Amethyst serves as the birthstone for those born during February. Technically, amethyst is a variation of quartz that’s purple in color. In general, the darker its purple hue, the more valuable an amethyst stone will be.

The human affection for this gemstone dates back to at least 4,500 years ago to Minoan times. Amethyst is also featured in Greek mythology. According to legend, Bacchus, the Greek God of wine and frivolity, had made a promise to send tigers after mortals who dared cross him. A rival God, Diana, called his bluff by transforming a gorgeous young woman into a statuette of pure quartz. Upon seeing this amazing transformation, Bacchus repented and turned the lovely statuette a deep purple color. Amethyst was born!

February Birthstone - Amethyst

 Curiously, amethyst has been long associated with wine and royalty in numerous cultures around the world. The Japanese word for purple, murasaki, is a synonym for royalty. Many in Medieval Europe believed that goblets adorned with amethyst provided protection against the ills of over-consumption of alcohol as well as proof against poisons. Amethyst was also said to protect against negative thoughts.

The biggest amethyst gemstone in the world weighs in at a whopping 343 carats, but smaller (and less expensive!) examples of the gemstone abound in jewelry, earrings, broaches, goblets, crowns, and other assorted treasures from throughout the ages.

To find your perfect amethyst birthstone ring, check out the selection we offer here at Celtic Birthstone Rings