FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE - AMETHYST

The word amethyst comes from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ meaning ‘not drunk’, and was believed to prevent its wearers from intoxication.

Amethyst is the stone of Saint Valentine, who wore an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid.

Amethyst is made up of numerous different varieties of quartz mineral. When amethyst is subjected to intense heat it changes colour to a yellow coloured amethyst referred to as burnt amethyst. These gemstones are beautiful and colourful, and because it has hardness on the Mohs scale of 7 it is treasured for use in jewellery.

Amethyst is found in South American countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. It is also found in Zambia and Namibia. In Guerrero, Mexico you can find dark deep purple amethysts, known to be one of the most precious in the world. The pale crystallized amethyst comes from Mexico. Beautiful blue-violet coloured amethyst are found in North Carolina, USA.

Amethyst is thought to have powerful soothing effects on the wearer. It is believed to enhance a person?s ability to learn new ideas faster. It can help steady your mind and balance your emotional, mental, and physical states.