Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It has been seen in wonderful shades of purple ranging from pale lavender to dark plum. Aside from its beauty, this stone carries with it a very rich history.
The greatest known story for the amethyst stone comes from the Ancient Greeks. This story is about the god of wine and overindulgence, Dionysus. Dionysus was said to be pursuing a mortal woman named Amethystas, and she was aware that she was being pursued by him.
So fearing for her virtue, she prayed to the goddess Artemis, who took pity on the girl who wanted to stay pure. Artemis saved Amethystas by turning her into stone.
Dionysus saw that the girl he desired was now a block of quartz, and in sadness, he wept wine, turning the stone purple. That weeping was said to have created the first amethyst stone.
Throughout history this stone was said to protect its wearer from getting drunk. Amethyst actually got its name from the Greek word “amethystos” which means “sober.” It’s fitting since for years the amethyst was worn to guard someone from intoxication. Also, in medieval times people believed that whomever wore amethyst was gentler than they would be without it.
Soldiers would ride into battle with this stone believing that it would give them a cool head during battle. It was also said to speed up the healing process if injured.
There were years where only royalty was allowed to wear the amethyst stone. Some believed that whomever wore this gem was given great courage and their relationships would be strengthened. Other legends believed that the amethyst could chase away bad dreams, and it could sharpen someone’s intellect.
The amethyst stone has always been a calming sight for people throughout the ages. So anyone born in February should be proud to have the amethyst as a birthstone.
The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.