February Birthstone:Amethyst
Deep royal purple, amethyst is the birthstone for February. Its also the 6th wedding anniversary stone. If youre a February baby, you have as your birthstone one of the most beautiful examples of crystallized quartz, a description that somehow doesnt have the same allure as the name Amethyst!
The deep purple color was considered rare and royal, and the kings and queens of Europe often had amethysts embellishing their clothing, and wore beautiful amethyst jewelry.
Supernatural powers have been attributed to amethyst over the ages supposedly it could prevent drunkeness and protect people from contagious diseases. Rock crystal spheres have been used to foretell the future, and quartz crystals do have a rather magical property: when electric current is run through a piece of quartz, the crystal will vibrate at a single constant rate. Thats why you see the word quartz on your watch.
The most expensive amethyst is the darkest intense, evenly colored purple, and the least costly is the pale lavender. Major sources of amethyst are Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Zambia. Synthetic amethyst is made in Russia and Japan. If you see a stone advertised as Japanese Amethyst, it is most likely synthetic. When heat treated, some amethyst is lightened in color and is transformed into yellow citrine.
Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians. The Greeks believed amethyst gems could prevent intoxication, while medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle. Beads of amethyst have been found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England.
Dont wear your amethyst jewelry to the beach, or the color may fade after long exposure to sunlight. Sudden temperature changes can cause cleaving or fracturing.
The deep purple color of amethyst looks lovely whether set in silver or gold. Amethyst pairs beautifully with diamonds, whether in earrings, a bracelet, ring, necklace or brooch. As with any fine gem stone, keep your amethyst jewelry clean, store it properly, and keep it away from direct sunlight.
You dont have to have a February birthday to enjoy amethysts. The shades of purple are flattering to any skin tone or hair color, and wearing amethyst jewelry will make you feel like royalty!
The deep purple color was considered rare and royal, and the kings and queens of Europe often had amethysts embellishing their clothing, and wore beautiful amethyst jewelry.
Supernatural powers have been attributed to amethyst over the ages supposedly it could prevent drunkeness and protect people from contagious diseases. Rock crystal spheres have been used to foretell the future, and quartz crystals do have a rather magical property: when electric current is run through a piece of quartz, the crystal will vibrate at a single constant rate. Thats why you see the word quartz on your watch.
The most expensive amethyst is the darkest intense, evenly colored purple, and the least costly is the pale lavender. Major sources of amethyst are Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Zambia. Synthetic amethyst is made in Russia and Japan. If you see a stone advertised as Japanese Amethyst, it is most likely synthetic. When heat treated, some amethyst is lightened in color and is transformed into yellow citrine.
Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians. The Greeks believed amethyst gems could prevent intoxication, while medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle. Beads of amethyst have been found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England.
Dont wear your amethyst jewelry to the beach, or the color may fade after long exposure to sunlight. Sudden temperature changes can cause cleaving or fracturing.
The deep purple color of amethyst looks lovely whether set in silver or gold. Amethyst pairs beautifully with diamonds, whether in earrings, a bracelet, ring, necklace or brooch. As with any fine gem stone, keep your amethyst jewelry clean, store it properly, and keep it away from direct sunlight.
You dont have to have a February birthday to enjoy amethysts. The shades of purple are flattering to any skin tone or hair color, and wearing amethyst jewelry will make you feel like royalty!
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