February Birthstone: Amethyst
February's birthstone is amethyst, the purple variety of quartz. Here's what the colour means, how it wears day to day, why it can fade, and how to choose one as a gift.
Key takeaways
- The February birthstone is amethyst, the purple variety of quartz, ranging from pale lilac to deep royal violet (American Gem Society).
- Amethyst measures 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, hard enough for everyday rings with a little sensible care (see our amethyst guide).
- It was once ranked among the most valuable gems in the world; large deposits found in Brazil later made it far more affordable, so you get big, rich colour for the money.
- Deep, even purple with flashes of red or blue is the most prized colour; very pale or unevenly zoned stones are worth less.
- Amethyst is the traditional stone for a 6th wedding anniversary, so a February birthday and that anniversary can share one piece (6-year anniversary stone).
- Strong sunlight over long periods can fade amethyst's colour, so it is worth storing pieces out of direct light.
What is the February birthstone?
The February birthstone is amethyst. It is the purple form of quartz, and its colour runs the whole way from a soft pale lilac to a deep, saturated royal violet (American Gem Society). That range is one of the nicest things about it. Someone who wants a quiet, everyday stone can have a gentle lavender, while someone who wants their jewellery to make a statement can go for the deep grape colour with red and blue flashes inside it. It is the same gemstone either way, so February babies get to pick the mood.
Colour, hardness and daily wear
Amethyst comes in at 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, the ten-point ranking gemmologists use for scratch resistance (International Gem Society). That is the same hardness as garnet and quartz generally, and it means amethyst is a fair choice for a ring you wear most days, so long as you are not bashing it against worktops. It will hold up to ordinary handling and it resists everyday dust well. What you do want to watch is colour, not scratches. Amethyst can fade if it sits in strong sunlight for months on end, so I tell customers to keep pieces in a box or drawer when they are not being worn rather than on a sunny windowsill. You can read the full detail on our amethyst page, and see how it lines up against other options in the gemstone guide. When you are judging quality, the deep even purples with a hint of red or blue are the ones jewellers rate most highly.
Meaning and history
Amethyst has a long and slightly grand history. For centuries it was treated as one of the truly precious stones, sitting alongside diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire, and it turns up in royal and religious jewellery across Europe. The name comes from an old Greek word linked to sobriety, and amethyst has long been associated with a clear head and self-control, which is a charming story to pass on with a gift even if you take it lightly. Its status changed in the 1800s when very large deposits were found in Brazil and elsewhere. Suddenly there was plenty of it, and the price came down to earth. That is good news for a modern buyer: you can now get a big, richly coloured amethyst without the price that colour would once have commanded.
Choosing and gifting a February piece
Purple is a flattering colour on almost everyone, which makes amethyst an easy gift to get right. If you are buying for someone who already has a lot of jewellery, a deep-violet cocktail ring is a proper centrepiece and, at amethyst prices, you can afford a generous stone. For a first fine piece, or for someone gentle with their things, a pendant sits beautifully and shows the colour off against the skin. Earrings are the safe everyday choice because they take almost no knocks at all. Amethyst's 7 on Mohs means a ring is perfectly workable too; I would just steer you towards a bezel or a slightly lower setting for daily wear. Because we design and set everything in-house here in Coquitlam, we can build a piece around a particular amethyst you have fallen for, match a pale stone to white gold or a deep one to yellow gold, and pair it with the right diamonds or plain metal to suit the wearer. If the February birthday also happens to line up with a 6th wedding anniversary, amethyst is the traditional stone for that year, so one piece can quietly mark both (6-year anniversary pieces). Couples who like that kind of double meaning often start with our bespoke anniversary work. For the wider picture of how amethyst fits the calendar, our birthstones guide lays out every month.
Mark a February birthday in the right stone
Bring the month, the stone and a rough budget. Our on-site goldsmith in Coquitlam will design it with you — set a gem you already own, or build something new around your birthstone.
Prefer to talk? Call our studio at (604) 653-6449.Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for February?
Amethyst is the February birthstone. It is the purple variety of quartz and ranges from pale lilac to deep royal violet.
How hard is amethyst and is it fine for a ring?
Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is durable enough for a ring worn most days. A bezel or lower setting helps protect it from knocks.
What colour of amethyst is best?
A deep, even purple with flashes of red or blue is the most prized. Very pale stones and ones with patchy, uneven colour are less valuable.
Does amethyst fade?
It can. Long exposure to strong sunlight may lighten the colour over time, so store pieces out of direct light when you are not wearing them.
Why is amethyst more affordable than it used to be?
It was once ranked among the most precious gems, but large deposits found in Brazil and elsewhere in the 1800s made it plentiful and much cheaper, so you get strong colour for the money.
What does amethyst symbolise?
Its name comes from a Greek word linked to sobriety, and it has long been associated with a clear head and self-control.
Is amethyst a wedding anniversary stone?
Yes, amethyst is the traditional stone for a 6th wedding anniversary, so it can mark both a February birthday and that anniversary.
How do I clean amethyst jewellery?
Use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then rinse and dry. Avoid harsh chemicals, steam, and prolonged heat or sunlight.