February Birthstone: A Complete Guide + Alternative Stones

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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.

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?

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.

Pictured 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.

Pictured 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.

Pictured 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.

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.

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.

Pictured 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.

Pictured 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!

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!

きらめくアメジストほど人を惹きつける宝石はほとんどありません。スミレ、オーキッド、ナスの鮮やかな色合いに包まれたアメジストは、真にダイナミックな宝石で 2 月生まれの人を優雅に彩ります。アメジストは人を振り向かせる宝石であるだけでなく、ホリスティックなヒーリング特性も備えています。王族にとって十分に美しく、大衆にとって十分にアクセスしやすい2月の誕生石は、世界の水瓶座と魚座にとって本当に魅惑的な宝石です。

この2月の誕生石ガイドで、魅力的なアメジストの癒しの特性、象徴性、および独自の性質を探ってみましょう!

2月の誕生石の歴史と象徴

アメジストは世界で最も人気のある宝石の 1 つですが、この宝石は古代ギリシャまでさかのぼることをご存知ですか?実際、この宝石の名前はギリシャ語の「アメジストス」に由来しており、その意味はあなたに衝撃を与えるかもしれません.少し飲み過ぎた乱暴な人々にとって、アメジストは酩酊の解毒剤として役立ちました.おそらくそれはワインの色であるか、あるいは神話上のギリシャのワインの神がアメジストを好んだからでしょう.いずれにせよ、アメジストは心をクリアにし、集中力を向上させ、素早い機知を研ぎ澄ます.

アメジストが好まれた時代は古代ギリシャだけではありませんでした。何千年もの間、この印象的な宝石は宮廷で女性の首を飾っていました。 18 世紀のロシア帝国時代、皇后エカテリーナ 2 世は、きらめくアメジストのネックレスやアクセサリーで度々目を奪われました。数年後、ウィンザー公爵夫人ウォリスは退廃的なカルティエアメジストのよだれかけをフレンチガラに着用し、ベルサイユの庭園を別の紫色で強調しました。

裕福で有名な人々がアメジストの宝石を誇示するのが好きであることを確立しましたが、どのようにしてそれが主流になったのでしょうか?宝石商の棚を閲覧すると、大量のアメジストのデザインに気付くでしょう。アメジストが宮廷から一般大衆の手に渡ったのはなぜですか?

2月の誕生石の起源

真実は、アメジストは 1800 年代まで斬新な宝石であり続けた.その時点まで、アメジストはエメラルドやルビーと同じくらい希少であり、金持ちの君主だけに貸し出されていました。それは、19 世紀までロシアがアメジストの主要な供給国だったからです。しかし、新たな供給源がこの分野に参入し、より多くの人々がアメシストを購入できるようになりました。

ブラジル産アメジスト

南アメリカとアフリカの両方で鉱床が発見されました。ほら、ほぼ独占的に1つの国から来た宝石が、他の2つの場所から調達されました.今日まで、世界のアメシストの供給のほとんどはブラジルから来ています。実際、ブラジリアンアメジストは、紫色のアメジストの結晶が出現する特徴的なジオードスタイルの宝石です。このスタイルのアメジストは、家の装飾や癒しの結晶として最適です。

アフリカ産アメジスト

平等な分け前を提供することは、アフリカ、ザンビアのカリバ精神です。これらのアメジストは、濃い紫の彩度の高い色合いを示しており、人気商品となっています。

アリゾナアメジスト

最後に、アリゾナ州フェニックス郊外のフォーピークス鉱山に隣接する小さな鉱床があります。この山がちな砂漠の地形は、自然の水を愛する多くの創造物にとって理想的ではないかもしれませんが、アメジストは?乾燥した気候は、世界で最も優れたアメジストの結晶を生み出します。

これで、2 月の誕生石の魅力的な歴史について理解を深めることができましたが、この宝石がそれほど特別な理由は何でしょうか?

2月の誕生石の特性

アメジストは歴史に満ちているだけでなく、強力なヒーリング特性、象徴性、物理的属性を持っています。 2月の誕生日の人は、家の装飾、ジュエリー、ライフスタイルにアメジストを取り入れることができます.アメジストは、浄化、仲介、意識の向上に使用されるヒーリングクリスタルでもあることをご存知ですか？ 2月の誕生石を真に唯一無二の宝石にするエキサイティングな特徴と特性を探ってみましょう。

2月の星座

アメジストが、風の星座である水瓶座と水の星座である魚座の誕生石であることは不思議ではありません。アメジストを手にすると、内省と魂の探求の新たな深みに泳ぎ込み、マインドフルネスの新たな高みに浮揚します.

色

宝石を棚に並べて、最も目を引く色を探すと、多くの人がアメジストに目を留めていても驚かないでしょう。鮮やかな紫には人を惹きつける何かがあります。では、アメジストとは正確には何色でしょうか?アメジストには、紫、ライラック、スミレ、ナス、さらには赤紫のさまざまな程度と色合いがあります。
アメジストの宝石は通常「紫」の一般的な傘の下に投げられますが、そのスペクトル内のすべての色が存在します。興味深いことに、紫の色合いはその意味を表しています。

歴史的に、紫は悔い改めのための宗教的な色です。時が経つにつれて、この印象的な色合いは、王族、富、権力、支配を象徴するように進化しました。アメジストはどのようにして深く飽和するのですか?多くのアメジストの宝石は、紫の色合いを高めるために色を強調します。しかし、心配しないでください。それは、このダイナミックなクリスタルの治癒特性を最小限に抑えるものではありません.

治癒特性

人々は何世紀にもわたってヒーリングにクリスタルを使用してきましたが、アメジストは最も人気のあるヒーリングクリスタルの 1 つです。このような見事な石で、世界中の人々の愛情の対象である理由が簡単にわかります。しかし、美しさはアメジストの品質の 1 つの側面にすぎません。また、平和とバランスを歓迎し、人々に勇気、野心、安定を刺激するとも信じられています。 2月の誕生石には、不眠症、痛み、循環の問題から人々を癒すのを助けるなど、強力な形而上学的特性もあります。ご覧のとおり、アメジストにはヒーリングクリスタルとして数え切れないほどのメリットがあり、「万能石」というニックネームが付けられています。

2月の誕生石ジュエリーと宝石

アメジストの魅力は、単なる美しい宝石ではありません。

気分、生活の質、健康を改善する強力なヒーリングクリスタルです。
アルコールの影響を薄め、飲酒を助けるための鎮静特性があると考えられています
何世代にもわたって、王族はこのまばゆいばかりの宝石を貴重なアクセサリーとして愛用してきました

2月生まれの方は、この多様なパワーストーンを柔軟に活用できるので、誕生日プレゼントに最適です。あなたの人生に水瓶座または魚座はありますか？ 2月の誕生石を贈って、彼らがどれほど優れているかを示しましょう。

人気のあるギフトのアイデアには、クリスタルヒーリング用のアメジストジオードロックやアメジストジュエリーのデザインが含まれます。アメジストブレスレットやネックレスペンダントの魅力ほど「愛してる」と言えるものはありません。華やかな見た目だけでなく、大切な方への気持ちを高めてくれるギフトを贈りましょう。