Amethyst- The birthstone of February
Birthstone and Anniversary
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the gem that marks Valentine’s Day. Because Saint Valentine himself is famous for wearing a beautiful amethyst engagement ring, the gemstone prevails as a symbol of love.
Legend and Myth
Amethyst has an enchanting and interesting history. In ancient Greece. was in believe to prevent drunkenness. Tibetan Buddhist monks regard amethyst as a sacred stone, brose here the Amethyst engagement rings: known as birthstone of February.
According to Roman legend, Saint Valentine himself wore a purple amethyst as engagement ring with an engraving of Cupid on it. As the holy man had travel around the Roman Empire, people would recognise the image on his wedding ring and ask him to perform marriages. Today we still celebrate St. Valentine’s Day on 14th February.
Modern History
Amethyst has always been the most valued quartz variety. The Queen of Sweden’s tiara, which originally belonged to France’s Empress Josephine, features enormous oval amethysts surrounded by diamonds. Queen Elizabeth II also has a stunning amethyst set called the Kent Demi-Parure jewelry.
Abundant Brazilian amethyst mines were discovered in the 19th century. Thanks to this, the gemstone has become very affordable and is no longer exclusive to aristocrats and collectors.
Hard Facts
Amethyst is a purple-violet variety of quartz. Its name comes from the Greek word “amethustos”, meaning “not intoxicate” – the name is a reference to the ancient Greek legend claiming amethysts could prevent drunkenness. Amethyst is rank 7 on the scale of hardness, after quartz minerals. When exposed to harsh heat, amethyst becomes yellow.
Where are they found?
The gemstone is found worldwide, Brazil’s Minas Gerais region is famed for its exceptionally large, vibrantly colure and transparent amethyst crystals.
Two well-known high grade variants came from Russia – Deep Russian and Deep Siberian which have deep purple hues.
Famous Amethyst – The Delhi Sapphire
The infamous “Delhi sapphire”, which is in fact a purple amethyst, has a rather mysterious story. Stolen from an Indian temple, it is said to be cursed.
The infamous “Delhi sapphire”, which is in fact a purple amethyst, has a rather mysterious story. Stolen from an Indian temple, it is said to be cursed.
A young curator called Peter Tandy found it in the British Natural History Museum’s vaults – along with a letter from its previous owner warning that it brought bad luck. When Tandy ignored the ominous message and took the stone to a science symposium, he had caught in a horrific thunderstorm and fell ill with kidney stones.
But despite the amethyst’s dangerous reputation, today you can see it on Natural History Museum in London alongside such other precious stones as a Martian meteorite and a “medusa” emerald.
Care and Cleaning
Amethyst is relatively tough and therefore suitable for all jewelry types, including large engagement rings, wedding ring, necklace, bracelet, earring and many more. However, you should protect it from scratching, excessive knocks and heat.
Harder gems like diamonds can scratch amethyst, so always store your gemstones separately. To clean it, just soak it in warm, soapy water, scrub with a soft toothbrush and pat dry.
