Month 02 · gemstone almanac
February
birthstone
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, ranging from pale lilac to deep purple. Its color comes from iron impurities and irradiation. It's been prized for millennia as a royal and spiritual stone.
Share the February birthstone guide
Immediate answer
Amethyst
- Modern list
- Amethyst
- Traditional list
- AmethystSame as the modern list
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Reference policy
- Primary sources over folklore summariesAlternatives remain visible when a source lists them
Which list are you being given?
February gives the same answer on both lists
Most pages that answer “what is the february birthstone” quote one list without saying which. There are two in common use: the modern American list standardised by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and revised since, and the older traditional list that preceded it.
| List | Stone(s) for February | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Modern | Amethyst | Standardised in 1912 and maintained since; used by current gemological guidesThe list this site leads with |
| Traditional | Amethyst | Older lists predating the 1912 standardisationUnchanged for this month |
What changed: nothing. February kept Amethyst through the 1912 standardisation and every documented revision since, which is why sources agree on it.
The modern list was designed around transparent, faceted gems so that jewellers could set several children's stones in one ring. That commercial motive, not a gemological discovery, is why some months changed. Later revisions added alexandrite and citrine in 1952, tanzanite in 2002, and spinel in 2016.
Neither list is more “correct”: a birthstone assignment is a published convention, not a property of the gem or of the month. If a gift matters, ask which list the recipient grew up with.
Gem facts
Identity, color, and durability
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, ranging from pale lilac to deep purple. Its color comes from iron impurities and irradiation. It's been prized for millennia as a royal and spiritual stone.
- Names in use
- Purple Quartz · Bishop's Stone
- Mohs hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
Typical color palette
- #9966CC
- #800080
- #E6E6FA
- #4B0082
Symbolic tradition
Meanings and crystal traditions
Amethyst represents peace, stability, and inner strength. It was believed to prevent intoxication in ancient times and is associated with clarity of mind and spiritual protection.
- Crystal traditions associate amethyst with calm and clarity
- Meditation traditions connect amethyst with intuition and reflection
- Ancient Greek lore linked amethyst with sobriety
- Modern symbolic readings use amethyst as a sign of inner strength
- These interpretations are traditions, not scientific effects
Interpretation label: Personality words such as intuitive, calm, creative, spiritual, wise belong to symbolic birthstone readings. They are not traits caused by a gemstone or birth month.
Context
History and cultural variations
The name comes from the Greek 'amethystos' meaning 'not intoxicated.' Ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels from it, believing it would prevent drunkenness.
Protection from intoxication
Episcopal ring stone, symbolizing piety
Used in jewelry and amulets
Sacred stone for meditation
Variation note: Historical beliefs are presented as beliefs. A source can document a tradition without proving a physical or medical effect.
Practical guide
Jewelry care and gift ideas
- Clean with warm soapy water
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure (can fade)
- Steam cleaning is generally safe
- Store away from harder gemstones
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
Care note: Treatments, inclusions, and settings can change safe cleaning methods. Ask a qualified jeweler when a stone's treatment history is unknown.
Budget ideas
Amethyst tumbled stones · Amethyst pendant · Small amethyst cluster
Mid-range ideas
Amethyst ring · Amethyst geode slice · Amethyst earrings
Premium ideas
Deep purple amethyst necklace · Large amethyst geode · Custom amethyst jewelry