INSIDE: The Amethyst birthstone is one of the most loved out of all the birthstones. Learn about Amethyst's traditional, natural, and zodiac birthstones, as well as its properties, history, and healing benefits in this article.

 

Amethyst is certainly one of the most beautiful crystals and gemstones on this planet, and it's probably the most popular gemstone in the world.

If you're lucky enough to have an Amethyst birthstone, you most likely have a certain affinity to it and you'll be able to enjoy the healing aspects of it to a larger degree.

Is Amethyst a Birthstone? 

Not only is Amethyst a birthstone, but there are several different types of birthstones that this gemstone is assigned to.

Traditional Amethyst Birthstone:

The traditional Amethyst birthstone is February. Those born during the month of February are fortunate to have such a beautiful, versatile, and beneficial crystal for their birthstone.

But there are two other types of birthstones that get to claim Amethyst as theirs as well...

Natural Birthstone:

The natural birthstone for Amethyst is winter solstice (November 21 - December 20).

Those who were born during that time also have a special bond with Amethyst. In particular, they can wear Amethyst to help boost their creativity, insight, and self-discovery.

Zodiac Birthstone:

The zodiac birthstone for Amethyst is Pisces. That means that those who were born between February 19 and March 20 can also enjoy extra benefits from this healing stone.

Physical Attributes of the Amethyst

Amethyst is a type of quartz, which is otherwise known as silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is the second most abundant mineral and it has a hexagonal crystal system. It is usually transparent but it can sometimes appear opaque.

Amethyst Color

Amethyst comes in hues that range from light lavender to deep purple, and its color derives from the iron oxide and manganese in the quartz. There aren't many purple colored crystals in existence, making Amethysts quite a treat to the eye.

Depending on where the Amethyst is mined from, it can sometimes be on the reddish side, while other times, it is a bluer violet, and it can even be closer to light pink.

Darker and larger terminations (points) are considered to be more valuable as the deeper the color and larger the crystal, the stronger the health benefits.

Amethyst Shapes & Sizes

Amethysts come in many shapes and sizes, some of which are natural while others are shaped for certain purposes, including:

• Faceted stones used in jewelry
• Tumbled stones
• Druzy stones
• Clusters
• Wands
• Spheres
• Hearts
• Amethyst Geodes

Amethyst Geodes can range from very small (1 inch) to over 10 feet high with terminations (points) that range in size as well (from an eighth of an inch to a foot).

Where is Amethyst Mined?

• Brazil and Uruguay are the top miners of Amethyst.

• It is also found in Canada, Zambia, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Morocco, Myanmar, France, India, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Russia, and areas of the U.S. 

• Brazil is known for being most abundant in Amethyst.

• Uruguay has the deepest colored Amethyst.

• The Four Peaks Mine in Arizona produces reddish-purple Amethyst.

Learn more about how Amethyst Geodes are mined and created here.

Historical Attributes of Amethyst

Amethyst has been an essential stone for thousands of years with much folklore that still carries through to today.

Is Amethyst a Precious Stone?

Amethyst is often associated with royalty because the royals have adorned themselves in it for centuries.

These stones used to be prized as one of the most precious gemstones and was right up there with diamond.

When larger areas of Amethysts were discovered, it became a stone that everyone could afford, instead of just the royal and wealthy. Now, Amethyst is considered to be a semi-precious stone.

What Does the Name "Amethyst" Mean?

The name, "Amethyst," comes from the Greek word, "amethusthos," which means "not intoxicated" since it was historically thought to ward off overindulgence and drunkenness.

Additional Facts About Amethyst Throughout History

• Amethyst was the ninth stone in the breastplate of the High Priest.
• The Egyptians created heart-shaped Amethyst amulets for burial purposes.
• Amethysts are often used in rosaries and prayer beads.
• In addition to it being a birthstone, Amethyst is also the 6th anniversary gift.
• The Amethyst coincides with Valentine's Day, which is also in February, because Saint Valentine was said to have worn an Amethyst ring with a Cupid carved into it.

Amethyst Birthstone Meaning

Amethyst has special meaning and provides extra benefits for those who have an Amethyst birthstone. It brings out their inner strength and fuels them with empowerment.

Soothing & Stimulating

Both soothing and stimulating, Amethyst is one of the most well-balanced and versatile crystals out there. This mixture is subtle, yet powerful, as it promotes clarity and focus that is free from stress and anxiety.

Known as "nature's tranquilizer," it provides its user with a serene environment that is full of peace and tranquility but instead of putting you to sleep, it provides a calm alertness.

Spiritual Insights

Amethyst is one of the most loved spiritual crystals, helping to bring its user intuitive insights that can then be combined with intellect to make the best decisions.

Amethyst is associated with the Crown Chakra and Third Eye Chakra, which serves to attune the metaphysical aspects of the self and open us up to higher consciousness.

With its help, we can more easily connect to the Divine, tap into our intuition, and access higher wisdom. Through the functioning of our higher mind, we can then access creativity, imagination, new ideas, manifestation, and heightened focus.

This stone further enhances our spiritual lives by calming our minds and helping us to get into a meditative state.

Protection

Amethyst is also a stone of protection, shielding the body from psychic attack and transmuting negative energy into the energy of love.

It calms anger and resentment, cuts through tension, and provides comfort during times of grief.

Important Warning About Your Amethyst Birthstone

Amethyst should not be worn in the sun because it is extremely heat sensitive and can easily fade. In fact, heating amethysts is how Citrine is created.

Final Thoughts About the Amethyst Birthstone

The Amethyst birthstone is one to be extremely excited about. It's certainly our favorite crystal here at Cosmic Cuts.

We write about Amethyst quite often. In fact, you'll find everything you could ever want to know about Amethysts on our Amazing Amethyst Geode page.

* Crystals and stones should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Please read our full disclosure notice here.