Enjoy these interesting facts about February’s birthstone, amethyst.

1. The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” which means “sober” or “not drunken.” The ancient Greeks believed that the gemstone protected them from being drunk. To this day, you can find cups made from amethyst that were designed to protect oneself from drunkenness.
2. It’s said that the patron saint of romantic love, St. Valentine wore an amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid.
3. Up until the 19^th century, amethyst was considered a precious gemstone and was just as expensive as rubies and emeralds. This all changed when large deposits of the now semi-precious gemstone were discovered in Brazil.
4. All amethyst gemstones are purple. However the intensity of the color determines its value. Those with a rich, deep purple color are rare and more valuable.
5. The majority of amethyst deposits come from Brazil and Uruguay. Light colored amethyst tends to be found in Brazil, while the most beautiful and deepest colored amethyst can be found in Uruguay.
6. Amethyst is believed to inspire courage, calm, and contemplation. In fact, Egyptian soldiers would wear amethyst in battle in order to retain their courage.
7. The ancient Greeks revered amethyst as a talisman. They believed that when worn, amethyst would bring out the highest, purest aspirations of humankind.
8. Like citrine, amethyst is a member of the quartz family and is considered the most highly prized variety of quartz. Occasionally, a rare gift from nature occurs when the presence of amethyst and citrine are discovered in a quartz gemstone, resulting in an ametrine. So far, the Anahi mine in Bolivia is the only commercial source for ametrine.
9. Amethyst is often referred to as the gem of optimism and good fortune. In fact, Leonardo Da Vinci once wrote that amethyst quickens intelligence and gets rid of evil thoughts.
10. The Tibetan culture would make special rosaries out of amethyst because they believed the gemstone promoted clarity of one’s mind.
11. Amethyst historically symbolizes sincerity and sacred love. It is the favored gemstone for the sixth and seventeenth wedding anniversaries.

 

 

Click here to see more of our amethyst collection.