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February Birthstone: A Complete Guide + Alternative Stones
二月生日石:历史、意义和象征意义
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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 - 紫水晶很少有宝石像闪闪发光的紫水晶那样具有吸引力。紫水晶沐浴在紫罗兰色、兰花色和茄子色的绚丽色调中,为二月出生的人增添了一颗真正充满活力的宝石。紫水晶不仅是一种引人注目的珠宝,而且还具有显着的整体治疗功效。对于皇室来说足够美丽,但对于大众来说足够容易获得,二月生日石对于世界上的水瓶座和双鱼座来说是一种真正迷人的宝石。

让我们在这本二月生日石指南中探索诱人的紫水晶的治疗特性、象征意义和独特品质!

二月生日石的历史和象征意义

紫水晶是世界上最受欢迎的宝石之一,但您知道这种宝石的历史可以追溯到古希腊吗?事实上,这种宝石的名字来源于希腊语“Amethystos”,它的含义可能会让您大吃一惊。对于那些喝多了的吵闹的人来说,紫水晶是醉酒的解毒剂。可能是葡萄酒的颜色,也可能是因为希腊神话中的酒神偏爱紫水晶。无论哪种方式,紫水晶都能使头脑清醒,提高注意力并提高机智。
2 月 2 日生日石 - 紫水晶
古希腊并不是唯一青睐紫水晶的时期。几千年来,这种引人注目的宝石一直装饰着宫廷女性的颈项。在 18 世纪的俄罗斯帝国时期,皇室女皇叶卡捷琳娜二世 (Catherine II) 经常佩戴闪闪发光的紫水晶项链和配饰,令自己眼花缭乱。多年后,温莎公爵夫人沃利斯 (Wallis) 佩戴颓废的卡地亚 (Cartier) 紫水晶围兜出席法国晚会,为凡尔赛花园增添另一抹紫色。

我们已经确定富人和名人都喜欢炫耀紫水晶珠宝,那么它是如何成为主流的呢?如果您浏览任何珠宝商的货架,您会注意到大量的紫水晶设计。是什么让紫水晶走出宫廷,进入大众手中?

二月生日石的起源

事实上,直到 1800 年代,紫水晶一直是一种新颖的珠宝。在那之前,紫水晶与祖母绿和红宝石一样稀有,只适合富有的君主。嗯,那是因为直到 19 世纪,俄罗斯都是紫水晶的主要供应商。然而,一个新的来源进入了这个领域,为更多人购买紫水晶打开了大门。

巴西紫水晶

在南美洲和非洲都发现了矿床。瞧,一颗几乎完全来自一个国家的宝石现在来自另外两个地方。时至今日,世界上大部分的紫水晶供应都来自巴西。事实上,巴西紫水晶是标志性的晶洞式珠宝,以新兴的紫色紫水晶为特色。这种风格的紫水晶可制作精美的家居装饰品和疗愈水晶。

非洲紫水晶

提供平等的份额是非洲赞比亚的 Kariba 思想。这些紫水晶呈现出高度饱和的深紫色调,使其成为热门商品。

亚利桑那紫水晶

最后,在亚利桑那州凤凰城郊区的四峰矿山两侧有小型矿床。这种多山的沙漠地形可能不适合大自然中许多爱好水的生物,但紫水晶呢?干旱的气候产生了世界上一些最优质的紫水晶。

现在您已经了解了二月生日石的迷人历史,但是是什么让这颗宝石如此特别?

二月生日石的特性

紫水晶不仅充满历史,而且具有强大的治疗特性、象征意义和物理属性。二月生日的人可以将紫水晶融入他们的家居装饰、珠宝和生活方式。您是否知道紫水晶也是一种用于清洁、调解和提升意识的治疗水晶?让我们探索使二月生日石成为真正独一无二的珠宝的令人兴奋的特征和特性。
2 月 2 日生日石 - 紫水晶

二月生肖

难怪紫水晶是风象星座水瓶座和水象星座双鱼座的诞生石。手握紫水晶,您将游入内省和灵魂探索的新深度,并漂浮到正念的新高度。

颜色

如果您将珠宝排列在架子上并寻找最引人注目的颜色,您会发现许多人将目光停留在紫水晶上就不足为奇了。那种绚丽的紫色总有一种吸引人的魅力。那么,紫水晶到底是什么颜色呢?紫水晶有不同程度和深浅的紫色、淡紫色、紫罗兰色、茄红色,甚至红紫色。
虽然紫水晶珠宝通常被归类为“紫色”,但它们存在于该光谱中的每一种颜色中。有趣的是,紫色阴影表示其含义。

从历史上看,紫色是忏悔的宗教颜色。随着时间的推移,这种醒目的色调演变为皇室、财富、权力和统治的象征。紫水晶如何变得如此深饱和?许多紫水晶宝石都经过颜色增强处理以增强紫色的色调。但别担心,这并不会降低这种动态水晶的治疗特性。

治疗特性

几个世纪以来,人们一直使用水晶进行治疗,而紫水晶是最受欢迎的治疗水晶之一。拥有如此令人惊艳的宝石,不难看出为什么它会成为全世界人民喜爱的对象。但美丽只是紫水晶品质的一方面。它也被认为可以欢迎和平与平衡,同时激发人们的勇气、雄心和稳定。二月生日石还具有强大的形而上学特性,例如帮助人们治愈失眠、疼痛和血液循环问题。如您所见,紫水晶作为治疗水晶有无数好处,这使它获得了当之无愧的“万能石”绰号。

二月生日石珠宝和宝石

紫水晶的魅力不仅仅是一件漂亮的珠宝:

  • 它是一种强大的治疗水晶,可以改善情绪、生活质量和健康

  • 它被认为具有清醒的特性,可以减弱酒精的影响并帮助清醒

  • 世世代代,皇室成员都将这颗耀眼的珠宝视为珍贵的配饰


二月出生的人可以灵活地利用这种多样化的宝石,使其成为完美的生日礼物!你的生活中有水瓶座或双鱼座吗?赠送二月生日石,向他们展示他们的非凡之处。

流行的礼物创意包括用于水晶疗愈的紫水晶晶洞和紫水晶珠宝设计。没有什么比紫水晶手链或项链吊坠更能表达“我爱你”了。赠送的礼物不仅看起来华丽,而且可以改善对您而言特别的人的幸福感。

购买紫水晶


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