Amethyst: The Birthstone of February

Amethyst, with its deep violet hue, is one of the most beloved gemstones in the world and the birthstone of February. It is also the stone of Valentine's Day, a double symbolism for the month of love. A member of the quartz family, amethyst owes its colour to iron and natural irradiation within its crystalline structure. It was worn by bishops, kings, and pharaohs before becoming more widely accessible following the discovery of Brazilian deposits in the 19th century.

At Mayuri, amethyst is available as a bespoke creation in 18K gold, with your choice of violet shade. Discover its fascinating history, its lesser-known varieties, a quality and price guide, care advice, and how to gift the February birthstone.

The birthstone of February is amethyst, a variety of macrocrystalline quartz with a violet colour. It is the most precious of all quartz varieties and the best-known violet stone in fine jewellery.

The association between amethyst and the month of February appears in the official 1912 list established by the Jewelers of America, as well as in much older European traditions. February offers a double opportunity: birthstone and Valentine's Day within the same month. Violet amethyst is naturally romantic, making it a perfect choice to celebrate both occasions.

The name comes from the Greek a-methystos, meaning "that which prevents intoxication." The myth of Dionysus tells that the god of wine, drunk with rage, unleashed his wild beasts upon a young woman named Amethyst. Artemis transformed her into a crystal of white quartz to protect her, and Dionysus, overcome with remorse, poured wine over the stone, giving it its characteristic violet colour.

In ancient Egypt, amethyst was carved into amulets and seals. Specimens have been found in royal tombs. The Catholic clergy adopted amethyst as the episcopal stone: bishops traditionally wear an amethyst ring as a symbol of sobriety and spiritual wisdom.

Until the 18th century, amethyst was ranked among the precious gemstones, on a par with the diamond. The discovery of immense geodes in Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul) made the stone abundant and far more accessible. Amethyst is also the traditional gift stone for the 6th wedding anniversary.

Amethyst is composed of SiO2 (silicon dioxide), the same formula as rose quartz, citrine, and smoky quartz. Its violet colour is produced by iron (Fe3+) subjected to natural irradiation within the crystal.

• Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, robust enough for everyday wear, and superior in hardness to both Emerald and tanzanite
• Crystal system: trigonal. Amethyst forms spectacular geodes, among the largest crystalline formations found in nature
• Refractive index: 1.544 to 1.553. Low birefringence (0.009)

Amethyst often displays colour banding, an alternation of deep violet and colourless zones. Stones with a uniform colour are rarer and more highly prized.

A surprising fact: when heated to between 300 and 500 °C, amethyst irreversibly transforms into citrine. Approximately 95% of the citrines on the market are heat-treated amethysts.

To explore the properties of this gemstone in greater depth, consult the full GIA guide on amethyst.

Not all amethysts are alike. Each variety has its own nuances, origin, and value.

Deep Siberian (also known as "Siberian amethyst"): an intense violet with red and blue undertones, it represents the highest standard of quality. Historically sourced from Russia's Ural region, the term today refers primarily to a colour grade rather than a place of origin.

Uruguayan: a deep violet with strong saturation, sourced from the geodes of Uruguay and southern Brazil. Among the finest qualities readily available on the market.

Rose de France: a pale violet with hints of lavender or lilac. A delicate and romantic hue, popular in contemporary fine jewellery and more accessible than the deeper varieties.

Ametrine: half-amethyst, half-citrine within a single crystal, a naturally bicoloured gemstone. It originates almost exclusively from the Anahí mine in Bolivia and remains one of the rarest naturally bicoloured gemstones in the world.

Zambian Amethyst: mid-range quality, generally good colour, consistent production.

Amethyst is the most popular stone in crystal healing in France. In this practice, it is associated with the crown chakra (Sahasrara) and the third eye chakra (Ajna). It is said to carry soothing properties, promoting sleep, meditation and mental clarity.

This tradition dates back to Antiquity: the Greeks drank from amethyst cups to ward off intoxication. Monks used amethyst rosaries to aid spiritual focus.

In its modern symbolism, amethyst evokes serenity, balance and wisdom. It is the ideal stone to guide a February birth towards a year of harmony.

Colour (the defining criterion, accounting for approximately 50% of the value): saturation is the primary factor. A deep, uniform violet, free of visible colour zoning, is the most sought after. The ideal hue is a pure violet with red flashes.

Clarity: gem-quality amethyst is generally eye-clean. Visible inclusions significantly reduce the stone's value.

Cut: the cut influences colour depth. A cut that is too shallow lightens the stone, while one that is too deep darkens it. The oval, round and cushion shapes are classic choices.

Carat weight: unlike many other gemstones, the price per carat of amethyst does not increase dramatically with size. Beautiful stones of 5 to 10 carats remain very accessible.

Treatment: most amethysts are sold without treatment. If the stone has been heated to lighten its colour, this must be disclosed.

Our advice: look for a uniform, saturated colour. Visible zoning (alternating bands) reduces the value.

Amethyst offers excellent value for money in fine jewellery. Here are the price ranges by variety:

• Rose de France: $6 to $24 per carat, the most accessible variety, ideal for larger pieces
• Standard amethyst (good saturation): $12 to $60 per carat
• Deep Siberian / Uruguayan premium: $60 to $180 per carat for the most intense and uniform colours
• Ametrine (Bolivia): $18 to $60 per carat, rare and distinctive

Beautiful amethysts are worth more than most people expect. A Deep Siberian of 5 carats can exceed $600 for the stone alone. That said, amethyst remains an elegant Valentine's Day gift without the budget of a Diamond or a Sapphire.

February offers a wonderful double occasion: the birthstone and Valentine's Day fall within the same month. Violet is the colour of royalty, spirituality and romance. Amethyst has been naturally associated with love since antiquity, from Dionysus to Saint Valentine, patron of lovers and jewellers.

Gift ideas by budget: amethyst Earrings in 18K yellow gold (an accessible gift), an amethyst pendant (a statement piece), or an amethyst ring (a meaningful token of commitment).

Mayuri's bespoke service allows you to choose the precise shade of violet, from delicate lavender (Rose de France) to deep royal purple (Deep Siberian), tailored to the personality of the person you are gifting.

With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is durable enough for everyday wear, harder than tanzanite (6.5) and less brittle than Emerald.

Cleaning: warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. A simple and safe method. An ultrasonic cleaner is acceptable unless the stone contains visible fractures.

Sensitivity to light: amethyst may lose its colour under prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or UV rays. Avoid displaying an amethyst piece in a window or leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods. This is the most important consideration for this stone.

Sensitivity to heat: avoid sudden thermal shocks. Do not wear the piece in a sauna or near an open flame in the kitchen.

Storage: in an individual jewellery case, away from light and kept separate from other jewellery to prevent scratching.

Amethyst stands out for its accessibility and durability. For those seeking a violet stone in fine jewellery without the budget of a Sapphire or tanzanite, it is the natural choice.