FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE: AMETHYST
For those who are born in the month of February, they have been graced with amethyst as their birthstone. Amethyst belongs to the quartz category and is easily distinguished by its pale light plum shade to deep dark purple hues. The name “Amethyst” was derived from the Greek term ‘amethustos’, meaning “sober,” and was once believed to clear the mind of the person wearing it. Greek myth also frequently associated Amethyst with Dionysus, the God of wine and festivity, which could have prompted the notion that wearing amethyst would cure drunkenness. Along with Greeks, ancient Egyptians used the gemstone Amethyst to signify the zodiac sign of the goat, which was also said to be the enemy of wines, once again connecting this gemstone as an antidote for wine.
While the benefits and myths tend to change over time, amethyst gemstones importance continued to remain in the hearts and minds of higher-order and royal society. The dark purple gemstone graced the British Crown Jewels and stood for humility and modesty during the Renaissance period. It was a personal favorite of Queen Catherine the Great of Russia, and therefore, amethyst was a central stone in many of her jewels worn as headdresses, amulets and even crowns.
Until the beginning of the 19th century, these purple to violet gemstones were commonly found on the hands and chests of the royal family members due to its rareness. But with large deposits of amethyst have been found because of huge demands, this made this gemstones more affordable and widely available.
With all the above facts, it is undeniable that amethyst has played a important role in many cultures and time periods. Even today amethyst is preferred and recommended by many psychics and spiritual practitioners as a stone of peace and clarity, and can provide safe passage to various other metaphysical dimensions.
Although it is 7 on the Moh’s scale for hardness, not hard enough like Rubies & Sapphires, amethyst is a relatively strong stone and can hold up under regular wear and tear. It may require a bit of polishing over a period of time, to preserve its luster and sparkle, but otherwise it is a sturdy purple gemstone which can be recommended for earrings, rings & necklaces.
One can even take care of the amethyst at home and avoid taking it to a professional jeweler for re-polishing, by just cleaning it with a ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or cleaning it with the help of soft toothbrush and mild dish soap. Be aware do not expose amethyst to steam cleaning, as this may harm your gemstone, as excessive heat can result fading the color of your amethyst. Hence one should also avoid wearing amethyst, if they are suppose to be exposed too much in sunlight like sunbathing on beach, trekking, etc.
Normally Amethyst is also bought as gift for the loved ones born in the month of February, or as sixth wedding anniversary, one may come across lab created amethyst gemstones. Although the look of any Imitation, Lab Created or Natural Amethyst may be really identical but their cost differs a lot. It’s always the obligation of the seller, Jeweler or the merchant to reveal whether your amethyst is natural or synthetic, hence always prefer a genuine and authenticated jeweler/supplier who is equally knowledgeable (Qualified Gemologist) and also offers a certificate of authenticity along with their gemstones.
Author:- Kaushik Sanghvi, D.Gem, F.F.I.G.
Picture Courtesy : Mahavir Gems
Website: www.mahavirgems.in
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