February’s Birthstone: Amethyst

If gazing into the sparkling purple depths of an Amethyst suffuses you with a sense of powerful wellbeing, this is only to be expected. The ancient Greeks believed that the gemstone held many powers, among them protection against intoxication. In fact, the word Amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning sober. In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was a common practice to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence.

Even today, Amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. February’s purple birthstone has been found among the possessions of royalty throughout the ages. The intense violet hue of Amethyst appealed to early monarchs, perhaps because they often wore this color. Purple dye was scarce and expensive at one time, and so it was reserved for garments of kings and queens.

Amethyst has been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning crowns, scepters, jewelry, and breastplates worn in battle. A large Amethyst is among the closely guarded gemstones in the British Crown Jewels.