Febuary (Amethyst)

Amethyst, the most prized variety of the quartz family, is the birthstone for February. With a hardness of 7 on Mohs hardness scale and a beautiful purple hue, amethyst is an excellent gemstone for jewelry. Although, it must always be purple to be amethyst, hues of amethyst range from a light slightly pinkish violet to a deep grape purple.

The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers.

Legend says amethyst has the ability to protect its wearer from drunkenness and intoxication. Other legends led to beliefs that amethyst kept their wearers clear-headed and quick witted in battle and in their business affairs.

Amethyst has been used for thousands of years in magic, psychic empowerment and healing. Even today people believe amethyst to have healing properties. For example wearing amethyst is said to bring calmness and clarity where there is anxiety and confusion.

Amethyst has even been said to have supernatural powers. It is found in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and even the United States.