Amethyst: The Magic of February's Birthstone

For over 2,000 years, this beautiful purple quartz, better known as the gemstone called “amethyst,” has been considered a magical gemstone that was used not only for adornment purposes, but also used as an amulet that was said to ward off evil, and worn as a good luck charm that encouraged love and happiness.

Its name comes from the Greek word, "amethystos," meaning "non-intoxicating", and has a Greek legend to match.  According to Greek mythology, the god of wine, Dionysus, became insulted by a mortal. He was so hurt that he decided to take revenge upon the next mortal who passed his way. Unfortunately, the next mortal was a young woman named Amethyst, whom he captured to feed to his fierce tigers. 

Amethyst called out to the goddess Diana for help, who turned her into a white shimmering stone to protect her from the tigers. At the sight of the stone, Dionysus realized his folly and cried into his wine goblet, knocking it over in remorse and saturating the white stone until it became a purple hue – known as Amethyst. Due to this legend, these same Ancient Greeks believed that the amethyst stone held the power to prevent intoxication, so they drank from goblets carved of amethyst. 

The amethyst also has a very long history in religion as well.  There are instructions in the Egyptian Book of the Dead that tell of placing a heart-shaped amethyst stone on the body of the deceased to help them pass over peacefully into the afterlife. The Roman Catholic church believed the amethyst symbolized purity, and it would often be set in bishop's rings.  Even the Buddhist religion saw the amethyst as something special as it is usually found in their prayer beads.  

And in addition to all this, there are many other magical properties associated with the amethyst such as the promotion of happiness, love and peace. It was used to protect its wearer and give them courage in times of need. And it is also believed that it can increase psychic visions, and banish bad dreams.

This beautiful gemstone with a long rich history is also the birthstone of the month of February, and the gemstone gift of choice for those celebrating their sixteenth wedding anniversary. And for those who want to benefit the most from the magical properties of amethyst, it is recommended that you wear it set in a sterling silver ring on the the middle finger on the right hand.