February
Birthstone : Amethyst
Birthstone Color: Purple
If gazing into the sparkling purple depths of an Amethyst
suffuses you with a sense of powerful well being,
this is only to be expected. The ancient Greeks
believed that this gemstone held many powers, among
them protection against intoxication. In fact,
the word Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos,"
meaning sober. In ancient Greece, the
gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and
it was common practice to serve this beverage from
Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent
overindulgence. Even today, Amethyst is considered
a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome
addictive behaviors.
February's
purple birthstone has been found among the possessions
of royalty throughout the ages. The intense
violet hue of Amethyst appealed to early monarchs,
perhaps because they often wore this color. Purple
dye was scarce and expensive at one time, and so it
was reserved for the garments of kings and queens.
Amethyst has been found in ruins dating as far back
as the ninth century, adorning crowns, scepters, jewelry,
and breastplates worn into battle. A large
Amethyst is among the closely guarded gemstones in
the British Crown Jewels.
Amethyst
is also symbolic of spirituality and piety.
It has been used to ornament churches and crosses
used in religious ceremony, and worn in rings and
on rosaries by bishops and priests.
Once
considered more valuable than diamonds, Amethyst is
a member of the quartz family, occurring naturally
as crystals within rocks. Deposits of
this gemstone are found in Brazil, Canada, Australia,
India, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka; and
in the United States.
The
gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the
power to overcome difficulty. It is said to
strengthen the bond in a love relationship, so it
is an ideal anniversary or engagement gem. Whether
or not Amethyst holds such power, it's stunning beauty
will certainly make anyone who wears it feel like
royalty!
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