February's birthstone is the amethyst. Amethyst's contain the second
most abundant mineral found in Earth's crust.
Quartz is often found lining the insides of geodes. So it's no wonder
that geodes sometimes contain amethyst's, too.
Like quartz, amethyst's are a transparent form of silicon dioxide
(SiO2). An amethyst's color can range from a faint mauve to a rich
purple.
It's not clear why they're purple. Some scientists believe the purple
color arises from the amethyst's iron oxide content, while others
attribute the color to manganese or hydrocarbons.
Amethysts are very sensitive to heat. When heated to 400 or 500
degrees Celsius, an amethyst's color changes to a brownish-yellow or
red. Under some circumstances, the stones can turn green when heated.
Heat may even transform an amethyst into a naturally-rare mineral
called citrine. And even without heating, the violet color of an
amethyst may fade over time.
Commercial sources of amethyst are Brazil and Uruguay; while in the
U.S., most amethyst is found in Arizona and North Carolina.
The amethyst has a rich history of lore and legend. It can be traced
back as far as 25,000 years ago in France, where it was used as a
decorative stone by prehistoric humans. It has also been found among
the remains of Neolithic man.
It's said that the signet ring worn by Cleopatra was an amethyst,
engraved with the figure of Mithras, a Persian deity symbolizing the
Divine Idea, Source of Light and Life.
It is also said to be the stone of Saint Valentine, who wore an
amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid. Saint
Valentine's Day is still observed in February.
The word amethyst comes from the Greek word " amethystos" meaning "not
drunk", and was believed to prevent its wearers from intoxication.
The following is a story from Greco-Roman mythology, as quoted from
"Birthstones" by Willard Heaps:
"Bacchus", the god of wine in classical mythology, was offended by
Diana the huntress.
Determined on revenge, he declared that the first person he met as he
went through the forest would be eaten by his tigers.
As it happened, the first person to cross his path was the beautiful
maiden Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana.
In terror, she called upon the goddess to save her, and before his
eyes, Bacchus observed the maiden changed to a pure white, sparkling
image of stone.
Realizing his guilt and repenting his cruelty, Bacchus poured grape
wine over her, thus giving the stone the exquisite violet hue of the
amethyst.
The carryover to non-intoxication was quite logical, and in ancient
Rome, amethyst cups were used for wine, so drinkers would have no fear
of "overindulgence".
The early Egyptians believed that the amethyst possessed good powers,
and placed the stones in the tombs of pharaohs.
During the Middle Ages, it was used as medication, believed to dispel
sleep, sharpen intellect, and protect the wearer from sorcery.
It was also believed to bring victory in battle. In Arabian mythology,
the amethyst was supposed to protect the wearer from bad dreams and
gout.
February's birthstone, the amethyst, was the stone of royalty,
representing power.
Peace 2014
And in the end, friendship is the greatest of strengths to connect two people.
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