Amethyst

Amethyst is the official birthstone for February.  It is also the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Pisces.  Amethyst is suggested as a gem to give on the 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and the most valued member of the quartz family.  It must be purple to be Amethyst, but can display a range of shades including deep purple, light lilac, lavender and mauve. 

Top quality Amethyst is a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes.  Its purple colour made it a stone of royalty for many thousands of years.

Amethyst can occur as crystals that are six sided on either end.  it is found inside geodes and in alluvial deposits all around the world and occurs in both crystalline or massive forms.  When manganese is present in clear quartz Amethyst is produced, while the amount of iron contained in the specimen accounts for the depth of purple.

Mohs scale of hardness is 7.

Most Amethyst gemstones on the market today are heat-treated to produce a deeper colour.  Heat treating is permanent and these stones will not fade over time.

Legend and Healing Properties

Throughout history Amethyst has been used to guard against drunkenness and is thought to be helpful in overcoming addiction.  It has been used for hearing disorders, insomnia, headaches and other pain.  Some sources suggest it is used to stabilize mental disorders.

Worn to make the wearer gentle and amiable.  Amethyst powers include: dreams, healing, peace, love, spiritual upliftment, courage, psychism, protection against thieves, and happiness.