February's birthstone is amethyst, a purple to lilac variety of quartz that has belonged to the month since the first American list in 1912.
When the American jewelry trade fixed its birthstone list in 1912, amethyst was assigned to February, and no revision since has added a rival. The choice gives the shortest month a color that stands out against late-winter gray, with shades running from pale lilac to saturated purple. Because amethyst is quartz, it is also one of the more practical gems on the list, hard enough at 7 on the Mohs scale for rings worn every day.
The name goes back to the Greek amethystos, tied to an old belief that the stone kept its wearer sober and clear-headed. Purple's long association with rank helped amethyst become a favorite of royalty, and that regal reputation has followed it into modern jewelry. Couples meet the stone again later in life, since amethyst is the traditional gift for a sixth wedding anniversary.
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, ranging from soft lilac to deep purple. With a hardness of 7, it handles daily wear better than many colored stones. Brazil, Bolivia and Zambia are notable sources today, the United States also produces it, and Russia is known as a historic origin. One practical quirk sets it apart: some amethyst can fade if it sits in strong light for long periods.
Clean amethyst with mild soap, warm water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe, though steam is best avoided, as is high heat in general. Since prolonged strong light can fade some stones, a drawer or lined box makes a better resting place than a sunny windowsill.
| US list | UK list | Japanese list (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Amethyst | Amethyst(Amber) | AmethystChrysoberyl cat's eye |
Amethyst runs from pale lilac to rich purple. All of it is quartz; the purple color is what separates amethyst from other quartz gems such as citrine, one of the November birthstones.
Amethyst is February's main stone in both countries. The National Association of Jewellers in the UK also names amber as an alternative, a stone the American list does not include.
JanuaryGarnet
FebruaryAmethyst
MarchAquamarine
AprilDiamond
MayEmerald
JunePearlMoonstoneAlexandrite
JulyRuby
AugustPeridotSpinel
SeptemberSapphire
OctoberOpalTourmaline
NovemberTopazCitrine
DecemberTurquoiseTanzaniteZirconBirthstones are a jewelry and cultural tradition, and their meanings are folklore. Gem facts are compiled from public material by GIA, the American Gem Society and Jewelers of America.