Amethyst is a beautiful purple variety of Quartz that comes in many wonderful purple shades. It's one of the most popular gemstones available today and has a vibrant history dating back to Ancient Greece and the Gods of Olympus.
This beautiful crystal makes the perfect birthstone for those born in February, has many powerful healing qualities, and improves sharpness and sensitivity. This magnificent stone has been used in jewellery making for many years due to its exceptional characteristics.
In this guide, you'll learn all you need to know about Amethyst and the different ways this February birthstone can benefit your wellbeing.
What is Amethyst?
These beautiful gemstones occur in the cavities of rock geodes in creeks and streams. Geodes are rounded-looking stones with a hollow interior where the crystals form – they don't look like much on the outside, but they're filled with sparkling stones inside.
Amethyst is found in many shades of purple, ranging from lilac and aubergine to deep violet and pale lavender. It owes its rich purple colour to impurities of iron and other metals and trace elements that form these intriguing and complex lattice-shaped crystal formations when combined.
Amethyst can be found on all continents, with the largest gems often found in South America, North America, and Africa. The largest producer of Amethyst is Brazil, which delivers around two to three thousand tons a year.
The History of Amethyst Gemstone
For thousands of years, Amethyst has been a widely popular gemstone. Here's how it's been used throughout history.
Where Does the Name Amethyst Come From?
The name Amethyst comes from the Alexandrian word "Amethystos", which means "to not intoxicate". This is a reference to Dionysus, also known as the God of Wine. Legend has it that Dionysus wanted to punish men for overindulging in his creation, so he descended from Mount Olympus and punished the first human he came across by turning them into a Quartz crystal.
It's said the person was a woman named Amethyst, and after realising what he had done, Dionysus cried tears of red wine, which soaked into the white Quartz giving it the purple hue, we're all familiar with.
How was Amethyst Used in Ancient Times?
The Egyptians often used this Amethyst to symbolise wealth. They would engrave these precious gemstones (known as intaglio gemstones) by carving complex images and inscriptions, usually of the wearer's face. Intaglio engraved gems were a huge luxury art form throughout ancient times.
In Ancient Greece, it was believed that Amethyst could prevent intoxication. In medieval Europe, soldiers thought that an amulet made of out Amethyst could offer healing protection in battle and keep their minds clear and hearts brave. During archaeological excavations in the UK, beads made of Amethyst were found in the graves of early settlers.
Shop: Uncut Gem Ring - Amethyst, £49
The Spiritual Meaning and Health Benefits of Amethyst
Here are some of the key healing traits and characteristics of this February birthstone.
A Symbol of Protection
Carrying Amethyst protects the wearer, especially from different addictions, allowing them to think more clearly and make rational decisions. This unique gem is also said to boost positive feelings and remove emotional blocks that hinder personal growth and development.
Calm Your Body and Mind
Amethyst helps you to unwind and relax with its healing properties. It's said that people who have this crystal as a birthstone are generally mellow and prefer to avoid confrontations. Amethyst clears the mind and can centre your energy. At the same time, it can help to reduce or remove anxiety, freeing the mind.
The Stone of Reflection
This stone encourages loyalty to others but offers a gentle reminder that it's important to spend time alone to nourish your soul and reflect on life events. Amethyst allows the wearer to spend time thinking about what they want to do and achieve in life without becoming overwhelmed or stressed at the prospect of setting goals.
The Amethyst Gemstone and Your Chakra
This calming stone is said to have an incredible cleansing effect on all the chakras. It's said to help awaken your intuition whilst bringing peace and prosperity.
Amethyst is the best crystal for unblocking and balancing your third eye chakra, located in the centre of your head and responsible for spiritual growth, awareness, and perception.
If you're susceptible to headaches or allergies, it could mean that your third eye chakra is blocked. Try placing Amethyst in your home to reduce the symptoms. As well as alleviating physical symptoms, Amethyst can also help heal any emotional stress and help you feel more balanced and peaceful.
Shop: Amethyst Crown Chakra Ring, £45 | Amethyst Crown Chakra Bracelet, £49 | Amethyst Crown Chakra Necklace, £79
How to Clean Amethyst Jewellery
Cleaning your Amethyst jewelllery will keep it looking its sparkly best. This can easily be done using warm soapy water.
Simply rest the piece of Amethyst jewellery in warm soapy water for a few minutes. Remove the jewellery from the water and use a microfiber or soft cloth to gently wipe away any dirt that has loosened. Run the piece under a tap and gently pat dry.
Alternatively, the FIYAH Polish Cloth is the perfect care accessory for any piece of jewellery, giving it that professional jewellery cleaning and polish finish. It is coated with special jewellery cleaning fluid that quickly and easily cleans pieces to keep them shiny for years to come.
Shop: FIYAH Polish Cloth, £6
How to Cleanse Amethyst Crystals?
Frequently cleansing your crystals is a great way to remove any negative energy attached to them so you can keep enjoying their benefits. When it comes to Amethyst, there are several ways to keep purify this crystal:
Water: Let your Amethyst crystal rest in the centre of a bowl of warm soapy water, and then clean it off with a soft brush. Alternatively, you can use rainwater to cleanse your crystal which works best when left outside during a storm.
Salt: Dry salt should only be used with this cleansing practice. You'll need to place the Amethyst in a bowl of salt for an hour and rinse it off in water to remove any remaining grains. Your crystal should then be left to air-dry.
Sage: You'll need a metal bowl to get started. Place a smoking sage stick in the bowl and gently start moving the Amethyst crystal through the smoke.
Find Peace and Tune Your Intuition by Wearing Amethyst
Looking to enhance your intuition or stay in and find peace in the chaos? Then Amethyst is the gemstone to wear. At FIYAH, we love Amethyst, and you'll find this beautiful stone is featured within many of our jewellery collections. Check out our chakra collection today and discover the beauty of this beautiful Amethyst gemstone.