February Birthstone: The Complete Guide to Amethyst
on Nov 20 2025
Amethyst is February's official birthstone. This beautiful purple gem stands for peace, courage, and stability. With colors ranging from light lavender to deep purple, amethyst has been valued for thousands of years for its association with royalty and spiritual wisdom.
If you were born in February or are buying a gift for someone who was, you're in luck. Amethyst is one of the most loved and versatile gemstones. Whether you love its royal color, admire its history, or want the perfect gift, this guide has all you need to know about amethyst.
Let's discover why this captivating gem has charmed jewelry lovers for centuries and how to choose the perfect piece for yourself or a loved one.
What is February's Birthstone?
Amethyst is the birthstone for February, approved by the American Gem Society and jewelers everywhere. This lovely purple quartz has amazed people for thousands of years with its vibrant colors and clarity.
Key Facts About Amethyst:

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Chemical Composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) with some iron
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Mohs Hardness: 7 (strong enough for daily wear)
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Color Range: Light lilac to deep royal purple
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Main Sources: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Madagascar, Russia
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Anniversary Stone: 6th wedding anniversary
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Zodiac Connection: Pisces and Aquarius
The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not intoxicated." The Greeks believed that wearing an amethyst could prevent drunkenness and help keep the mind clear. This belief made it popular among royalty and religious leaders.
Amethyst Meaning & Symbolism
Amethyst holds deep spiritual and emotional value across many cultures and times.
What Amethyst Symbolizes:
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Peace and Tranquility: Amethyst calms the mind and promotes inner peace. People often wear it during stressful times to keep their emotions balanced.
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Spiritual Wisdom: Amethyst is associated with spiritual growth and enhanced intuition. It is known as the "stone of spirituality and contentment."
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Courage and Strength: Amethyst may look gentle, but it represents inner strength and the courage to face challenges.
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Protection: Ancient cultures believed amethyst shielded against negative energy and harm.
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Sobriety and Clarity: Amethyst symbolizes clear thinking and good decision-making.
Modern Significance
Today, those born in February and amethyst fans wear this stone to show their calm strength and creative spirit. It's a popular choice for meaningful jewelry that is more than just decoration.
The Fascinating History of Amethyst
Amethyst's journey through human history is as colorful as the stone itself.
Ancient Times
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Egyptian Era (3000 BCE): Egyptians made amethyst amulets and royal jewelry. Archaeologists discovered amethyst scarabs and ornaments in ancient tombs.
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Greek & Roman Civilizations: The Greeks created drinking cups from amethyst, thinking it would stop intoxication. Roman nobles wore amethyst rings and included the stone in their fancy jewelry.
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Biblical References: Amethyst was one of the twelve stones in the High Priest's breastplate, symbolizing the tribe of Dan.
Medieval Period
In the Middle Ages, amethyst was called the "Bishop's Stone." Catholic bishops wore amethyst rings to show their faith and celibacy. The deep purple color represented Christ and royalty.
Renaissance to Modern Era
Amethyst was very valuable during the Renaissance because large deposits were rare. It was worth as much as rubies and emeralds. However, when large deposits were discovered in Brazil in the 19th century, amethyst became more readily available, allowing more people to enjoy it.
Royal Connections:
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British Crown Jewels: They have many prominent amethysts.
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Russian Imperial Crown: It is set with stunning amethysts.
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Catherine the Great: She loved collecting amethyst jewelry.
Legacy: This royal love for amethyst continues today, connecting ancient tradition with modern style.
Amethyst Colors & Varieties
One of amethyst's most appealing features is its stunning range of purple hues. Understanding these variations helps you choose the perfect shade for your style.
Color Spectrum:

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Deep Royal Purple (Most Valuable): This amethyst has a rich, deep purple with red or blue flashes. Often called "Siberian amethyst," these stones are highly valued.
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Medium Purple: This is the most common shade and works well for everyday jewelry. It suits both casual and formal styles.
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Pale Lavender (Rose de France): This light purple has pinkish tones. Its soft, romantic look is popular in vintage jewelry.
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Purple with Color Zoning: Some amethysts exhibit color variations within a single stone, creating unique patterns that make each piece special.
Special Color Varieties:

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Ametrine: Ametrine is a natural mix of amethyst and citrine, showing both purple and golden-yellow colors. It mostly comes from Bolivia and has a unique two-tone appearance.
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Green Amethyst (Prasiolite): Green amethyst is heat-treated amethyst that turns a lovely green. Though not purple, it still belongs to the amethyst family.
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Chevron Amethyst: Chevron amethyst features V-shaped white quartz bands alternating with purple amethyst layers, creating a bold striped pattern.
Color Quality Factors:
The finest amethyst jewelry features:
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Even color distribution throughout the stone
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No visible color zoning (unless intentional for design)
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Strong saturation without being too dark
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Excellent clarity with minimal inclusions
Popular February Birthstone Jewelry Styles
Amethyst's versatility makes it perfect for virtually any jewelry style. Here's how to wear this February birthstone with confidence.
Amethyst Rings:
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Solitaire Statement Rings: A large amethyst center stone makes a bold statement. Perfect for those who love eye-catching jewelry that starts conversations.
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Halo Designs: Amethyst surrounded by diamonds or white sapphires creates a luxurious, vintage-inspired look that amplifies the purple hue.
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Three-Stone Rings: Symbolizing past, present, and future—ideal for anniversaries and special occasions.
- Stackable Bands: Delicate amethyst bands that can be worn alone or stacked with other birthstone rings for a personalized look.
Amethyst Necklaces:
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Pendant Necklaces: From simple solitaire pendants to elaborate designs, amethyst pendants work for both everyday wear and special occasions.
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Statement Necklaces: Multi-stone amethyst necklaces create a dramatic impact, perfect for evening wear or making a bold fashion statement.
- Delicate Chains: A small amethyst on a fine chain offers subtle elegance that complements any outfit.
Amethyst Earrings:
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Stud Earrings: Classic and versatile, amethyst studs add a pop of color without overwhelming your look.
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Drop Earrings: Elegant drops that catch the light beautifully, perfect for both professional and evening settings.
- Hoop Designs: Modern hoops with amethyst accents combine contemporary style with the significance of birthstones.
Amethyst Bracelets:
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Tennis Bracelets: A line of amethysts creates timeless elegance on the wrist.
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Charm Bracelets: Add an amethyst charm to represent February birthdays or the 6th anniversary.
- Cuff Bracelets: Bold cuffs with amethyst centerpieces make powerful style statements.
Metal Pairing Recommendations:
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White Gold/Platinum: Enhances the cool purple tones and creates a sophisticated, modern look
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Yellow Gold: Creates a warm contrast that makes the purple pop with vintage charm
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Rose Gold: Offers a romantic, contemporary pairing that's especially beautiful with lighter amethysts
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Sterling Silver: An affordable option that beautifully complements amethyst's natural color
How to Choose the Perfect Amethyst Jewelry
Shopping for February birthstone jewelry? Follow these expert tips to ensure you get the best quality and value.
The 4 C's of Amethyst Quality:
Color: Look for rich, evenly distributed purple color. The most valuable amethysts show deep purple with red or blue flashes. Avoid stones that are too pale or have muddy brown undertones.
Clarity: High-quality amethyst should be eye-clean (no visible inclusions without magnification). Unlike diamonds, amethyst is typically very clean, so don't settle for visibly included stones.
Cut: Well-cut amethyst displays maximum color and brilliance. Look for symmetrical facets and good proportions. Popular cuts include:
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Round brilliant
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Oval
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Cushion
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Emerald cut
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Pear shape
Carat Weight: Amethyst is more affordable than many gemstones so that you can get an impressive size within your budget. Larger stones (5+ carats) can display more dramatic color depth.
Amethyst vs Other Purple Gemstones
Wondering how amethyst compares to other purple stones? Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you understand what makes February's birthstone unique.
Amethyst vs Sapphire (Purple):
|
Feature |
Amethyst |
Purple Sapphire |
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Hardness |
7 |
9 |
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Price Range |
$20-$300/carat |
$500-$3,000+/carat |
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Durability |
Good |
Excellent |
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Color Range |
Pale to deep purple |
Light to deep purple |
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Best For |
Every day, elegant jewelry |
Investment pieces, engagement rings |
Verdict: Amethyst offers better value while purple sapphire provides superior durability.
Amethyst vs Tanzanite:
|
Feature |
Amethyst |
Tanzanite |
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Hardness |
7 |
6.5 |
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Price Range |
$20-$300/carat |
$300-$1,200/carat |
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Rarity |
Common |
Rare (single source) |
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Color |
Purple |
Blue-violet |
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Best For |
Daily wear |
Special occasions |
Verdict: Amethyst is more durable and affordable; tanzanite offers a unique color but requires more careful handling.
Amethyst vs Iolite:
|
Feature |
Amethyst |
Iolite |
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Hardness |
7 |
7-7.5 |
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Price Range |
$20-$300/carat |
$50-$150/carat |
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Color |
Purple |
Violet-blue |
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Pleochroism |
None |
Strong (color changes) |
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Best For |
Consistent color |
Unique optical effects |
Verdict: Similar durability; choose based on color preference.
Why Choose Amethyst?
Despite competition from other purple gems, amethyst remains the top choice for February birthstone jewelry because it offers:
- Excellent value for size and quality
- Wide availability in various cuts and styles
- Rich historical significance and symbolism
- Good durability for most jewelry applications
- Beautiful color range to suit every taste
- Official birthstone status with deep meaning
Final Thoughts: Celebrating February's Beautiful Birthstone
Amethyst truly deserves its place as February's birthstone. This regal purple gemstone combines rich history, meaningful symbolism, and stunning beauty in a way few other gems can match. Whether you're a February baby looking to honor your birth month, shopping for a loved one, or simply drawn to amethyst's captivating color, you're choosing a gemstone with centuries of legacy and timeless appeal.
Why Amethyst Remains a Beloved Choice:
The February birthstone offers something special: the prestige of a genuine gemstone without the premium price tag. You can invest in substantial, high-quality pieces that make a real statement. The wide color range means there's an amethyst perfect for every skin tone, style preference, and occasion.
Beyond its physical beauty, amethyst carries deep personal meaning. When you wear February's birthstone, you're connecting to ancient traditions while expressing your own unique style. It's jewelry with both soul and substance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the birthstone for February?
Amethyst is the official birthstone for February. This purple variety of quartz symbolizes peace, courage, and stability, making it a meaningful gift for anyone born in February.
What does the February birthstone mean?
The February birthstone, amethyst, represents spiritual wisdom, mental clarity, and inner peace. Historically associated with sobriety and protection, amethyst is believed to promote calm, clear thinking, and emotional balance.
What color is February's birthstone?
February's birthstone ranges from pale lavender to deep royal purple. The most valuable amethysts display a rich, saturated purple with red or blue flashes, though lighter "Rose de France" amethysts are equally beautiful for those who prefer softer tones.
How much does amethyst jewelry cost?
Amethyst jewelry ranges from $50 for simple pieces to several thousand dollars for elaborate designs with large, high-quality stones. Amethyst's affordability means you can get a significant size and beauty without breaking your budget.
Can I wear amethyst jewelry every day?
Yes! With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is durable enough for daily wear. However, remove your jewelry during activities that might expose it to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, or physical impact.
Does amethyst fade in sunlight?
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can gradually fade amethyst's color. Store your amethyst jewelry away from windows and direct light sources to maintain its vibrant purple hue for years to come.
Is amethyst expensive?
No, amethyst is one of the most affordable precious gemstones. While historically rare and valuable, large deposits discovered in the 19th century made amethyst accessible to everyone. This means you can enjoy genuine gemstone jewelry at reasonable prices.
Can amethyst be an engagement ring stone?
Absolutely! While not traditional, amethyst engagement rings are growing in popularity. The stone's durability (hardness 7) makes it suitable for daily wear, though it requires more care than diamond or sapphire. Choose a protective setting and pair it with a wedding band for a unique, meaningful combination.
Read Our Other Birthstone Guide:
