For those born in February, amethyst is a meaningful and beautiful birthstone choice.

A variety of quartz, amethyst is treasured for its rich purple hue, a captivating blend of violet and red and can be found in regions across the globe. Its name originates from Ancient Greek, derived from methustos, meaning “intoxicated.” In ancient times, it was believed that wearing amethyst could protect the wearer from drunkenness, lending the gemstone an enduring sense of symbolism and mystique.

As a form of quartz, the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, amethyst owes its colour to a combination of natural irradiation, iron impurities, and trace elements within the stone. With a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, it offers excellent durability, making it a lasting and practical choice for everyday jewellery.

While amethyst is most commonly associated with shades of purple, its colour can range from soft, pink-tinged lilac to deep, saturated purples with blue or red undertones, depending on the light. Some stones even display subtle colour zoning or layered hues, which makes expert cutting essential to showcasing the gemstone’s full beauty in a finished piece.

Amethyst typically forms within geodes or in the cavities of granitic rocks and is sourced from locations around the world, including Brazil, Zambia, the United States, and Canada.

Beyond its role as February’s birthstone, amethyst also holds significance as the traditional gemstone for the sixth and 17th wedding anniversaries, a timeless symbol of love, strength, and enduring beauty.