February Friend's Birthstone

Hello to all my friends born in the month of February, and all my friends that know someone born during this month! Either way, you’ve come to the right place to learn about what to get your February fellow (…or frenemy, depending on your needs and wants. Maybe your frenemy has a hot tub and you’re stuck at home. Getting them an awesome necklace might help persuade them to let you use it. By yourself or with the people you live with, so you can be a socially responsible adult, of course). Anyhoo, back to the gemstone goodness of this month! 

As I’ve stated before, most months have two birthstones: traditional and modern. Just as with the month of January, the modern and traditional birthstones of February are the same: amethyst. This gemstone full of purple love is all you need, my February party people! Let’s learn all about the MAGIC of this stone!

Amethyst is a variety of quartz that carries hues of purple that range from deep violet and red to light lilac. It can also come in green, and this form is called Prasiolite. It contains iron and other race minerals within its structure. Its hardness is a 7 on the Mohs scale. Amethyst can be found all over the world, with some of its most precious deposits being in Greece, Italy, the Middle East, Brazil, Uruguay, and North Africa.

The word amethyst translates to, “not intoxicated.” Pretty random, huh?! Well, listen to this fun fact: Amethyst translates from the Greek word, amethystos. The ancient Greeks and Romans thought that this stone would ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus (a Roman god of wine) and keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. They believed you could drink all night and remain sober if you had an amethyst in your mouth or wearing one. How GREAT would that be if it was really the case?! Anyone got a bottle of Pinot Noir they want to share and maybe test it out??

Other than wine, this stone has been associated with calming, healing, and protection properties for centuries. Early Christians associated the purple, reddish hues of this tone with the chastening and purifying effects of suffering. Some believed the colors alluded to the wounds and suffering of Christ, and so used amethyst to aid in the healing of wounds. The ancient Egyptians worked amethysts into amulets as both a form of prayer and protection against harm. During the Middle Ages, amethyst stood for piety and celibacy and was therefore worn by members of the Catholic church clergy and was used to adorn crosses. During the Renaissance, amethyst stood for humility and modesty. Throughout the ages, power and rich monarchs have used amethyst as a symbol of royalty.  In the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shi, the amethyst enhances the wealth corner, focusing on the giving and receiving of material wealth. In yoga philosophy, it is associated with the crown chakra at the top of the head where our connection to divinity resides.

As you can see, this stone has had significant meaning to many cultures all over the world throughout time. It is easy to see how so many people are drawn to this stone, and how it could have special meaning to you or the person you are gifting. Key West Local Luxe has a huge variety of amethyst available, so browse on the website or call and make an appointment today!