Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is often thought of as a rich purple color that has long been associated with royalty and nobility. In reality, this stone is a variety of the mineral Quartz and can range from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple that can read more blue or red, depending on the light. Amethyst gemstones are often associated with qualities of peace, courage, strength and stability.
The color in an amethyst stone comes from natural irradiation, iron impurities and the potential presence of other trace elements. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, which is the same as other quartz, which makes it a beautiful and lasting option for jewelry.
Amethyst is found all over the world, with some of the most precious deposits still found the vicinity of Greece, Italy, the Middle East, Brazil, Uruguay and the North of Africa.
When caring for your amethyst you should be aware that the stones are still sensitive to extreme heat. Gem inclusion can also make these stones susceptible to shattering in ultrasonic cleaners. Clean your gemstone by using a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water.