February has one of the most beautiful birthstones, amethyst. There is a long history of the gemstone. There are even many spiritual meanings when it is worn.
History
Amethyst was first discovered 25,000 years ago in France. However, it is unclear how long this gemstone has actually been around—it is estimated to be over a hundred million years old.
Due to its long history, the ancient Greeks were one of the first to use amethyst. This is how gemstones were believed to have spiritual meaning. The Greeks originally thought amethyst could be used to prevent them from getting drunk.
The reason for this belief was because of the name. In Greek, it combines the two words “not” and “intoxicated.”
Where is it found?
Amethyst can be found all over the world. Oftentimes, it is discovered as a geode. Most commonly discovered in:
- South America (commonly in Brazil)
- North America
- Asia (commonly in Russia and Korea)
- Africa (commonly in Zambia)
How it is formed
Amethyst comes from the mineral quartz, which is one of the most common minerals on our planet. Yet, the process to get its purple color is different from that of other kinds of quartz.
Iron replaces silicone in the crystal's structure by irradiation, giving the stone its purple color.
During the formation, sometimes amethyst can even form into citrine. It can also only partially turn and become ametrine.
This can happen due to high levels of heat. When the gemstone gets hot, it can lose its traditional color and start to turn dark yellow or even orange.
Fun Facts
- Amethyst became the birthstone of February because it is said that St. Valentine wore an amethyst ring with Cupid’s face in it.
- Amethyst ranks as a 7.0 on the hardness scale, which is why it is used in jewelry so often.
- Amethyst can also be formed in a lab.
- Amethyst is often priced by color and not carat size.
- Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks wore amethyst for protection.
Meaning when worn
Most commonly, the gemstone is known as the stone of peace. Amethyst brings a calming presence.
It is also known for enhancing psychic abilities by allowing the mind to flow freely and connecting you to the divine, while also protecting you from dark magic.
When worn while sleeping, it is said to protect you from nightmares and help you have soothing dreams.
As for your physical body, the gemstone can help with migraines, deep sleep, and boosting the immune system.
The ancient Greeks were also onto something when they used it to prevent getting drunk. The gemstone is used today as a healing crystal for recovering drug addicts and alcoholics.
Overall, due to its calming effects and soothing abilities, amethyst is a highly versatile gemstone.
History
Amethyst was first discovered 25,000 years ago in France. However, it is unclear how long this gemstone has actually been around—it is estimated to be over a hundred million years old.
Due to its long history, the ancient Greeks were one of the first to use amethyst. This is how gemstones were believed to have spiritual meaning. The Greeks originally thought amethyst could be used to prevent them from getting drunk.
The reason for this belief was because of the name. In Greek, it combines the two words “not” and “intoxicated.”
Where is it found?
Amethyst can be found all over the world. Oftentimes, it is discovered as a geode. Most commonly discovered in:
- South America (commonly in Brazil)
- North America
- Asia (commonly in Russia and Korea)
- Africa (commonly in Zambia)
How it is formed
Amethyst comes from the mineral quartz, which is one of the most common minerals on our planet. Yet, the process to get its purple color is different from that of other kinds of quartz.
Iron replaces silicone in the crystal's structure by irradiation, giving the stone its purple color.
During the formation, sometimes amethyst can even form into citrine. It can also only partially turn and become ametrine.
This can happen due to high levels of heat. When the gemstone gets hot, it can lose its traditional color and start to turn dark yellow or even orange.
Fun Facts
- Amethyst became the birthstone of February because it is said that St. Valentine wore an amethyst ring with Cupid’s face in it.
- Amethyst ranks as a 7.0 on the hardness scale, which is why it is used in jewelry so often.
- Amethyst can also be formed in a lab.
- Amethyst is often priced by color and not carat size.
- Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks wore amethyst for protection.
Meaning when worn
Most commonly, the gemstone is known as the stone of peace. Amethyst brings a calming presence.
It is also known for enhancing psychic abilities by allowing the mind to flow freely and connecting you to the divine, while also protecting you from dark magic.
When worn while sleeping, it is said to protect you from nightmares and help you have soothing dreams.
As for your physical body, the gemstone can help with migraines, deep sleep, and boosting the immune system.
The ancient Greeks were also onto something when they used it to prevent getting drunk. The gemstone is used today as a healing crystal for recovering drug addicts and alcoholics.
Overall, due to its calming effects and soothing abilities, amethyst is a highly versatile gemstone.