Amethyst is the modern birthstone for the month of Feburary. Amethyst is a purple colored gemstone that is from the mineral "quartz" and derives it’s beautiful purple color from the iron impurities with the crystal. Found throughout the world, amethyst is primarily found in Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Uruquay, Madagascar and Australia. Amethyst occurs as long prismatic crystals that form six-sided pyramids end to end and grow in druzes within crystalline crusts or in sandstone formations.
Amethysts history and lore goes back to the Greeks who cherished amethyst because it was associated with the "God of Wine" and was often adorned in goblets to prevent drunkenness and to encourage sobriety. Amethyst is often looked at as a gemstone related to piety, sobriety and reverance to God. Churches and religious symbols are adorned with amethyst and are used in religious ceremonies and worn by clergy. Buddha even considered the Amethyst to be sacred..
Amethysts are believed to bring the power of peace and calm and are often used in meditation. Due to its rich color and calming effects it is used to relieve stress from every day work and to relieve headaches due to tension or migraine headaches. Amethyst is often seen to encourage deep understanding and to encourage love and awareness. Amethyst was often worn to bed to produce and encourage peaceful and beautiful dreams.
Amethysts are adorned in some of the richest displays of jewelry such as the British Crown Jewels. Catherine the Great was very fond of amethyst as were the Egyptians.
Amethyst is often seen as the anniversary gemstone for the sixth year of marriage.
