February’s birthstone is the stunning and captivating amethyst. It is a purple quartz gemstone that is believed to give its wearer protection, courage, and peace of mind.
Amethyst gemstones from Brazil.
The ancient Greeks thought that their god Dionysus was the first creature to discover the purple gemstone. The exact age of this gem is unknown, but it was discovered in France around 25,000 years ago. That means prehistoric people used it first! Today, amethyst is now found in many places around the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Africa. The majority of amethysts on the market come from Brazil and Uruguay, specifically Minas Gerais, Artigas, and the Rio Grande do Sul.
Image courtesy of Google Creative Commons License.
The beautiful hue of the stone has been admired and treasured for centuries. Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with royalty. Ancient Egyptians believed that amethyst had mystical powers, and the stone was frequently used in Egyptian jewelry and was a favorite of Cleopatra herself.
The Romans were also known to wear and adorn themselves with amethyst, believing it to symbolize courage and a protector against drunkenness.
Amethyst is also said to have spiritual properties. It is believed to enhance intuition and psychic abilities and to help one discover inner strength. It is also seen as a symbol of love and is thought to bring peace and tranquility. In some cultures, amethyst is thought to hold healing properties, providing relief from pain and reducing stress. It is even said to help those suffering from insomnia and nightmares, as the stone is said to help bring peaceful and restful sleep.
Caring for amethyst is relatively simple. The stone should be cleaned regularly with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt and debris. It should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, as this could cause damage.
Amethyst gemstones from Brazil.The ancient Greeks thought that their god Dionysus was the first creature to discover the purple gemstone. The exact age of this gem is unknown, but it was discovered in France around 25,000 years ago. That means prehistoric people used it first! Today, amethyst is now found in many places around the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Africa. The majority of amethysts on the market come from Brazil and Uruguay, specifically Minas Gerais, Artigas, and the Rio Grande do Sul.
Image courtesy of Google Creative Commons License.The beautiful hue of the stone has been admired and treasured for centuries. Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with royalty. Ancient Egyptians believed that amethyst had mystical powers, and the stone was frequently used in Egyptian jewelry and was a favorite of Cleopatra herself.
The Romans were also known to wear and adorn themselves with amethyst, believing it to symbolize courage and a protector against drunkenness.
Amethyst is also said to have spiritual properties. It is believed to enhance intuition and psychic abilities and to help one discover inner strength. It is also seen as a symbol of love and is thought to bring peace and tranquility. In some cultures, amethyst is thought to hold healing properties, providing relief from pain and reducing stress. It is even said to help those suffering from insomnia and nightmares, as the stone is said to help bring peaceful and restful sleep.
Caring for amethyst is relatively simple. The stone should be cleaned regularly with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt and debris. It should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, as this could cause damage.