February Birthstone...Amethyst

February's Birthstone is Amethyst.  It is also a Zodiac stone for the consellation of Pisces.  It is associated with spirituality, wisdom, sobriety, and security.  The word amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not drunk,” and was believed to prevent its wearers from intoxication.  Amethyst is a quartz stone that comes in a variety of purple hues.  Most common are the dark grape colors and the light lilac. 

Today, most amethyst is found in Brazil but can still be found in Zambia and in the U.S. in Arizona and North Carolina, as well  The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers. 

Amethyst has been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning crowns, scepters, jewelry, and breastplates worn into battle.   During the Middle Ages, it was used as medication, believed to dispel sleep, sharpen intellect, and protect the wearer from sorcery. It was also believed to bring victory in battle. In Arabian mythology, the amethyst was supposed to protect the wearer from bad dreams and gout. Amethyst is also  symbolic of spirituality and piety. 

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Photo 1 credit: UCL Mathematical and Physical Sciences