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February Birthstone: A Complete Guide + Alternative Stones
二月生日石:歷史、意義和象徵意義
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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!

二月生日石 - 紫水晶很少有寶石像閃閃發光的紫水晶那樣具有吸引力。紫水晶沐浴在紫羅蘭色、蘭花色和茄子色的絢麗色調中,為二月出生的人增添了一顆真正充滿活力的寶石。紫水晶不僅是一種引人注目的珠寶,而且還具有顯著的整體治療功效。對於皇室來說足夠美麗,但對於大眾來說足夠容易獲得,二月生日石對於世界上的水瓶座和雙魚座來說是一種真正迷人的寶石。

讓我們在這本二月生日石指南中探索誘人的紫水晶的治療特性、象徵意義和獨特品質!

二月生日石的歷史和象徵意義

紫水晶是世界上最受歡迎的寶石之一,但您知道這種寶石的歷史可以追溯到古希臘嗎?事實上,這種寶石的名字來源於希臘語“Amethystos”,它的含義可能會讓您大吃一驚。對於那些喝多了的吵鬧的人來說,紫水晶是醉酒的解毒劑。可能是葡萄酒的顏色,也可能是因為希臘神話中的酒神偏愛紫水晶。無論哪種方式,紫水晶都能使頭腦清醒,提高注意力並提高機智。
2 月 2 日生日石 - 紫水晶
古希臘並不是唯一青睞紫水晶的時期。幾千年來,這種引人注目的寶石一直裝飾著宮廷女性的頸項。在 18 世紀的俄羅斯帝國時期,皇室女皇葉卡捷琳娜二世 (Catherine II) 經常佩戴閃閃發光的紫水晶項鍊和配飾,令自己眼花繚亂。多年後,溫莎公爵夫人沃利斯 (Wallis) 佩戴頹廢的卡地亞 (Cartier) 紫水晶圍兜出席法國晚會,為凡爾賽花園增添另一抹紫色。

我們已經確定富人和名人都喜歡炫耀紫水晶珠寶,那麼它是如何成為主流的呢?如果您瀏覽任何珠寶商的貨架,您會注意到大量的紫水晶設計。是什麼讓紫水晶走出宮廷,進入大眾手中?

二月生日石的起源

事實上,直到 1800 年代,紫水晶一直是一種新穎的珠寶。在那之前,紫水晶與祖母綠和紅寶石一樣稀有,只適合富有的君主。嗯,那是因為直到 19 世紀,俄羅斯都是紫水晶的主要供應商。然而,一個新的來源進入了這個領域,為更多人購買紫水晶打開了大門。

巴西紫水晶

在南美洲和非洲都發現了礦床。瞧,一顆幾乎完全來自一個國家的寶石現在來自另外兩個地方。時至今日,世界上大部分的紫水晶供應都來自巴西。事實上,巴西紫水晶是標誌性的晶洞式珠寶,以新興的紫色紫水晶為特色。這種風格的紫水晶可製作精美的家居裝飾品和療愈水晶。

非洲紫水晶

提供平等的份額是非洲贊比亞的 Kariba 思想。這些紫水晶呈現出高度飽和的深紫色調,使其成為熱門商品。

亞利桑那紫水晶

最後,在亞利桑那州鳳凰城郊區的四峰礦山兩側有小型礦床。這種多山的沙漠地形可能不適合大自然中許多愛好水的生物,但紫水晶呢?乾旱的氣候產生了世界上一些最優質的紫水晶。

現在您已經了解了二月生日石的迷人歷史,但是是什麼讓這顆寶石如此特別?

二月生日石的特性

紫水晶不僅充滿歷史,而且具有強大的治療特性、象徵意義和物理屬性。二月生日的人可以將紫水晶融入他們的家居裝飾、珠寶和生活方式。您是否知道紫水晶也是一種用於清潔、調解和提升意識的治療水晶?讓我們探索使二月生日石成為真正獨一無二的珠寶的令人興奮的特徵和特性。
2 月 2 日生日石 - 紫水晶

二月生肖

難怪紫水晶是風象星座水瓶座和水象星座雙魚座的誕生石。手握紫水晶,您將游入內省和靈魂探索的新深度,並漂浮到正念的新高度。

顏色

如果您將珠寶排列在架子上並尋找最引人注目的顏色,您會發現許多人將目光停留在紫水晶上就不足為奇了。那種絢麗的紫色總有一種吸引人的魅力。那麼,紫水晶到底是什麼顏色呢?紫水晶有不同程度和深淺的紫色、淡紫色、紫羅蘭色、茄紅色,甚至紅紫色。
雖然紫水晶珠寶通常被歸類為“紫色”,但它們存在於該光譜中的每一種顏色中。有趣的是,紫色陰影表示其含義。

從歷史上看,紫色是懺悔的宗教顏色。隨著時間的推移,這種醒目的色調演變為皇室、財富、權力和統治的象徵。紫水晶如何變得如此深飽和?許多紫水晶寶石都經過顏色增強處理以增強紫色的色調。但別擔心,這並不會降低這種動態水晶的治療特性。

治療特性

幾個世紀以來,人們一直使用水晶進行治療,而紫水晶是最受歡迎的治療水晶之一。擁有如此令人驚豔的寶石,不難看出為什麼它會成為全世界人民喜愛的對象。但美麗只是紫水晶品質的一方面。它也被認為可以歡迎和平與平衡,同時激發人們的勇氣、雄心和穩定。二月生日石還具有強大的形而上學特性,例如幫助人們治愈失眠、疼痛和血液循環問題。如您所見,紫水晶作為治療水晶有無數好處,這使它獲得了當之無愧的“萬能石”綽號。

二月生日石珠寶和寶石

紫水晶的魅力不僅僅是一件漂亮的珠寶:

  • 它是一種強大的治療水晶,可以改善情緒、生活質量和健康

  • 它被認為具有清醒的特性,可以減弱酒精的影響並幫助清醒

  • 世世代代,皇室成員都將這顆耀眼的珠寶視為珍貴的配飾


二月出生的人可以靈活地利用這種多樣化的寶石,使其成為完美的生日禮物!你的生活中有水瓶座或雙魚座嗎?贈送二月生日石,向他們展示他們的非凡之處。

流行的禮物創意包括用於水晶療癒的紫水晶晶洞和紫水晶珠寶設計。沒有什麼比紫水晶手鍊或項鍊吊墜更能表達“我愛你”了。贈送的禮物不僅看起來華麗,而且可以改善對您而言特別的人的幸福感。

購買紫水晶


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