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Amethyst
is February's Birthstone
If you're still young enough to remember
your birthday, you probably also remember
the special birthstone assigned to it. But
at your age, we bet you don't really know
the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and
what power the ancients felt would be bestowed
about you by wearing it.
February's
birthstone: Amethyst
Birthstone
powers: Brings peace and calm to your
life
Alternative
Birthstone: Bloodstone Amethyst is the
birthstone for the month of February and
the traditional anniversary gemstone for
the sixth of marriage.
Once
considered more valuable than diamonds,
this member of the quartz member occurs
naturally as crystals within rocks. The
stones are mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri
Lanka, Madagascar, Zambia, Australia and
in the mountains of Russia American amethysts
are mined in Maine, Pennsylvania, North
Carolina, Montana and Colorado. Amethyst
from Maine is usually dark with North Carolina
amethyst having a bluish tint unique to
that area. Amethyst can lighten if exposed
to strong sunlight for a long time. When
heated to 550-560 Centigrade, the color
changes to dark yellow or reddish brown.
(They are then called citrines. These are
more richly colored and more expensive then
natural citrines) Ideally deep medium purple
with rose-colored flashes, amethysts generally
range in hue from pale lilac to nearly black
purple.
Since
purple has always been the color of royalty,
amethysts abound in the ornaments of in
the British Crown Jewels and in the adornments
of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, as
well. They have been found in ruins dating
as far back as the ninth century, adorning
royal jewelry, scepters, and crowns. The
intense violet hue of February's birthstone
appealed to early monarchs, perhaps because
they often wore this color…as a symbol of
their elevated position. Purple dye was
once scarce and expensive, so it was reserved
for the garments of royalty, and the color
came to symbolize power and status.
Sobering
Thoughts with Amethyst
The Greeks believed that whoever wore an
amethyst or drank from an amethyst cup would
not become intoxicated. In fact, the word
amethyst is derived from the Greek word
"amethystos," meaning sober. In ancient
Greece, the gemstone was associated with
the god of wine, and it was common practice
to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets
in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence.
It was also claimed that amethyst had a
sobering effect on those "drunk" on love's
passion. Even today, amethyst is considered
a stabilizing force for those struggling
to overcome addictive behaviors. In general,
the gemstone is believed to be a calming,
tranquil influence that symbolizes peace.
Amethyst
and Prayer
Amethyst is symbolic of piety, spirituality,
and a devotion to God. The rich purple gemstones
are used worldwide to ornament churches
and crosses used in religious ceremony,
and they frequently found in the rings and
on the rosaries worn by bishops and priests.
It is also believed that amethysts bring
on pleasant dreams because they allow you
to "channel" positive universal energy.
As a result many people place an amethyst
under their pillow before going to sleep
at night to enjoy "sweet dreams" throughout
the night.
About
the Author
For
more information on jewelry and gemstones,
we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com
to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy
Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped
Off." This concise, informative special
report reveals almost everything you ever
wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones,
but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report
at www.morninglightjewelry.com.
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