What is the February birthstone?

The February birthstone is Amethyst, a violet to purple variety of quartz (SiO₂). It has been designated the February birthstone by major gemological organizations including the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).

What color is Amethyst?

Amethyst ranges from pale lilac and lavender to deep reddish-purple and violet. The most prized shade is a rich, deep purple with reddish overtones, sometimes called "Siberian" grade. Lighter, pinkish-purple stones are marketed as "Rose de France."

What does Amethyst symbolize?

Amethyst has long symbolized sobriety, clarity of mind, wisdom, and spiritual protection. The name derives from the Ancient Greek "amethystos," meaning "not intoxicated." It was believed to prevent drunkenness and promote clear thinking.

How hard is Amethyst on the Mohs scale?

Amethyst rates 7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for most jewelry types including rings, though it should be worn with reasonable care to avoid scratches from harder minerals like sapphire (9) or diamond (10).

How do I care for Amethyst jewelry?

Clean Amethyst with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high heat, which can fade the color. Store it separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe unless the stone has fractures.

Where is Amethyst found?

Major Amethyst deposits are found in Brazil (largest producer), Uruguay, Zambia, South Korea, Russia (Siberia), and the United States (Arizona). Brazilian and Uruguayan stones tend toward deep purple; Zambian stones are known for a rich, slightly reddish-violet hue.

Is Amethyst expensive?

Amethyst is relatively affordable compared to other purple gemstones. Its wide availability — especially from Brazil — keeps prices accessible. Deeply saturated, eye-clean stones and those from premium origins (Siberia, Zambia) command higher prices.

Yes. Prolonged exposure to strong direct sunlight or UV light can cause Amethyst's color to fade over time. Heat can also alter the color — sometimes turning it yellow or orange (producing Citrine). Store and display Amethyst away from intense light sources.

February Birthstone

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Author: Nham Vu

Discover everything about Amethyst, the February birthstone — its history, meaning, Mohs hardness, care tips, and gift ideas.

Amethyst

February Birthstone

Variety of Quartz — SiO₂ with iron impurities

Amethyst is a violet to deep-purple variety of quartz colored by iron and natural irradiation within the crystal lattice. Treasured since antiquity by Egyptian pharaohs, Greek philosophers, and Christian bishops, it remains one of the most beloved purple gemstones in the world — and the designated birthstone for February.

Key Facts

Mineral Family

Quartz (SiO₂)

Amethyst belongs to the trigonal quartz family, the same mineral group as Citrine and Rose Quartz.

Color Range

Pale lilac to deep royal purple

Hues span lavender, violet, and reddish-purple. The finest grade is rich "Siberian" purple; lighter pink-purple is sold as "Rose de France."

Mohs Hardness

7 / 10

Harder than glass (5.5) and steel (6.5), but softer than topaz (8) and sapphire (9). Suitable for rings with reasonable care.

Refractive Index

1.544 – 1.553

Amethyst's refractive index gives it good brilliance. When well-cut, it displays lively internal reflections.

Primary Sources

Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia

Brazil is the world's largest producer. Zambian Amethysts are prized for deep reddish-violet saturation. Siberian origin denotes top-grade color.

Birthstone Month

February

Designated the February birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and the Jewelry Industry Council. Also a traditional gift for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

History & Symbolism

Ancient Greece & Rome

The name "Amethyst" comes from the Greek "amethystos," meaning "not drunken." The Greeks and Romans believed wearing Amethyst prevented intoxication and promoted clear-headed sobriety. Wine goblets were sometimes carved from Amethyst for this reason.

Egyptian Antiquity

Egyptian artisans carved Amethyst into amulets and scarabs as early as 3000 BCE. Pharaohs valued the stone for protection and spiritual power. Amethyst beads and inlays have been found in royal tombs.

Medieval Europe

The Catholic Church associated Amethyst with purity and celibacy — bishops wore Amethyst rings as a symbol of spiritual authority. The stone was also called the "Bishop's Stone." Its purple color linked it to royalty and the Church.

Renaissance & Beyond

Amethyst was ranked alongside Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire as one of the five cardinal gemstones until large Brazilian deposits were discovered in the 19th century, making it widely accessible.

Modern Symbolism

Today Amethyst symbolizes wisdom, sobriety, protection from negative energy, clarity of mind, and inner peace. It is popular in crystal healing traditions and remains a staple of fine and fashion jewelry alike.

Amethyst Color Varieties

Siberian

Deep, rich purple with red and blue flashes. The most prized and rarest grade; now refers to color quality, not just origin.

Uruguayan

Deep violet with excellent saturation. Stones from Uruguay are known for their dark, uniform color.

Zambian

Rich reddish-purple, often with higher clarity. Zambia produces some of the world's finest commercial Amethysts.

Brazilian

Ranges from light lilac to medium purple. The most abundant supply globally; excellent value across all grades.

Rose de France

Pale lavender to light pinkish-purple. Fashionable in large-cut statement pieces for its soft, romantic hue.

Green Amethyst

Also called Prasiolite — quartz heat-treated to produce a mint-green color. Distinct from purple Amethyst but related.

Mohs Hardness: How Durable Is Amethyst?

Amethyst scores 7 on the Mohs scale — harder than most common materials but softer than several popular gemstones.

Diamond

Corundum (Ruby / Sapphire)

Topaz

Amethyst (Quartz)

Feldspar

Glass

5.5

Mohs scale is ordinal — the steps are not evenly spaced in absolute hardness. Diamond is roughly 4x harder than corundum in practice.

Care Tips for Amethyst Jewelry

Clean with warm soapy water

Use a soft brush and mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.

Avoid prolonged sunlight

UV exposure and direct sunlight can bleach or fade Amethyst over time. Store pieces away from windows and bright display cases.

Protect from heat

High temperatures can alter color — sometimes permanently turning it into Citrine (yellow). Remove jewelry before sauna, hot tub, or extended outdoor heat.

Store separately

Although Amethyst is hard (Mohs 7), it can scratch softer stones and be scratched by harder gems like sapphire or diamond. Store in individual pouches.

Ultrasonic cleaners: use with care

Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe for unflawed Amethyst, but stones with fractures or inclusions may be damaged by the vibrations. When in doubt, hand-clean.

Re-inspect prongs annually

Amethyst's moderate hardness means edges can chip if struck hard. Have a jeweler inspect prong settings once a year to ensure the stone is secure.

Gift Ideas for February Birthdays

Amethyst Solitaire Ring Classic choice

A single oval or cushion-cut Amethyst in a silver or white-gold setting — timeless and wearable every day.

Amethyst Stud Earrings Everyday wear

Simple round or princess-cut studs suit both casual and formal occasions. Choose deep Uruguayan or Zambian stones for richer color.

Amethyst Pendant Necklace Sentimental gift

A teardrop or heart-shaped Amethyst on a delicate chain makes an intimate, personalized birthday gift.

Raw Amethyst Crystal Cluster Crystal enthusiast

A natural cathedral or geode cluster is a striking home-decor piece and a popular choice for crystal healing practice.

Amethyst Bracelet Stackable style

Beaded or tennis-style Amethyst bracelets are versatile and pair easily with other birthstone or metal bracelets.

Custom Birthstone Jewelry Personalized

Commission a piece with the recipient's initials or birthdate alongside an Amethyst — many independent jewelers offer this service.

Summary

Discover everything about Amethyst, the February birthstone — its history, meaning, Mohs hardness, care tips, and gift ideas.

How it works

February's birthstone is Amethyst, a violet variety of quartz (SiO₂) colored by iron impurities and natural irradiation.
Browse the fact cards below to learn about Amethyst's color range, historical significance, and symbolic meanings.
Check the Mohs hardness section to understand durability and suitability for everyday jewelry.
Read the care tips to keep Amethyst jewelry vibrant and scratch-free.
Use the gift ideas section to choose the right Amethyst piece for a February birthday.

Use cases

Find a meaningful birthstone gift for a February birthday.
Learn the symbolic meaning and historical lore of Amethyst.
Understand Amethyst's hardness before buying a ring or bracelet.
Discover the full color range of Amethyst for jewelry selection.
Care for an Amethyst piece to maintain its color and brilliance.
Plan a February-themed birthstone jewelry collection.
Teach children about birthstone traditions and gemstone science.
Compare Amethyst varieties such as Rose de France and Siberian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-10 · Reviewed by Nham Vu

February Birthstone

Amethyst

Key Facts

History & Symbolism

Amethyst Color Varieties

Mohs Hardness: How Durable Is Amethyst?

Care Tips for Amethyst Jewelry

Gift Ideas for February Birthdays

Summary

How it works

Use cases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the February birthstone?

What color is Amethyst?

What does Amethyst symbolize?

How hard is Amethyst on the Mohs scale?

How do I care for Amethyst jewelry?

Where is Amethyst found?

Is Amethyst expensive?

Can Amethyst fade?