The February birthstone: The amethyst
As a matter of truth, amethysts comprise the second most ample mineral present in Earth’s crust: quartz. And quartz is commonly discovered lining the insides of geodes, which form close to websites of volcanic exercise. So it’s no surprise that geodes typically comprise amethysts, and a few amethyst geodes are amazingly large.
Like quartz, amethysts are a clear type of silicon dioxide (SiO2). An amethyst’s shade can vary from a faint mauve to a wealthy purple. However the place does the colour come from? Some scientists consider the purple shade arises from the amethysts’ iron oxide content material, whereas others attribute the colour to manganese or hydrocarbons.
Additionally, amethysts are very delicate to warmth. When heated to about 750 to 900 levels Fahrenheit (400 or 500 levels Celsius), an amethyst’s shade modifications to brownish-yellow or purple. Then, underneath some circumstances, the stones flip inexperienced when heated. In truth, warmth could even rework an amethyst right into a naturally uncommon yellow mineral referred to as citrine. And even with out heating, the violet shade of amethyst could fade over time.
Industrial sources of amethyst are Brazil and Uruguay, and Arizona and North Carolina are the supply of gem high quality amethyst.
February birthstone lore
The amethyst has a wealthy historical past of lore and legend, traceable again to 25,000 years in the past in France, the place it was an ornamental stone utilized by prehistoric people. It has additionally been discovered among the many stays from the Neolithic period.
It’s mentioned that the signet ring worn by Cleopatra was an amethyst engraved with the determine of Mithra, a Persian deity symbolizing the Divine Concept, Supply of Gentle and Life.
Saint Valentine supposedly wore an amethyst engraved with the determine of his assistant, Cupid. Additionally, Saint Valentine’s Day is in February.
The early Egyptians believed that the amethyst possessed good powers and positioned the stones within the tombs of pharaohs. In the course of the Center Ages, amethyst was used as an amulet to dispel sleep, sharpen mind, and shield the wearer from sorcery. It was additionally believed to carry victory in battle. In Arabian mythology, amethyst was supposed to guard the wearer from dangerous desires and gout.
Amethyst means not drunk
The phrase amethyst comes from the Greek phrase “amethystos,” which means “not drunk,” and so myths say it prevents its wearers from turning into intoxicated. The next is a narrative from Greco-Roman mythology, as quoted from “Birthstones” by Willard Heaps:
Bacchus, the god of wine in classical mythology, was offended by Diana the huntress. Decided on revenge, he declared that the primary particular person he met as he went via the forest could be eaten by his tigers. Because it occurred, the primary particular person to cross his path was the attractive maiden Amethyst on her solution to worship on the shrine of Diana. In terror, she referred to as upon the goddess to avoid wasting her, and earlier than his eyes, Bacchus noticed the maiden modified to a pure white, glowing picture of stone.
Realizing his guilt and repenting his cruelty, Bacchus poured grape wine over her, thus giving the stone the beautiful violet hue of the amethyst. The carryover to non-intoxication was fairly logical, and in historic Rome, amethyst cups have been used for wine, so drinkers would haven’t any concern of overindulgence.
See the birthstones for the remainder of the 12 months
January birthstone
February birthstone
March birthstone
April birthstone
May birthstone
June birthstone
July birthstone
August birthstone
September birthstone
October birthstone
November birthstone
December birthstone
Backside line: Indisputably, the purple February birthstone, the amethyst, has a colourful and fascinating historical past.
