What is Amethyst: Birthstone Guide

What Does the Amethyst Birthstone Mean?

February may have the chill of winter, but it is still the month to share love. February’s birthstone, amethyst, stands for the romance and passion of the season. Amethyst’s name comes from the Greek "amethystos," meaning "not drunken," and the gemstone symbolizes healing and tranquility.

The birthstone amethyst symbolizes:

Wisdom and understanding
Creativity, passion, and love
Sharpened intelligence

Amethyst Shades and Varieties

Amethyst gemstones are known for their beautiful range of purple hues. The amethyst color palette includes tones like soft lilacs to lovely violets and even intense royal purples. Amethyst is a species of quartz and is related to November’s birthstone, citrine. In nature you can find a fascinating fusion of amethyst and citrine called ametrine. Ametrine’s color blends from the amethyst’s signature purple to citrine’s golden glow.

Lilac

Lavender

Purple

Royal Purple

Amethysts in History

Gemstones are the subject of many legends and myths and have been prized by famous peoples and cultures throughout time. Amethyst was originally a Russian export, but today these gemstones are unearthed in the mines in Africa and South America. Discover the unique history of the birthstone amethyst.

Romans associated amethyst with Bacchus, god of wine

St. Valentine was rumored to wear a carved Cupid amethyst ring

Amethyst has a place in England’s Crown Jewels, atop the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross

Amethyst is often used in psychic and tarot card readings

Amethyst Care

Amethyst gemstones are vulnerable to cracking due to sudden temperature changes, and risk discoloration in extreme heat. Light exposure can fade amethyst’s color, so always store your amethyst birthstone jewelry away from light when it is not worn.

Like most gemstones, amethysts should be stored separately to avoid scratching or being scratched. Store pieces in a lined box or a soft pouch. Keep your amethyst birthstone jewelry sparkling by cleaning it under warm running water with a mild soap.

How Does Your Birthstone Hold Up?

Jewelers use a tool called the Mohs Hardness Scale to rate a gemstone’s general resistance to scratching. Gemstones are ranked from 1 to 10 on the scale, diamonds are the hardest at 10 — just remember higher gemstones are more durable while lower gemstones need a little more protection and care.

Shop Amethyst Jewelry

Explore jewelry for the February birthstone amethyst. This pretty, purple gemstone glimmers with sterling silver and cool-toned gold and is fit for royalty in settings surrounded by accent gems. Shop our incredible collection of amethyst necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings to find the look that’s just your style.