Happy Birthday February Babies!
Best wishes to all you February Babies for a year filled with joy and prosperity!
Your birthstone (modern and traditional) is the transparent purple quartz better know as amethyst. The purple color of Amethyst is due to small amounts of iron impurities in the crystal structure of quartz. The depth of color of Amethyst can range from a light lilac shade to a deep purple. It is the deeper more intense colors that are considered the most precious. 
The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," and means "not drunken." This was due to a belief that amethyst would protect them against intoxication and poisoning. Perhaps that is why today, Amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. 
This belief could be from the Greek legend of how amethyst originated. The story goes that Bacchus, the God of Wine, grew angry at mortals. He vowed the next mortal that crossed his path would be eaten by tigers. At that time, a beautiful young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to worship the Goddess Diana. Diana, knowing of Bacchus' vow, turned Amethyst into a pillar of colorless quartz to protect her from the tigers. Bacchus, witnessing this scene, repented and poured wine over Amethyst, staining her purple. 
Amethyst has been considered a royal gem through the years just as the color purple has been associated with power and royalty. It has adorned many a monarch's crown, scepter, jewelry, and breastplate worn into battle. Amethyst was also considered an aid to the valiant because it was believed to protect soldiers in battle and assist hunters with the capture of wild animals. 
Amethyst is also thought of as a symbol of piety and spirituality which is why you can find it in artifacts of the church dating as far back as the ninth century. In Tibet, the Amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and prayer beads are often fashioned from it. 
The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, so it is an ideal anniversary or engagement gem.
Your birthstone (modern and traditional) is the transparent purple quartz better know as amethyst. The purple color of Amethyst is due to small amounts of iron impurities in the crystal structure of quartz. The depth of color of Amethyst can range from a light lilac shade to a deep purple. It is the deeper more intense colors that are considered the most precious. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," and means "not drunken." This was due to a belief that amethyst would protect them against intoxication and poisoning. Perhaps that is why today, Amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. This belief could be from the Greek legend of how amethyst originated. The story goes that Bacchus, the God of Wine, grew angry at mortals. He vowed the next mortal that crossed his path would be eaten by tigers. At that time, a beautiful young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to worship the Goddess Diana. Diana, knowing of Bacchus' vow, turned Amethyst into a pillar of colorless quartz to protect her from the tigers. Bacchus, witnessing this scene, repented and poured wine over Amethyst, staining her purple. Amethyst has been considered a royal gem through the years just as the color purple has been associated with power and royalty. It has adorned many a monarch's crown, scepter, jewelry, and breastplate worn into battle. Amethyst was also considered an aid to the valiant because it was believed to protect soldiers in battle and assist hunters with the capture of wild animals. Amethyst is also thought of as a symbol of piety and spirituality which is why you can find it in artifacts of the church dating as far back as the ninth century. In Tibet, the Amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and prayer beads are often fashioned from it. The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, so it is an ideal anniversary or engagement gem. The amethyst is the stone of Saint Valentine, which makes it the perfect gemstone to give as a gift for Valentine's Day. It also helps keep those born in February on an even keel by focusing the mind and balancing emotions to bring serenity and calm.
Recently, Pink Amethyst and Green Amethyst (also know as Prasiolite) have been introduced to the world of gems. Prasiolite is a naturally occurring green quartz, but quite rare in nature. Most of the pink and green varieties of this gem that you see today are Amethyst that has been heat treated or irradiated to bring out their unique colors, by affecting the iron in the quartz. Some gemologists consider these pink and green Amethyst misnomers.
I consider them beautiful :)
If you would like to purchase any of the items pictured in this post,
just click on the picture to be taken to our website.
I consider them beautiful :)
If you would like to purchase any of the items pictured in this post,just click on the picture to be taken to our website.
Labels: amethyst jewelry, amethyst lore, February birthstone
posted by Heart's Desire Jewelry @ 11:39 AM
3 Comments:
Excellent colorful display of the gifts.
Thanks, Shanthy! You have great taste ;)
These pieces are gorgeous!
Magic and Joy!
Lisa!
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