Tuesday, February 02, 2010

February Birthstone ~ AMETHYST



~ AMETHYST ~
FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE


 Amethyst is the Birthstone for February.
It is also the Zodiac stone for the constellation of Pisces.

The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers. Today, amethyst is a lovely and affordable gemstone that is fortunately available in a wide variety of cut and uncut stones that we can all possess and admire.


The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken." This was perhaps due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered. Its color is unparalleled, and even other, more expensive purple gemstones are often compared to its color and beauty.

Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it can and does have a wide range of purple shades.


Amethyst is the purple variety of the mineral quartz and is a popular gemstone. If it were not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive.

 
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