February Birthstone: Amethyst

Feb 1, 2026

February Birthstone Guide: Amethyst — Properties, Care, History & Symbolism

 


Amethyst, the birthstone for February, has been cherished for thousands of years for both its beauty and its symbolism. Defined by its rich purple hues, which can range from light and airy to deep and saturated, amethyst has developed associations with reflection, clarity, and inner calm. It has continued to grow in popularity and remains highly prized across the world today.

Throughout history, this striking gemstone has been worn as jewelry, used in ceremonial objects, and treasured as a symbol of balance and protection. Today, amethyst continues to hold a special place as a birthstone, offering a timeless connection to February birthdays, personal milestones, and meaningful remembrance.

In this guide, we’ll begin with what amethyst is and how it forms, look at its physical properties and how to care for amethyst jewelry, and then explore the history, meaning, and symbolism this beloved gemstone has carried through the ages.



What is Amethyst?

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. One of the most abundant mineral families on Earth, quartz is also extremely diverse; it comes in many different colors, but purple quartz is always referred to as amethyst. Even within its defining purple coloration exists a range of hues, with some amethyst presenting a rich violet color and others a pale, nearly transparent lavender. 

While all amethyst is quartz, not all quartz is amethyst. Since amethyst refers specifically to purple quartz, quartz that isn't purple—even if it at one point was—can no longer be called amethyst. For example, amethyst can undergo changes in color as a result of various heat treatments, turning it green, blue, brown, red, and yellow-orange. Once this color change occurs, it's no longer considered amethyst, but other varieties of quartz.


Photo by Camille Cox on Unsplash


The Different Names of Amethyst

Various trade names tied to specific shades of amethyst exist: 

Siberian amethyst refers to a particular dark purple hue that exhibits red or blue tones. Originally from Siberian mines in Russia, this highly valued type of amethyst can now be found elsewhere, but retained the name of its origins.

Rose de France amethysts are extremely light in color, resembling an almost pinkish shade of lilac.

Bolivianite, also referred to as ametrine or "golden amethyst", is a naturally occurring combination of purple quartz (amethyst) and yellow quartz (citrine). Found exclusively in Bolivia and even considered the national gemstone, these unique bicolored stones form when temperature and pressure changes in the environment affect the crystal's iron content as it grows, producing distinct purple and yellow zones within the same stone.



Amethyst from Siberia.
Photo by Marie-Lan Taÿ Pamart


How Amethyst Forms

In nature, amethyst commonly forms within geodes or hollow volcanic rocks, growing slowly over time. These natural formations can produce everything from small, faceted gemstones to the dramatic clusters often seen in museums and collections, all sharing the same underlying mineral composition. When cut and polished for jewelry, amethyst’s natural clarity and color make it especially striking, whether set as a focal stone or incorporated into a more delicate design.

The color of amethyst is the result of trace elements, primarily iron, and natural irradiation that combine and pressurize within the Earth over hundreds of years. These geological conditions cause subtle changes in the crystal structure, producing the purple tones that define amethyst. It’s not uncommon for a single stone to display variations in color, a natural feature that adds to each piece’s individuality.



The Physical and Gemological Properties of Amethyst

Mohs hardness: 7

The Mohs scale ranges from 1 to 10, with soft talc being an example of 1 and diamond an example of 10. Gemstones with a 7 or higher rating are considered ideal for jewelry, being able to withstand daily wear without easily scratching. 

Refractive Index (RI): 1.544 – 1.553

RI measures how much a stone slows down and bends light. Stones with a low RI (less than 1.55) are softer and have a warmer glow, while stones with a high RI (1.7 and up) possess maximum brilliance and sparkle. Diamond and moissanite have the highest RI with 2.417 – 2.419 and 2.65 – 2.69 respectively, while opal, amber, and quartz have the lowest RI.

Luster: Vitreous

Luster describes the way a stone's surface reflects light. Vitreous, the most common luster type in gemstones, indicates a glass-like shine.



How to Care for Amethyst Jewelry

Amethyst is considered a durable gemstone, but it's not indestructible. With a ranking of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is a wonderful choice for treasured jewelry that may be worn daily, but mindful care should still be observed to protect your amethyst jewelry from damage while wearing or cleaning.

To clean amethyst jewelry, use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush or cloth. Gently remove any buildup, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft towel. This simple method is effective and safe for maintaining amethyst’s natural luster. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided.

When wearing amethyst jewelry, avoid contact with harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, and prolonged exposure to high heat or direct sunlight. Amethyst jewelry should be removed before swimming in pools or the ocean, as well as before applying perfumes, lotions, or sprays.

When not being worn, store amethyst jewelry separately—especially away from harder gemstones such as diamonds or sapphires—to help prevent scratches and preserve its polished surface.



A Brief History of Amethyst Through the Ages

Amethyst has been valued for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological research shows that high-quality amethyst was valued in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean regions as early as the Bronze Age (3300 BCE to 1200 BCE). Egyptian artisans fashioned amethyst into beads, scarabs, seals, and other jewelry elements, often favoring richly saturated purple stones. Large quantities of Egyptian amethyst were imported into the Aegean world, with early imports appearing as jewelry elements, seals, and beads, often found in burial contexts. While some objects arrived as completed Egyptian pieces, others were reworked or newly crafted by Aegean artisans, who adapted the material to their own artistic traditions.

During the Middle Ages (500 CE to 1500 CE), amethyst continued to hold cultural and symbolic significance, particularly in Europe. It was frequently incorporated into ecclesiastical jewelry and ceremonial objects, valued for its deep color and its perceived connection to thoughtfulness and restraint. Because richly colored amethyst was once considered rare, it was often regarded as a gemstone worthy of royalty and religious leaders.

As major deposits were discovered in the 18th and 19th centuries, amethyst became more accessible, allowing it to be enjoyed by a wider audience. Despite this shift, it has never lost its sense of importance or symbolism. Today, amethyst remains a gemstone that bridges ancient tradition and modern meaning, continuing to be treasured for both its history and its enduring beauty.


Amethyst oval
Greek or Roman, 1st century BCE–1st century CE
Photo courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art


The Meaning and Symbolism of Amethyst

Historical Symbolism

The name amethyst comes from the ancient Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated.” In ancient Greece and Rome, amethyst was carried, worn, and carved into drinking vessels for its perceived powers of protection from drunkenness and even the effects of poison. Although this turned out to be scientifically inaccurate, this captivating gemstone became a widespread symbol of protection, moderation, and clarity of mind.

In the 16th century, French poet Rémy Belleau (c. 1527–1577) wrote a poem titled L’Amethyste, ou les Amours de Bacchus et d’Amethyste ("The Amethyst, or the Loves of Bacchus [Dionysus] and Amethyst"), in which he invented a myth to explain the stone’s origin. In Belleau’s telling, Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, once became infatuated with a young woman named Amethystos, who firmly rejected his advances. Distraught by the pursuit, she prayed to the goddess Artemis for protection, who then transformed her into pale quartz to keep her safe. When Dionysus realized what had happened, he was filled with remorse and poured wine over the stone, staining it a rich purple and thus creating amethyst. Though literary in origin rather than ancient belief, Belleau’s poem helped popularize the long-standing associations between amethyst, sobriety, and supernatural protection.

Modern Interpretations

Today, amethyst is often associated with calm, balance, and emotional clarity. Many people are drawn to amethyst for its soothing color and the sense of steadiness it represents. While these meanings are rooted in tradition rather than science, they continue to shape how amethyst is experienced and appreciated in modern jewelry.



Amethyst as the February Birthstone (and More!)

Amethyst has been associated with the month of February for centuries, appearing consistently in both ancient and modern birthstone traditions. While the exact origins of birthstones have evolved over time, amethyst’s connection to February has remained remarkably enduring. When birthstone month assignments were standardized in 1912, no other stone was a match for the alluring amethyst.

In addition to representing the month of February:

  • Amethyst is also associated with the sixth wedding anniversary, further reinforcing its role as a gemstone tied to long-lasting bonds and enduring relationships.
  • In memorial jewelry, gemstones like amethyst can offer a visual expression of remembrance, serving as a gentle, enduring reminder of a departed loved one.
  • Some still believe strongly in the spiritual powers of amethyst and continue to use it as a beautiful talisman.

Beyond its historical and gemological significance, amethyst holds deeply personal meaning for many people. Its calming color and long-standing symbolism have made it a thoughtful choice for jewelry that represents love, memory, and connection. These qualities naturally resonate with the moments of transition, growth, and remembrance associated with the winter month of February and turning of the new year.

Whatever amethyst comes to mean to you, its mystical purple hue and rich history can serve as a connection to the past and source of strength and steadiness as we move into the future.

Conclusion

Amethyst has been treasured for centuries not only for its beauty and durability, but for the meaning people have found within it. As February’s birthstone, it carries a sense of calm, reflection, and enduring connection—qualities that resonate deeply in both celebration and remembrance. Whether chosen to honor a February birthday, mark a meaningful milestone, or hold the memory of someone loved, amethyst remains a timeless gemstone that quietly carries its significance forward.

Sources

This birthstone guide was researched using trusted gemological, historical, and educational references, including:
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