February - Amethyst

The purple color to reddish-purple hues of amethyst has long been a symbol of peace, cleansing and calming energy. The crystals represent purification and connection to spiritual and divine beings. The meaning of amethyst is attached to serenity, understanding, trust and grace. Many cultures have linked spiritual overtones to this gem. Amethyst is believed to have healing properties that protect the bearer against negative energies. Some believe that the stone’s calming properties produce soothing dreams by making us more in tune with the divine. The stone also brings clarity and peacefulness to the waking mind, as they help the mind flow freely in both the mental and metaphysical dimensions. This purple gem is also thought to have wonderful, positive effects of creativity and imaginative powers by enhancing intuition. It empowers its bearers to embrace new ideas and to put their thoughts into action.

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Amethyst is the world's most popular purple gem. It is the purple color variety of quartz that has been used in personal adornment for over 2000 years. It is used to produce faceted stones, cabochons, beads, tumbled stones, and many other items for jewelry and ornamental use. Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7 and does not break by cleavage, making it durable enough for use in rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, and any type of jewelry. Enormous deposits of amethyst in South America and Africa provide enough amethyst to keep the price low. While the word "amethyst" makes most people think of a dark purple gem, amethyst actually occurs in many purple colors. The purple color can be so light that it is barely perceptible or so dark that it is nearly opaque. It can be reddish purple, purple, or violetish purple. Today much of the light amethyst is used to cut small calibrated stones for use in mass-market jewelry. Most of the premium reddish purple color amethyst is being used in high-end or designer jewelry. Value for amethysts depends almost entirely on color. Siberian mines once produced the world’s finest stones.  They featured a particularly rich purple color that glowed with red and blue flashes. Today the term “Siberian” no longer refers to origins. Instead, this is now a trade and grade term referring to colors similar to those of the amethysts mined in Siberia.

 

Care for Your Amethyst Jewelry: Though rare amethyst may fade, avoid prolonged exposure to bright light. Amethyst jewelry is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe except in the rare instances where a stone is dyed or treated by fracture filling. Steam cleaning is not recommended, and amethyst should not be subjected to heat. Take all your fine jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning.

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