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Birtstones
February
Amethyst is the purple variety of Quartz and
the February birthstone. It forms in brilliant
6-sided prism crystals where the strong purple
color is concentrated at the tips while the rest of
the crystal fades to colorless. Up until the 19th
century the primary source of Amethyst in the
ancient world was Russia and it was equal in
value to Ruby. It would adorn royalty and
clergy who loved it for its rich purple color
which is said to represent purity of spirit.
Legend says that St. Valentine wore an amethyst
ring with the image of cupid carved in it as he
defi ed the Roman emperors' orders and married
couples who were forbidden to marry.
The lore associated with Amethyst has to be
some of the best in the gem world. Because of
its color Amethyst is often associated with
Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. A French
poem written in 1576 describes the events that
led to the creation of Amethyst. Bacchus was in
a rage and decided the fi rst mortal he came
across would be devoured by his tigers. His
would-be victim was the pure and beautiful
Amethyst who was on her way to worship the
goddess Diana. When Diana discovered
Bacchus's plot, she turned Amethyst into a pure
clear stone to protect her from the tigers.
Bacchus, recognizing his cruelty poured his
wine over the stone as an act of repentance.
Giving Amethyst its purple color and allowing
for its association with wine.
The name Amethyst is derived from Amethystos,
a Greek word meaning "not drunk." It was very
common in ancient Greece to have wine goblets
made of amethyst. It was believed to reduce the
effects of alcohol and make you wise in your
business dealings. I think the other benefi t
might be that you can drink water while your
guests drink wine, and nobody is the wiser.
Wearing an amethyst is believed to have the
same sobering effect, so cheers to Amethyst.
Assael
Amethyst
Alex Sepkus
Amethyst
