Amethyst: February's Purple Stone and How to Care for It
Amethyst is the purple birthstone of February and one of the best-value coloured stones you can buy. It is quartz, so it is affordable even in large, clean, deeply coloured pieces. It is hard enough for jewellery but not the hardest stone around, and its one quirk is that strong sun over time can pale the purple. Here is how to choose it and keep it looking rich.
We set a lot of amethyst at our Coquitlam bench, from February birthday gifts to bold cocktail rings. It is a stone that lets you go big without spending much.
What amethyst is
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, and it sits at 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, according to the GIA. That is solidly in jewellery territory, harder than most things it will meet day to day, which is why quartz has been used in jewellery for thousands of years. It is not as hard as sapphire or diamond, though, so in a ring worn constantly it can pick up fine surface scuffs over many years. In earrings and pendants, which take fewer knocks, it stays crisp for a very long time.
Colour is everything
Amethyst runs from a pale lilac to a deep, saturated grape purple, sometimes with flashes of red or blue. The deeper, more even purples are the most prized, and because amethyst is so plentiful, you can often find a strong colour at a gentle price. Some material is heat-treated to adjust colour, which the GIA notes is common and stable. When you shop, chase the colour you love rather than the carat number, because a rich medium-to-dark purple in a smaller stone often looks better than a large, washed-out one.
| Property | Amethyst |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Purple quartz |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Colour | Pale lilac to deep grape purple |
| Watch out for | Prolonged strong sunlight can fade it |
| Value | Affordable even in large, rich stones |
| Birth month | February |
Keep it out of the sun
Here is the one real care rule. Amethyst's purple can fade with long exposure to strong sunlight or heat. Ordinary daily wear is fine, but do not store it for months on a sunny windowsill or leave it baking in a hot car. Clean it with warm water, a little mild soap, and a soft brush, and dry it. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe for a clean amethyst, but skip steam and strong heat, as the GIA care guidance advises. When you put it away, our guide to storing jewellery covers keeping it in the dark and separate from harder stones that could scratch it.
Who amethyst suits
Amethyst suits anyone who loves purple and wants real presence for a modest budget. It is a natural February birthstone gift, a fantastic pendant or statement cocktail ring, and it pairs beautifully with both yellow gold, which warms it, and white metals, which cool it. If you want an everyday ring that never needs a second thought, a harder stone is a safer bet, but for colour and value, amethyst is hard to beat. It sits nicely alongside its cool-blue cousin, our March aquamarine, if you are collecting birthstones through the year.
Key Takeaways
- Amethyst is purple quartz, Mohs 7, hard enough for jewellery and very affordable even in large sizes.
- The deep, even purples are the most valued, and rich colour matters more than carat size.
- Strong sun and heat over time can fade the colour, so store it in the dark and avoid baking it.
- It is the February birthstone and a strong choice for pendants, earrings, and statement rings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is amethyst hard enough for a ring?
Yes, with realistic expectations. Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, harder than most everyday materials, so it works well in rings. Worn constantly over many years it can pick up fine scuffs, since it is softer than sapphire or diamond. In earrings and pendants it stays sharp almost indefinitely.
Does amethyst fade in sunlight?
It can, with prolonged exposure. Everyday wear and normal daylight are not a problem, but months on a sunny windowsill or long spells of strong heat can pale the purple. Store it away from direct sun and it will hold its colour for many years.
What birthstone is amethyst?
February. Amethyst is the modern February birthstone, which makes it a common birthday gift. Its purple has also long been linked to calm and clarity, part of why it has stayed popular for centuries.
Why is amethyst so affordable?
Because it is plentiful. Large deposits mean amethyst is widely available in big, clean, deeply coloured stones, so prices stay low compared with rarer gems. That is its main appeal: a rich purple with real size for a small budget.
Sources
- GIA — Amethyst (hardness and properties)
- GIA — Amethyst Care and Cleaning
- GIA — Birthstones (amethyst, February)
Data sourced 19 July 2026. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we will update the guide.
Visit Vanhess
We are a family-run studio at 2929 Barnet Highway, Unit 2424 in Coquitlam, with an on-site goldsmith. Come see amethyst in a range of purples, or call us at +1 (604) 653-6449. Browse our pendants and rings, or ask about a custom February birthstone piece.
