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February Birthstone: A Complete Guide + Alternative Stones
Piedra natal de febrero: historia, significados y simbolismo
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For our Valentine’s month babies, the February birthstone is amethyst, a gorgeous purple gem with rich history and allure. Even if you’re not a gemstone enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of birthstones. Of course, there are also some alternative February birthstones.

The month of February is named from the Latin februa, meaning “to cleanse.” More precisely, the name comes from the Roman dies Februatus, more commonly called Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival of purification and fertility held during February.

The semi-precious gemstone amethyst reflects these ideals, with rich symbolism in spirituality and purification.

Today, we’ll dive into the February birthstone’s meanings, history, and properties, along with alternate birthstones and jewelry ideas.

amethyst february birthstone

Historical & Cultural Significance of the February Birthstone Amethyst

Amethysts are known for symbolizing royalty, passion, and spirituality. They’re the traditional 6th and 33rd wedding anniversary gem, along with holding their place as the February birthstone for quite some time.

But where do birthstones come from?

faceted amethyst gemstone with trillion cut

Origins of Birthstones

The idea of birthstones may stem from Biblical texts.

1st-century AD historian Titus Flavius Josephus was likely the first to connect the twelve stones mentioned in the Biblical High Priest’s Breastplate to the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac.

Inspired by Josephus, 5th-century AD Latin priest St. Jerome also connected the breastplate stones to the twelve Foundation Stones mentioned later in the Bible and encouraged Christians to wear all 12 stones.

Another potential origin is the ancient Hindu Ratna Shastra, the science of precious stones. Texts from the 5th to 6th centuries AD connect nine gems with different gods, planets, months, weekdays, and attributes.

Jewelers started selling birthstone jewelry around the 1500s, either in Germany or Poland, and wearing one’s birthstone was common in Poland by the 1700s.

For centuries before this, people would often wear all 12 birthstones together or a different birthstone each month to harness that gem’s “heightened” abilities during that month.

The first modern formalized list of birthstones came about in the late 1800s, when Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet of “Gregorian Birthstone Poems” in 1870, credited to an “unknown author.”

Here’s the February birthstone poem:

“The February-born shall find

Sincerity and peace of mind,

Freedom from passion and from care,

If they an amethyst will wear."

The National Association of Jewellers (now the Jewellers of America) created a standardized birthstone list in 1912. The list was updated in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, and some other updates have been made since.

Another list was developed in 1937 by the National Association of Goldsmiths in Britain, with many of the same monthly stones as the other 1900s lists.

Back to amethyst, this February birthstone’s history similarly goes back centuries.

ancient amethyst intaglio with roman emperor Constatius II portrait carvingPictured above: Amethyst intaglio with carved portrait of Constantius II wearing military dress and a bejeweled headband, held at the British Museum, dated about 360 AD | Image credit: Vassil, Public domain

Ancient Mythology of Amethyst

The name “amethyst” derives from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunk.” The meaning stems from an ancient belief that the stone prevented one from getting too drunk, but another Greek mythological legend (actually written in 1576 by French Renaissance poet Remy Belleau) is often cited, too.

According to the Greek legend, a maiden named Amethyste was coming home from worshiping Artemis (Diana) when she stumbled into the god of wine, Dionysus (Bacchus). Dionysus was angry and drunk, ready to take it out on the next mortal to cross him — or according to some tellings, angry that Amethyste rejected his affections.

Regardless, Dionysus (or his tigers) chased Amethyste, who asked Artemis for help. Artemis transformed Amethyste into a clear gem. Dionysus, humbled and regretful, poured wine over the stone, turning it purple.

Outside of myths, ancient Greeks and Romans drank from amethyst-encrusted goblins to stay lucid while drinking.

In ancient Egypt, amethyst was a rare naturally purple material, making it highly sought-after and prestigious to own. It was both worn by pharaohs and gifted by them to courtiers to reward good service and signify elevated status. Darker amethysts held greater significance as social status symbols.

Ancient Egyptians also believed the February birthstone had mystical properties for attracting love and sex (both in human life or the afterlife), along with protecting against evil.

ancient byzantine amethyst necklace with emeraldPictured above: Gold necklace with gold cross, two amethysts, and an emerald plasma; Displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Dated to Byzantine era, 6th to 7th century | Image credit: Met Museum, Public domain

Amethyst Cultural Meanings

Catholic bishops in the Middle Ages wore amethyst rings – often carved, like Saint Valentine’s amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid — to symbolize abstinence from alcohol and being “wed” to the Church. The rings were also believed to offer spiritual protection, with some kissing the ring for this safety.

Christians during the Middle Ages started associating amethyst with Christ as a symbol of purity, healing, and protection. This may stem from the common belief that the February birthstone calmed passions and healed wounds.

Tibetan Buddhists also considered amethyst sacred. They often used amethyst beads for meditation tools called Malas, Sanskrit for “garlands,” where one touches each bead on the strand while repeating a mantra at each one.

In ancient China, amethyst was used for protection and attracting wealth when used in Feng Shui.

Another historical interpretation of the February birthstone’s meaning was that it facilitated prophetic visions and brought wealth to its wearer.

Although Europeans during the Renaissance believed amethyst symbolized humility, royals throughout time have worn amethyst as a sign of nobility. Some of these include Catherine the Great of Russia and Queen Elizabeth II of Britain.

st edwards crown in jewels of the united kingdom containing amethystPictured above: St. Edward's Crown, part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, created in 1661; Consisting of purple velvet, ermine, gold, amethyst, garnet, olivine, peridot, ruby, sapphire, topaz, tourmalines, and zircon | Image credit: Firebrace, Public domain | NOTE: This crown is not described in the following list

Royal Amethysts

Famous examples of royal amethysts include:

  • The Napoleonic Amethyst Parure: Amethysts and diamonds in necklace (now a tiara), earrings, 2 bracelets (often used as necklace), brooch with detachable pendant, and another brooch; First belonged to Empress Joséphine (wife of Napoleon I), passed down as wedding gifts to Princess (later Duchess) Augusta of Bavaria, then Queen Josefina of Sweden & Norway; First photographed on Queen Louise in 1938

  • Kent Amethysts: Amethyst demi-parure with necklace, hair combs, earrings, and 3 brooches; Created in early 1800s; First owned by Duchess of Kent, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld; Passed down to her daughter, Queen Victoria I who made the set heirlooms of the royal family

  • Cartier Amethyst Bib: Amethyst, turquoise, and diamond necklace made by Cartier and given by the Duke to Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, in 1947

  • Bavarian Amethyst Demi-Parure: Amethyst and diamond necklace & earrings; Amethysts first owned by Queen Therese of Bavaria, who had them set into a necklace and earrings; Passed down to King Otto and Queen Amalia of Greece, then down Prince Ludwig Ferdinand of Bavaria’s family lineage; Auctioned by Sotheby’s in 2013

  • Queen Mary’s Amethyst Parure: Tiara, necklace, earrings, brooch, and ring; Dated to about 1815, probably wedding gift to Queen Mary in 1893; Passed to Queen Elizabeth; Auctioned by Sotheby’s in 1993

  • Nassau Amethysts: Two amethyst tiaras, necklace, and earrings from Luxembourg jewel vaults; Worn by women in the Grand Ducal Royal Family

  • Duchess of Cornwall’s Amethysts: Heart-shaped amethyst and pearl necklace and earrings; Wedding gift from Queen Alexandra to Queen Victoria II in 1923, later gifted to Camilla

  • Norwegian Amethyst Parure: Convertible necklace & tiara, earrings, bracelets, and brooch; Gift to Queen Sonja by King Harald; Worn by Norwegian royals Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Princess Martha Louis

  • Flora Danica Tiara: Amethyst bead base with 3 silver lilies; Made by Copenhagen jeweler Flora Danica for Princess Maria of Denmark

A more infamous amethyst is the “Delhi Sapphire,” a supposedly cursed sapphire stolen from an Indian temple that turned out to be an amethyst.

light purple amethyst geode

Geology & Composition of February Birthstone Amethyst

Mineralogy-wise, amethyst is a variety of macrocrystalline quartz, meaning a type of quartz with large, individual crystals visible to the naked eye. As such, amethyst is composed of silicon dioxide.

Historically, amethysts were quite rare to find until huge deposits were discovered in Brazil in the 1700s. Today, amethyst is found all over the world, with a large portion still coming from Brazil.

Some of the highest-quality amethysts are Siberian, known for having a vivid purple hue with blue and red flashes. Amethysts labeled “Siberian” today may not come from Siberia, but share those characteristic color qualities.

The February birthstone forms in lava when trapped gas bubbles create space for water containing dissolved silica (and traces of iron) to seep in and slowly crystallize as the lava cools.

Unlike many gems, amethysts often form in geodes, which are hollow rocks containing layers of crystals inside.

The conditions also allow for this February birthstone’s color range.

blue purple amethyst gemstone birthstone

Exploring Amethyst’s Color Range

The purple color of amethyst happens naturally when iron or aluminum impurities enter the mixture as the crystal forms, and natural irradiation creates purple color centers in the stone. More iron and longer irradiation leads to deeper purple colors.

The shades of amethyst range from pale lilac to deep royal purple. Paler colored specimens are called rose de France amethysts.

Pleochroism (different colors at different viewing angles) in amethyst means the gem can appear blue-violet or purple depending on the viewing angle.

The February stone’s coloring is often unevenly distributed and may fade from prolonged sunlight exposure or UV irradiation. Heat treatments can alter amethyst’s saturation and even make it turn yellow to orange (citrine), colorless, or green (prasiolite).

Mixtures of amethyst and citrine, with purple and yellow color zones, are called ametrine.

carved ametrine gemstone with floral designPictured above: Carved ametrine gemstone

Spiritual & Metaphysical Attributes of Amethyst

In addition to the cultural meanings mentioned earlier, another historical interpretation of the February birthstone’s meaning was that it facilitated prophetic visions and brought wealth to its wearer.

In fact, amethyst has always had a strong following in the spiritual community. Amethysts carved with bears were popular protective amulets in Renaissance times, and bronze amethyst rings were worn as protective charms in Graeco-Roman times.

Many tarot readers keep amethyst nearby during readings, as the birthstone is supposed to improve intuition and psychic powers.

Crystal healers also recommend amethyst healing stones for:

  • Stimulating quick wit

  • Promoting sobriety

  • Harnessing focus

  • Dispelling negative forces

  • Calming the mind

  • Encouraging better sleep and aid dream recall

  • Facilitating better business opportunities

  • Promoting wiser decision-making

  • Boosting immune system function

Energy healers use amethyst as a third eye or crown chakra stone. These two chakras are the highest energy centers and the most spiritual. The third eye chakra represents intuition and perception, while the crown chakra represents enlightenment and connection with the universe.

Aquarius and Pisces signs born in February can also wear amethyst zodiac birthstones.

alternative february birthstone bloodstone cabochonsPictured above: Bloodstone cabochons

Alternative February Birthstones

Amethyst isn’t the only February birthstone, so what are the others? Some alternate February birthstones include bloodstone and onyx.

Bloodstone (or heliotrope) is a mystical February birthstone, meaning birthstones rooted in ancient Tibetan astrology. The gem, often called a jasper variety, is a forest green chalcedony with splashes of red, brown, or orange from inclusions of hematite.

Onyx is a modern February birthstone. Also a chalcedony variety, onyx is best known in solid black, but most of these are actually dyed. True onyx comes in a range of colors, usually with black or white bands.

Similar-looking alternatives to amethyst include:

Now you know all the February birthstones, so what do you do with them?

Personalized February Birthstone Gifts

Birthstones are already personalized, and the most common way to wear yours would be in a February birthstone necklace. But earrings, bracelets, and rings are also options for February birthstone jewelry!

If you’re not buying it for yourself, gifting a loved one born in February with birthstone jewelry is a sweet way to celebrate them. The jewelry can even be customized, like a Mother’s Day necklace with the birthstones of all of her children incorporated, or a best friend bracelet with both of your birthstones.

What matters is that it comes from the heart!

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Allured by the Amethyst Birthstone?

Amethyst has captivated royals and everyday folks alike for centuries, with its lush violet hues and alluring symbolism. The range of cultural meanings for this February birthstone further proves its significance.

Luckily, amethyst is quite abundant and affordable these days, meaning the perfect February birthstone jewelry is accessible to anyone!

Find traditional and alternative February birthstones from our hundreds of gemstones available!

Piedra natal de febrero: la amatista Pocas piedras preciosas son tan magnetizantes como la resplandeciente amatista . Bañada en tonos brillantes de violeta, orquídea y berenjena, la amatista adorna a los nacidos en febrero con una gema verdaderamente dinámica. La amatista no solo es una joya llamativa, sino que también tiene importantes propiedades curativas holísticas. Lo suficientemente hermosa para la realeza pero lo suficientemente accesible para las masas, la piedra de nacimiento de febrero es una piedra preciosa verdaderamente cautivadora para los Acuario y Piscis en el mundo.

¡Exploremos las propiedades curativas, el simbolismo y las cualidades únicas de la seductora amatista en esta guía de piedras natales de febrero!

Historia y simbolismo de la piedra natal de febrero

La amatista es una de las piedras preciosas más populares del mundo, pero ¿sabías que esta joya se remonta a la antigua Grecia? De hecho, el mismo nombre de la gema proviene de la palabra griega "Amethystos", y su significado podría sorprenderte. Para aquellas personas ruidosas que habían bebido demasiado, la amatista servía como antídoto contra la embriaguez. Quizás sea el colorante del vino, o quizás sea porque el dios mitológico griego del vino prefería la amatista. De cualquier manera, la amatista despeja la mente, mejora el enfoque y agudiza el ingenio.
Piedra natal del 02 de febrero: la amatista
La antigua Grecia no fue el único período en el tiempo que favoreció a la amatista. Durante milenios, esta llamativa piedra preciosa adornó el cuello de las mujeres en las cortes reales. Durante el Imperio Ruso en el siglo XVIII, la emperatriz real Catalina II frecuentemente se deslumbró con brillantes collares y accesorios de amatista. Años más tarde, la duquesa de Windsor, Wallis, llevó el decadente babero de amatista de Cartier a la gala francesa, acentuando los jardines de Versalles con otro tono de púrpura.

Hemos establecido que a los ricos y famosos les encanta hacer alarde de joyas de amatista, entonces, ¿cómo se volvió popular? Si busca en los estantes de cualquier joyero, notará una gran cantidad de diseños de amatista. ¿Qué hizo que la amatista saliera de la corte real y llegara a manos del público en general?

Los orígenes de la piedra natal de febrero

La verdad es que la amatista siguió siendo una joya novedosa hasta el siglo XIX. Hasta ese momento, la amatista era tan rara como las esmeraldas y los rubíes, y se prestaba exclusivamente a los monarcas ricos. Bueno, eso es porque, hasta el siglo XIX, Rusia fue el principal proveedor de amatista. Sin embargo, una nueva fuente entró en escena y abrió la puerta para que más personas compraran amatista.

amatista brasileña

Se descubrieron depósitos tanto en América del Sur como en África. Voila, una gema que provenía casi exclusivamente de un país ahora se obtuvo de otros dos lugares. Hasta el día de hoy, la mayor parte del suministro mundial de amatista proviene de Brasil. De hecho, la amatista brasileña es esa joya característica de estilo geoda que presenta cristales emergentes de amatista púrpura. Este estilo de amatista es una excelente decoración para el hogar y cristales curativos.

amatista africana

Proporcionar una parte equitativa es la mente Kariba en Zambia, África. Estas amatistas exhiben tonos muy saturados de color púrpura intenso, lo que las convierte en un producto de moda.

amatista de arizona

Por último, hay pequeños depósitos que flanquean las afueras de Phoenix, Arizona, en la mina Four Peaks. Este terreno montañoso y desértico podría no ser ideal para muchas de las creaciones amantes del agua de la naturaleza, pero ¿Amatista? El clima árido produce algunos de los cristales de amatista más finos del mundo.

Ahora estás al tanto de la fascinante historia de la piedra natal de febrero, pero ¿qué hace que esta joya sea tan especial?

Propiedades de la piedra natal de febrero

La amatista no solo está llena de historia, sino que tiene poderosas propiedades curativas, simbolismo y atributos físicos. Las personas que cumplen años en febrero pueden incorporar la amatista en la decoración, las joyas y el estilo de vida de su hogar. ¿Sabías que la amatista también es un cristal curativo que se usa para limpiar , mediar y lograr una conciencia elevada? Exploremos las emocionantes características y propiedades que hacen de la piedra natal de febrero una joya verdaderamente única.
Piedra natal del 02 de febrero: la amatista

Signos del zodiaco de febrero

No es de extrañar que la amatista sea la piedra de nacimiento de Acuario, el signo de aire, y Piscis, el signo de agua. Con una amatista en la mano, nadarás hacia nuevas profundidades de introspección y exploración del alma, y levitarás a nuevas alturas de atención plena.

Color

Si alineas las joyas en un estante y buscas el color que más llama la atención, no te sorprendería encontrar a mucha gente demorándose la mirada en la amatista. Hay algo en ese púrpura brillante que atrae a la gente. Entonces, ¿de qué color es exactamente la amatista? La amatista viene en varios grados y tonos de púrpura, lila, violeta, berenjena e incluso rojo violeta.
Si bien las joyas de amatista generalmente se arrojan bajo el paraguas general de "púrpura", existen en todos los colores dentro de ese espectro. Curiosamente, el tono púrpura denota su significado.

Históricamente, el morado es el color religioso de la penitencia. Con el tiempo, este llamativo tono evolucionó para simbolizar la realeza, la riqueza, el poder y el dominio. ¿Cómo se satura tan profundamente la amatista? Muchas gemas de amatista se someten a mejoras de color para realzar el tono púrpura. Pero no te preocupes, eso no minimiza las propiedades curativas de este cristal dinámico.

Propiedades curativas

La gente ha usado cristales para curar durante siglos, y la amatista es uno de los cristales curativos más populares disponibles. Con una piedra tan deslumbrante, es fácil ver por qué es objeto del afecto de personas de todo el mundo. Pero la belleza es solo un aspecto de las cualidades de la amatista. También se cree que da la bienvenida a la paz y el equilibrio mientras estimula a las personas con coraje, ambición y estabilidad. La piedra natal de febrero también tiene poderosas propiedades metafísicas, como ayudar a las personas a curarse del insomnio, el dolor y los problemas de circulación. Como puedes ver, son innumerables los beneficios de la amatista como cristal curativo, lo que le otorga el merecido apodo de “La Piedra Multiuso”.

Joyas con piedras natales de febrero y piedras preciosas

El encanto de la amatista va más allá de una joya bonita:

  • Es un poderoso cristal curativo que mejora el estado de ánimo, la calidad de vida y la salud.

  • Se cree que tiene propiedades aleccionadoras para atenuar los efectos del alcohol y ayudar en la sobriedad.

  • A través de generaciones, la realeza ha favorecido esta deslumbrante joya como un accesorio preciado.


Los nacidos en febrero tienen la flexibilidad de aprovechar esta gema diversa, ¡lo que la convierte en el regalo de cumpleaños perfecto! ¿Tienes un Acuario o Piscis en tu vida? Muéstreles lo notables que son dándoles su piedra de nacimiento de febrero.

Las ideas de regalos populares incluyen rocas de geoda de amatista para la curación con cristales y diseños de joyería de amatista. Nada dice "te amo" como el encanto de un brazalete de amatista o un colgante de collar. Dé el regalo que no solo se ve hermoso sino que mejora el bienestar de alguien especial para usted.

COMPRAR AMATISTA


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