The history of the February birthstone, amethyst, is rich with legend and lore. Amethyst, a violet variety of quartz, has been used in jewelry and other adornments for centuries. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos, which means “not drunken.†According to Greek mythology, the goddess Diana was so angered by the mortal man, Amethyst, that she turned him into a white stone. The stone was later found by the goddess Diana’s good friend, Bacchus, who was so taken by its beauty that he spilled wine over the stone, giving it its unique color.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that amethyst would prevent intoxication, so they would often make drinking vessels out of the stone. It was also a popular gem in ancient Egypt. In the Middle Ages, amethyst was considered a cardinal gem, along with ruby, sapphire, and emerald.
Amethyst has been associated with many different cultures and religions over the years. In the Bible, amethyst is mentioned in the book of Exodus as being part of the breastplate of Aaron, the high priest. In the book of Revelation, amethyst is one of the twelve stones in the foundation of the New Jerusalem. It is also the birthstone for the month of February.
The most common color of amethyst is a deep purple, but the stone can also be found in a variety of other colors, including pink, green, and blue. The different colors of amethyst are caused by the presence of different impurities in the stone.
Amethyst is a relatively hard stone, but it can still be scratched and damaged if it is not treated carefully. It is important to store amethyst jewelry in a soft cloth or pouch to protect it from being scratched.
Amethyst is a popular stone for use in jewelry, but it is also used in a variety of other ways. It is often used as a decorative element in homes and offices, and it is also used in a variety of industrial applications.
