Gemstones hold a value that goes beyond their material significance. Birthstones are assigned to each month and have specific meanings and properties that align with the energies of a person born that specific month. Amethyst, the mystical looking gem, is the birthstone of February. The February Birthstone is a powerhouse of healing energies and can be beneficial to the wearer. Keep reading if you want to know about the stone, its history, the myths attached to it, and how it can be a great addition to your life.
Amethyst Birthstone Meaning and History
The origins of the amethyst date back to Greek and Roman times, which could be around 2000 BC. The gem is associated with several myths, legends, and folklore. In fact, the word amethyst comes from the Greek term "amethystos," which translates to "a cure from drunkenness," and it is said that the gem was used cast-off intoxicating energies from a person's body and give them more clarity.
One of the most famous legends stems from this origin itself. According to Greek mythology, a beautiful young maiden named Amethystos rejected the courtship of Dionysus, the God of Wine. Amethystos kept praying to god to safeguard her chastity, and she turned into a white stone in that quest. Dionysus, grieving, poured red wine on the stone, which turned the stone purple. Since then, amethyst gems have been associated with love and lust. From Greek mythologies to now: amethyst has been found in various parts of the world.
How Do They Form?
Amethyst is a member of the quartz family and the rarest among them all. They form inside basalts, which are pyrogenic volcanic rocks. Most people have seen geodes, which is where the amethyst crystals form. These geodes are vessels with large cavities, and amethyst stones occur in hexagonal crystal form. From naturally occurring amethyst stones, this February birthstone is also made synthetically due to its higher demand in the market.
Meaning and Significance
Amethyst is popular for a reason. They not only look spectacular due to their purple hues but also hold immense significance, which can bring about a positive change in a person's life.
Physical Significance
Amethyst has innumerable physical healing attributes. It is said that this gemstone can boost your immune system and promote a healthy gut. It has the ability to fight against illnesses and sicknesses that can be harmful to the body. It purifies the blood and promotes better circulation.
Another advantage of amethyst, which has proven to have helped many people, is its power to improve the endocrine system and help the body boost its metabolism.
If you're having trouble sleeping, then this gem could be your companion. Since amethyst helps regulate your hormones and cortisol levels, the body can find peace and stability. With less stress and anxiety, your mind can restfully sleep without disruptions.
Lastly, as the name itself suggests, amethyst can help you cut down on your drinking. Many natural health practitioners use it as it keeps your mind sober and detoxifies it. The purple hue and the clarity of the stone serve as a way of telling you to find peace within yourself and get rid of confusing and muddying thoughts.
Emotional Significance
If you're looking for clarity in your life, then this stone is what you need. Its soothing and healing properties can help you ground yourself during chaotic and stressful times. Keep an amethyst stone if you're going through an arduous time and feel overwhelmed by the sea of emotions hitting you. It will keep you centered so that you can focus on the present moment.
If you look at the Feb birthstone, the appearance itself is healing and calming. Well, that's one of its integral properties. If you're someone who has anger issues and tends to get hot headed during a fight or an argument, the stone will help you stay composed and more collected.
Amethyst helps you find the right path during moments when you feel directionless. The crystal clear purple hued stone is what you need to remind yourself of the fact that there is a path meant for you that you can identify with your own wisdom and knowledge, which will lead to happiness and success.
Since the gemstone regulates the hormones, it also helps in regulating your levels of stress and depression. If you're someone who gets anxious quickly, then this could help you immensely.
Metaphysical and Spiritual Significance
First of all, the stone is connected with your crown chakra. It is known that the crown chakra holds sacred energy, and that's where people who have spiritually heightened senses feel their connection with the universe. The crown chakra must be open so that it receives the energies of the universe, helps with your well-being, and makes you more balanced and intuitive.
Speaking of intuition, the stone is also connected with the third eye chakra. It has the power to help you harness your intuition, which can be a great tool to have. You not only get to know and understand people better, but you also get to know yourself more deeply, too. It is the spiritual center of the body, and with the help of amethyst, one can slowly start their journey to spiritual enlightenment. Interestingly, the color of the third eye chakra is indigo, which bears a close resemblance to that of the February birthstone color.
The stone wards off negative energies from your mind, body, and soul and from your surroundings as well. This is one of the most popular healing treatments used by metaphysical crystal practitioners. According to them, the stone has electromagnetic frequencies, or what is also known as geopathic stress, which can help block such negative energy.
One can go on and on about the stone's benefits since there are so many. But if you're wondering how to use them, you can simply add them to your everyday meditation. You can keep an amethyst stone, and you can find geodes, too, in your living or working space in order to bring in calming energies. You can always wear it as jewelry, and this way, you can always keep it close to you.
Where is Amethyst Found?
Today, amethyst can be found in various parts of the world. One of the first discoveries of amethyst was back in the 1600s, which was the Age of Exploration. As new wealth was retrieved, a Conquistador was given a mine in Anahi, Bolivia, after he married the local princess, whose name was also Anahi. That mine has amethysts within, which led to its discovery in that region.
Similar discoveries have been made across the globe during different time periods. Today, South America has become one of the primary spots of amethyst mining, with Brazil being at the top. Despite producing fewer stones, Uruguay has better quality stones in terms of clarity of brilliance.
In Africa, Zambia is another region that produces large amounts of amethyst which are some of the finest in the world. It is also found in the United States, with states like Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Maine being some of the top spots.
Other areas where amethyst deposits are found are Sri Lanka, Tanzania, India, France, Canada, Myanmar, Russia, and more.
To make things more accessible, you can now buy amethyst and other gemstones online as well. If you go to Diamondrensu's website, you will find a wide variety of gemstones that are available loose and can be customized as per your preferences.
Amethyst Birthstone Care and Cleaning
Every stone needs to be looked after with care and attention. Since gemstones are quite delicate, a proper cleaning regimen should be followed to prevent damage. If you're wondering how to do it, here are some techniques you can use.
- The best way to clean a delicate stone like amethyst is by using warm soapy water. This gentle mix will not erode the surface and is safe to use. All you have to ensure is that the soap is not harsh. Otherwise, it will cause damage.
- Never steam clean your stone, as it will reduce its shine and brilliance and can reduce the February birthstone color for which it is most known.
- If the stone has some stains, use a soft bristled brush to clean it. Do not use anything with stiff bristles, or the stone will end up with scratches.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the stone. Their soft surface will not harm it and keep it safe.
- Store the gemstone wrapped in a soft cloth so that it does not come in contact with other stones. If you have other gemstones, make sure to wrap them in separate cloth as well.
In Conclusion
Gemstones are a beautiful addition to anyone's life. Their presence will always remind you that you're on the path to self-healing and improvement. So, get yourself an amethyst stone and begin your journey to long lasting happiness!
If you're looking for high-quality gemstones at reasonable prices, then head to Diamondrensu's website and browse through their collection of stones so stunning that you cannot look away!
