February Gemstone

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, represents the following:

• Royalty
• Power
• Positivity

It is the most valuable crystal of the quartz family and comes in many colors, which range from pale lilac to deep purple. Amethyst is said to be the stone of Saint Valentine, who wore an Amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid.

Catherine the Great was so fond of the Amethyst that she sent thousands of workers to search for the gem in the Urals; the stones they brought back were prominent among her royal jewels. Many other monarchs admired Amethyst and identified with its supposed power. This admiration is the source of the expression "royal purple."

The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" meaning "not drunk," and was believed to prevent its wearers from intoxication. Amethyst was credited with many other extraordinary attributes including the ability to quicken the intelligence and make the owner more successful in business. To men, Amethyst promised sober judgment and industry; to women, lofty thoughts and religious love.

Commercial sources of Amethyst are Brazil and Uruguay; while in the U.S., most Amethyst is found in Arizona and North Carolina. Other areas of the world that you could find Amethyst include: Sri Lanka, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Madagascar, and Iran.

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