Amethyst, February and Pisces birthstone

The idea, that some stones are precious and some others semi-precious, is familiar to most stone-buyers and stone lovers. It is important to explain though that the “precious” or semi-precious” are market related terms. Today we consider as precious stones the diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds, because their reserves are rare. Other stones such as amethyst were considered as precious not long ago. Amethyst was reclassified as semi-precious after large deposits were found in Brazil and Uruguay in the first half of the nineteenth century. Amethyst is the birthstone for Pisces and the month of February, and the gemstone for the 6th anniversary of marriage. Its use dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt. The name comes from the Ancient Greek ἀ a- ("not") and μέθυστος methustos ("intoxicated"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. That’s the reason why drinking vessels were carved out of amethyst. Historically, the stone was believed to assist prophecy and visions and to bring riches and powers to its owners. It has always been associated with the civil and religious classes that have ruled human cultures. In the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, the amethyst enhances the wealth corner focusing on the giving and receiving of material wealth. At the highest level, amethyst bestows the spiritual understanding required to reach the state of bliss. It is associated with the crown chakra at the top of the head where divine essence enters. Amethyst is one of several forms of quartz. As quartz it is a Silicon dioxide SiO2. The purple color of amethyst is due to iron impurities at specific sites in the crystalline structure. If the iron impurities within the crystal are highly oxidized, the gem takes on the deep purple of an amethyst. If the mineral is heated, the oxygen is removed from the iron and the gem fades and will turn brown then yellow, green or colorless depending on the location of the iron within the crystal. If it turns yellow, it is then known as a citrine. Chemically it is closely related to other varieties of quartz such as citrine, smoky quartz, rose quartz, and even aventurine, agate, carnelian and opal.

Here is a selection of beautiful jewelry made using amethyst stone, from different shops on Etsy. If you are interested in them; you just go on Etsy and type Amethyst as a keyword. Enjoy Littlewomen is coming soon with her own collection of February birthsone.