Wednesday 7 March 2012

What Is The February Birth Stone

By Erinn MacFussy


According to the Gregorian Calender, Amethyst is the February birth stone. This is linked is with the Star sign Aquarius, the 'Water Bearer' which runs from January 21st - February 19th. As with many of the gems, there are significant meanings and notable healing properties attributed to Amethyst.

Initially, birth stones received a bad public reaction as they were devised by the American National Association of Jewellers as a commercial venture. The list was produced in 1912 in Kansas City, Missouri and included one gemstone for each month of the year. Despite the fundamental reaction, this list is still valid to this day.

What is most notable about the gemstone are the rich colors of red, purple, and lilac that come in the shape of a hexagon. In the past, purple had religious connotations concerning grief and loss which changed as color production developed to be considered an indication of status, often associated with royalty. There are only a few select places where the gem is actively sourced in South America and Africa.

This notable gem is attributed to healing headaches, arthritis, problems with the circulatory system, insomnia and most impressively, withdrawal of addiction. Amethyst comes from the Greek 'Amethystos' which translates as a remedy for drunkenness. Labeled the 'Sobriety stone', it is said to prevent drunken behaviour and even cure alcoholism. Drinking from an Amethyst cup is also attributed to good luck and shrewd business dealings.

In Greek mythology, Bacchus and the goddess Diana clashed over a young woman called Amethyst. Angry at mortals, Bacchus declared to feed the next mortal he saw to tigers. Goddess Diana tried to protect the woman by changing her into a pillar when she came to worship her. Bacchus saw that Diana was attempting to spare the fate of the woman. He saw the error of his ways and as a gesture of goodwill, covered the pillar in wine, coloring it purple, like amethyst.

Amethyst is a highly regarded gem, the largest of which can be seen at the Natural History Museum in London at 343 carats. It is given to couples celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary and provides the owner with peace, courage, balance, and inner strength. Burning the gem makes it turn yellow and is known as 'burnt amethyst'.

As the owner of the February birth stone, bearers can expect assistance with a collection of ailments, inability to become too drunk, and a peace and stability in their life.




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