February: Amethyst
February’s birthstone is the ever-popular Amethyst. Amethyst is a purple gem whose hue can range
from a pale lilac to a rich, dark purple.
Its great variety of shades makes it an extremely popular choice for fashion
jewelry lovers.
Amethyst has always been a much-loved gemstone. Throughout history, this gem has carried
symbolic meaning for many religions and cultures across the world. The Catholic Church believed that it
symbolized celibacy and piety. Tibetans
felt that Amethyst was sacred to the Buddha.
Greeks thought that Amethysts were an antidote to drunkenness (hence the
name “Amethyst,” which comes from the Greek “Amethystos,” meaning “not
drunken”). The Chinese philosophy of
Feng Shui believes that Amethyst enhances your “wealth corner.” Even Leonardo Da Vinci thought that it was
able to expel evil thoughts and quicken intelligence. Goblets, rosaries, and crown jewels have all
been fashioned from Amethysts.
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. Mining of this gem is plentiful, as it can be
found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil,
Uruguay, Zambia, Namibia, and many other African
countries.
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