The gemstone that is referred to as the birthstone for the month of February is Amethyst. Its purple color has always mesmerized royals the world over hence it is often found in royal treasures and in ornaments worn by the royals on ceremonial occasion. This gemstone has always been valued for its looks and has been used extensively the world over in jewelry. In the zodiac, this stone is associated with the sign Pisces. Given below are some interesting details about this gem stone.
Why Is It Called Amethyst
The present name Amethyst is derived from a Greek word which means “not drunk” or sober. This is due to the stone’s wine like purple color and a belief that the stone protected the wearer from becoming intoxicated when consuming alcohol. This belief about amethyst being a “sobriety stone” existed in many parts of the world simultaneously.
Properties Of Amethyst
Amethyst is mineral quartz that occurs in purple color. The purple color is due to the presence of iron inside the crystal. Various stones found the world over exhibit different shades of purple. Sometimes the color can vary within a region and even from one mine to another. This allows many gemologists to identify the region from where a particular type of amethyst was mined. Apart from the color which may be unique to a region, there are other variations like inclusions, shades of color, shape and the type of formation.
It is one of the most popular quartz crystal and is the highest preferred crystal among the quartz gemstones family. But as it is widespread, it is not as costly as compared to some of the other gemstones. It occurs most commonly as a hexagonal crystal and may have inclusions. Amethyst is formed when manganese gets mixed in quartz. The amethyst crystal is often found to have six sided pyramidal crusts on its either ends.
This crystal may either be transparent or translucent. Stones hosting the crystals can be identified by the presence of small crusts (called drusy) that cover the host rock. Apart from being crystalline, the gemstone can also be found as massive forms. They are usually found inside alluvial and geodes rock deposits.
The finished stones are graded as Siberian (highest quality), Uruguayan (medium quality) or Bahain (the lowest grade). These names represent the quality of the stone and not the place where they were mined.
However there is one variety of quartz crystal that appears as green color which is actually Prasiolite and is often mistakenly called as the green amethyst.
Mythological beliefs associated with Amethyst
The most common mythological belief that probably still prevails is that the stone protects those wearing it from becoming intoxicated. Apart from this, this variety of quartz has been associated with bringing peace and stability in the life, helping in overcoming difficult problems and bringing more love and affection. It is also believed that the wearer would be protected from deceit. Some medical beliefs associated with amethyst are – it relieves skin conditions and prevents baldness.
In ancient Greece, wine was often served in cups and goblets carved out of amethyst crystals. It was believed that this would prevent intoxication and prevent addiction.
It was also believed that wearing amethyst stones would cleans the mind of disturbing thoughts. It is supposed to provide conviction of mind and a sense of purpose which will help the wearer complete his tasks.
The stone has been used as a symbol or tranquility, security, calmness, spirituality, wisdom and clear thinking.
Since the amethyst stone is associated with spirituality and purity, it is often found in jewelry used in churches and is worn by priests sometimes. However it has been mostly used by the royals and is even among the prized possessions of the British royals.
Where Is Amethyst Found
Amethyst is primarily mined in the Latin American countries of Brazil and Mexico. But it is also mined in Russia, Canada, the USA, Italy, Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Namibia.
Modern uses of Amethyst
This gemstone is widely used in jewelry. But in many places the amethyst stone is heat treated at a temperature range of 400 – 500 degrees Centigrade to convert it to Citrine, a green colored stone. A little heat darkens the color of the stone, but more often it is converted into artificial Citrine through high temperatures. This transition is permanent. However some stones may actually loose a little color when exposed to sunshine over a period of long time.
When heated beyond 550 degrees, the color of amethyst can turn into red or yellow with a tint of brown. A normal stone may loose its purple color over long periods of time.
Amethyst is mostly used in jewelry like rods, orbs and crystals. It may also be used as an amulet to heal a person. Instead of being used individually, amethyst stones are sometimes used to enhance or transform the properties of healing of other stones and crystals.
This Story, February Birthstone And Its Properties was originally published at Wholesale Loose Gemstones on December 1st, 2011 under birthstones by month. Any kind of reproduction needs written consent from Wholesale Loose Gemstones. Anybody copying this article is violating the copyrights of our website. If you find this content please notify us at http://www.gemstonesloose.net We welcome your effort in preventing plagiarism and copyrights violation.