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Birthstone for February - Amethyst
By Sam and Tami Serio
Morning Light Jewelry
February's Birthstone: Amethyst
Birthstone Properties: Brings peace and calm to your life
Alternative Birthstone: Bloodstone
Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and the traditional
anniversary gemstone for the sixth of marriage. Once considered more
valuable than diamonds, this member of the quartz member occurs naturally
as crystals within rocks. The stones are mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri
Lanka, Madagascar, Zambia, Australia and in the mountains of Russia.
American amethysts are mined in Maine, Pennsylvania, North Carolina,
Montana and Colorado. Amethyst from Maine is usually dark with North
Carolina amethyst having a bluish tint unique to that area. Amethyst can
lighten if exposed to strong sunlight for a long time. When heated to
550-560 Centigrade, the color changes to dark yellow or reddish brown.
(They are then called citrines. These are more richly colored and more
expensive then natural citrines)
Ideally deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes, amethysts generally
range in hue from pale lilac to nearly black purple. Since purple has
always been the color of royalty, amethysts abound in the ornaments of in
the British Crown Jewels and in the adornments of the ancient Greeks and
Egyptians, as well. They have been found in ruins dating as far back as
the ninth century, adorning royal jewelry, scepters, and crowns.
The intense violet hue of February's birthstone appealed to early
monarchs, perhaps because they often wore this color as a symbol of their
elevated position. Purple dye was once scarce and expensive, so it was
reserved for the garments of royalty, and the color came to symbolize
power and status.
Sobering Thoughts with Amethyst
The Greeks believed that whoever wore an amethyst or drank from an
amethyst cup would not become intoxicated. In fact, the word amethyst is
derived from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning sober. In ancient
Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was
common practice to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets in the belief
that this would prevent overindulgence. It was also claimed that amethyst
had a sobering effect on those "drunk" on love's passion.
Even today, amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those
struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. In general, the gemstone is
believed to be a calming, tranquil influence that symbolizes peace.
Amethyst and Prayer
Amethyst is symbolic of piety, spirituality, and a devotion to God. The
rich purple gemstones are used worldwide to ornament churches and crosses
used in religious ceremony, and they frequently found in the rings and on
the rosaries worn by bishops and priests.
It is also believed that amethysts bring on pleasant dreams because they
allow you to "channel" positive universal energy. As a result many people
place an amethyst under their pillow before going to sleep at night to
enjoy "sweet dreams" throughout the night.
The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been
passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years.
For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to
visit
www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To
Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise,
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