February Birthstone: Amethyst, the Purple Quartz Explained

The February birthstone is amethyst, the purple stone almost everybody recognizes. It's a type of quartz, it's hard enough to wear every day, and its name comes with one of the best stories in the rock world. In ancient Greek, "amethystos" means "not drunk".

Why amethyst is the February birthstone

Birthstone lists have changed a lot over the centuries. In 1912, American jewellers agreed on a standard list so everyone sold the same stone for the same month. That list has been updated a few times since, and today it's usually called the modern list.

Some months ended up with two or three stones. February kept just one: amethyst. So whether your birthday is February 1st, February 4th or February 29th, your birthstone is the same purple quartz.

Want to see the whole calendar? Here's every month's birthstone in one place.

What amethyst actually is

Amethyst is quartz, the same mineral as clear quartz and citrine. Its purple comes from tiny traces of iron in the crystal, plus natural radiation from the surrounding rock over a very long time.

It sits at 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That's tough enough for rings and bracelets. GIA's amethyst guide goes deeper if you love the science.

Amethyst ranges from pale lilac to a deep, almost grape purple. Some points are lighter at the base and darker at the tip. Others show a "phantom", a ghostly outline of an earlier crystal trapped inside.

Amethyst meaning: what it's traditionally linked with

The "not drunk" name comes from ancient Greece. The story goes that people drank from amethyst cups, or wore the stone, hoping to keep a clear head at a party. Nobody's claiming it works. It's still a great fact to bring to dinner.

Today, people use amethyst as a reminder to slow down. A lot of folks keep a point on the nightstand as part of a wind-down routine, or on the desk for a calmer workday. It's often linked with the crown and third eye chakras.

Purple was also a colour of royalty for centuries, so amethyst turns up in old crowns and church rings. That history is part of why it feels a little special, even though it's easy to find today.

Want the full story? Our amethyst meaning guide covers it stone to shelf.

How people use amethyst

Amethyst comes in more shapes than almost any other stone. A few of the ways people use it:

• Worn. A bead bracelet or a drilled pendant keeps it with you all day.
• On the nightstand. A raw point or a small carving is a quiet bedtime cue.
• On the desk. A generator, a tall carved point, sits upright and catches the light.
• In a bowl. Rough chips look lovely in a dish, a plant pot or a jar by the window. Just not a sunny one.
• Made into jewellery. Bead strands let crafty people make their own bracelets and necklaces.

There's no right way. Pick the shape you'll actually see every day, because that's the one that works as a reminder.

What does February symbolize?

The name February comes from Februa, an old Roman festival of purification held in the middle of the month. So the month itself is traditionally tied to clearing out and starting fresh before spring.

That fits amethyst nicely. A clear head, a quiet room, a fresh start. It's an easy stone to give someone at the tail end of winter.

February zodiac signs and their stones

February is split between two signs:

• Aquarius runs until about February 18. Amethyst is a classic Aquarius stone. Browse the Aquarius collection.
• Pisces starts around February 19. Amethyst and aquamarine are both common Pisces picks.

Not sure where your birthday lands, or curious about your moon and rising signs? Our free natal chart works it out from your birth date, time and place.

Is my amethyst real?

Most amethyst on the market is natural. Lab-grown amethyst exists too, and it's real quartz chemically, just grown in a factory. It can be hard to tell apart without a gem lab.

Purple glass is the fake to watch for. A few clues:

• Colour zones. Natural amethyst often has uneven colour, with stripes or patches of lighter and darker purple.
• Bubbles. Round bubbles inside usually mean glass.
• Temperature. Stone tends to stay cool in your hand longer than glass.

One more honest note. Heat turns amethyst yellow or orange, and most citrine you'll see is actually heat-treated amethyst. At The Rock Space, treated, dyed and man-made stones are labelled as such.

Caring for amethyst

• Keep it out of strong sun. Amethyst can fade if it sits in a bright window for a long time.
• Rinse and wipe. Lukewarm water and a soft cloth are fine.
• Skip harsh cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners for strung bracelets.
• Store it apart from softer stones, which it can scratch.

February birthstone gift ideas

A birthstone is an easy gift because the choosing is already done. A few ideas from the shelf right now:

• A bracelet. The amethyst bead bracelet is a simple everyday piece. The dark amethyst chip bracelet has a rawer, deeper look.
• A raw point. An amethyst crystal point looks great on a nightstand.
• Something different. Clusters, carvings and more live in the amethyst collection.

Shopping for more birthdays? The January birthstone comes right before, and the March birthstone right after.

Know someone with a February birthday? Make them a free February birthstone card and send it by text or email.

Frequently asked questions

What does February symbolize?

The name comes from Februa, an old Roman purification festival. So February is traditionally tied to clearing out and fresh starts before spring.

What is amethyst used for?

People use amethyst as a reminder to slow down. Many keep a point by the bed as part of a wind-down routine, or wear a bracelet as a little daily cue to stay clear-headed.

What birthstone is February 4th?

Amethyst. Every February birthday shares the same birthstone. February 4th also falls under Aquarius, and amethyst is a classic Aquarius stone too.

What is the rarest birthstone?

Alexandrite (June) is usually named the rarest, along with fine rubies and emeralds. Amethyst is one of the easiest to find, which is why it's such an affordable gift.

Does amethyst fade?

It can. Long hours in strong, direct sun can slowly lighten the purple. Keep amethyst out of bright windows and it will hold its colour for years.

Come say hi

Amethyst comes in so many shades of purple that it's worth seeing in person. Visit us at 396 Victoria Street North in Kitchener and pick the one you keep looking at. Or take the Crystal Quiz and browse the amethyst collection online.