BIRTHSTONE FOR THE FEBRUARY CHILD

Amethyst (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

February’s birthstone, the amethyst, was the stone of royalty, representing power.



It’s not clear why Amethyst are the color purple. Some scientists say that the unique color arises from the amethysts’ iron oxide content. And there are others who attribute the color to manganese or hydrocarbons.

Amethysts contain quartz. Quartz is often found lining the insides of geodes.

Similar to quartz, amethysts are a transparent form of silicon dioxide (SiO2).  The range of colors comes in a faint mauve to a rich purple. 

As Amethysts are very sensitive to heat.  manufacturers heat it to 400 or 500 degrees Celsius, which in the process will change the amethyst’s color to a brownish-yellow or red. 

Sometimes, the stones can even turn green when heated.  Heat may also on rare occasion, transform an amethyst into a mineral called citrine.  Without heating, the violet color of an amethyst may fade over time.

Amethysts are sourced for commercial consumption in Brazil and Uruguay; while in the U.S., most amethysts are found in Arizona and North Carolina.

Amethyst in the annals of history and mythology

The amethyst has a rich history of lore and legend.  The first evidence of it's existence can be be traced as far back as 25,000 years ago in France.  It was used as a decorative stone by prehistoric humans.  Amethyst was even found among the remains of Neolithic man!

Egypt 

The Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra was said to have worn a signet ring made from amethyst, engraved with the figure of Mithras, a Persian deity symbolizing the Divine Idea, Source of Light and Life. 

Ancient Egyptians believed that the amethyst possessed good powers, and placed the stones in the tombs of pharaohs.  

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.

Amethyst (polished) by Wela49 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saint Valentine

Saint Valentine was also said to have worn an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid. And it so happen that Saint Valentine’s Day is still observed in February.

Greek Mythology

An amethyst geode that formed when large crystals grew in open spaces inside the rock. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The following is a story is based on a Greco-Roman mythology, as quoted from Birthstones by Willard Heaps:

“Bacchus, the god of wine in classical mythology, was offended by Diana the huntress. Determined on revenge, he declared that the first person he met as he went through the forest would be eaten by his tigers. As it happened, the first person to cross his path was the beautiful maiden Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. In terror, she called upon the goddess to save her, and before his eyes, Bacchus observed the maiden changed to a pure white, sparkling image of stone. Realizing his guilt and repenting his cruelty, Bacchus poured grape wine over her, thus giving the stone the exquisite violet hue of the amethyst. 

The word amethyst is a Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not drunk,” and wearers of this stone believed that it will  prevent them from getting intoxicated by alcohol. 

In ancient Rome, the Romans drink their wine from amethyst cups, so drinkers would have no fear of overindulgence.

In Arabian mythology, the amethyst was used as an amulet and believed to protect the wearer from bad dreams and gout.

Amethyst (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Until my next post, 'Have An AweSome Day!