February Birthstone: The Gift of Amethyst

Next to the holiday season, February may be the second most exciting month in the calendar because of the worldwide celebration of Valentine’s Day. Couples especially look forward to celebrate the day with romantic dinner dates and meaningful gifts. February is also the perfect time to give the gift of Amethyst.

Amethyst is the birthstone for people born in February.  Like most semi-precious stones, the name Amethyst is of greek origin: a- (“not) and methustos (“intoxicated”)”.  The name is derived from Greek mythology but one that has spawned many versions. The most popular though is the one  which involved  the god of wine Dionysus/Bacchus and the goddess Artemis. According to the legend, Dionysus, being the appointed god of wine, merriment and intoxication wanted the mortals to do as they are told: to be merry, jovial and drunken.  However, when one man refused to do so, Dionysus took the refusal as a great  insult and vowed to punish any mortal that would cross his path at that moment.

The young Amethyst at that time was just on her way to the temple to give her offering to the goddess Artemis. Blinded by his wrath, Dionysus set forth two tigers to attack the young maiden. To protect her, she was turned into a pure crystalline quartz by the  goddess Artemis and when the god Dionysus realized his mistake, he poured a cup of wine over the quartz  and turned it into what is now known as the Amethyst gemstone.   From that time on, the Amethyst stone is worn to protect the wearer from drunkenness. On a deeper level, it is believed to repel negative energy, enables calmness of spirit, and peace of mind.

The Amethyst is the most desirable of the quartz family with its varying hues and shades of purple but has rare variety in shades of orange, yellow, pink, and green Amethyst.  The most popular hue is the deep-purplish color- usually worn by cardinals & popes because it is supposed to encourage celibacy and sobriety; and was highly-preferred as well by the ancient royalty from Egypt to Europe. The color of this gemstone inspired so many kings and queens to include this gem in their royal jewelry possessions. Since then, purple has been associated with the nobility.  The earliest use of Amethyst  was found during the Neolithic era but it was only became widely abundant in 3000 B.C. with the discovery of jewelry  in Egypt and Asia that can be traced back to that time.

The Amethyst gemstone  is widely available at Apples of Gold Jewelry with many selections  of Amethyst rings, Amethyst pendants, and Amethyst earrings.  This February, nothing is more perfect than giving the gift of Amethyst.

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