amethyst is the only February birthstone on the American list used by the American Gem Society and Jewelers of America. It is one of the months that has never changed: February has belonged to amethyst since jewelers first agreed on a standard list in 1912.
In Britain the answer is the same. The National Association of Jewellers names amethyst as February's traditional gemstone and adds amber as an alternative.
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What does amethyst mean?
The name comes from the Greek amethystos, which the Gemological Institute of America translates as "a remedy against drunkenness." The stone's wine-like color tied it to Bacchus, the god of wine, and people believed that wearing it kept the mind clear.
From there the meanings grew:
- A clear head. Amethyst was thought to keep its wearer sharp in battle and in business.
- A calm heart. In Renaissance Europe it was said to cool lovers carried away by passion.
- Royal taste. Purple was the color of rulers. Catherine the Great of Russia wore amethyst necklaces and earrings, and in 1953 the Duchess of Windsor appeared at Versailles in a Cartier bib necklace set with amethysts and turquoise.
These are old beliefs about the stone, not facts about what it does. Amethyst will not keep anyone sober, and it is not medicine. It is simply a purple gem with a long story, which is reason enough to give one.
What color is the February birthstone?
Purple, in every strength from light lilac to deep violet-purple. The darkest, most saturated stones are generally the most valued, while pale lilac amethyst has a softer look that many people prefer for everyday jewelry.
Three things are worth knowing about that color:
- It can fade. Some amethyst loses color after long exposure to strong light. Don't leave it on a sunny windowsill.
- It can be changed by heat. Heating is the most common treatment for amethyst. It can lighten very dark stones, and some amethyst turns yellow when heated and is then sold as citrine, the November birthstone.
- It can be grown in a lab. Synthetic amethyst has been made since the 1970s. It has the same chemical and physical properties as the natural stone and is hard to tell apart without laboratory testing. Sellers are required to say which one you are buying, so ask.
Where amethyst comes from
Until the 19th century Russia was the main source, and amethyst was rare enough to rank with ruby and emerald. Then large deposits were found in Brazil, and the price fell within reach of most buyers.
Today the most important sources are in South America and Africa. Brazil's state of Rio Grande do Sul produces large quantities, often inside hollow rocks called geodes that can be big enough to stand in. Zambia's Kariba mine is known for richly colored stones. Bolivia's Anahí mine yields amethyst as well as ametrine, a crystal that is part amethyst and part citrine. In the United States, the Four Peaks mine near Phoenix, Arizona, produces dark purple crystals.
How to care for amethyst jewelry
Amethyst rates 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That makes it suitable for rings and daily wear, though it is softer than ruby, sapphire and diamond and can pick up scratches over the years.
- Clean it with mild soap, warm water and a soft brush. This is the safest method.
- Skip the steam cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner is acceptable, but steam is not recommended.
- Keep it away from high heat, which can pale the color or remove it completely.
- Store it in the dark and on its own. A separate pouch protects it from strong light and from harder gems.
- Take rings off for the beach and for rough work. Heat-treated stones can be slightly more brittle at sharp corners.
Amethyst gift ideas for a February birthday
Because amethyst is plentiful, a February birthday is a chance to give a large, well-colored stone without the cost of a diamond or a sapphire.
- A pendant or drop earrings show off the color and take few knocks.
- A cocktail ring with one large stone is a classic use of amethyst; daily wearers may prefer a smaller stone in a protective setting.
- Lilac or deep purple. Pale stones suit silver and white gold; deep purple looks rich in yellow gold.
- A raw crystal or small geode makes a good gift for someone who doesn't wear jewelry.
- At the top end, look for deep, even color and fine cutting rather than sheer size.
Amethyst is also the gem for a sixth wedding anniversary; see the full list in our guide to gifts for every wedding anniversary.
February birth flowers: violet and primrose
February has two birth flowers, the violet and the primrose. In the traditional language of flowers, violets stand for modesty, loyalty and faithfulness, while primroses, among the first blooms of the year, stand for youth and young love. Both are small, early flowers that appear when winter starts to loosen, and a bunch of purple violets is a natural partner for an amethyst gift. None of this is binding: flower meanings are folklore, and the right flower is the one the person loves. Every month's pair is listed in our guide to birth flowers by month.
Neighboring months: garnet for January and aquamarine and bloodstone for March. All twelve are compared in birthstones by month.