February's Birthstone: Amethyst 10 Interesting Myths and Facts

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. A variety of quartz recognized by it’s many shades of purple, from lilac to deep violet, the Amethyst is a gemstone with a long and mysterious history. 

10 Interesting Myths and Facts about February’s Amethyst

1. The lore of amethyst began with the Greek Gods who believed that drinking from goblets studded with amethyst gems would prevent drunkenness and excess.
2. Amethyst derives from the Greek word amethystos meaning ‘not intoxicated’.
3. Medieval soldiers wore the gemstone into battle to protect them and aid them in staying focused.
4. Amethyst is known as the stone of Saint Valentine, the patron of romantic love who wore an amethyst ring carved with the image of Cupid.
5. In modern Europe royalty wore robes and clothing dyed the rich purple of amethyst and wore the gems as accessories. Even Queen Elizabeth ll wore a brooch from the Kent Amethysts set.
6. Amethyst was as expensive and as cherished as Ruby and Emerald until the 19th Century, when Brazil’s large deposits were discovered.
7. Camillo Leonardi was an astrologer who wrote that amethyst quickens intelligence and gets rid of evil thoughts.
8. A nine-foot cavern in Maine was discovered in 1993 that contained more than a ton of amethyst crystal.
9. The amethyst fades to a yellow color when exposed to sunlight over a long period of time.
10. Amethyst today is thought to provide the wearer with the qualities of stability, peace, courage, focus, royalty, romance and affections. Making amethyst the perfect gift to express love or to protect against negative thoughts.