The birthstone
for February is the amethyst.
Amethyst is the best known and most valuable form of quartz. Its
name is derived from the Greek amethustos (not drunken);
ancient belief held that anyone wearing an amethyst could not
become intoxicated.
According to Greek legend, Bacchus, the god of wine, created this
beautiful purple stone. To avenge an insult, he vowed to have
a tiger devour the first person he met. That person happened to
be a beautiful, young maiden named Amethyst. The maiden cried
out for Diana to save her and was turned into a brilliant, white
crystal. When he saw what he had done, Bacchus was full of remorse.
He poured whine over the stone maiden, turning it a lovely violet
color.
Mohs hardness: 7
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553
Specific Gravity: 2.65
The toughness of amethysts is good. Amethyst may be cleaned by
using jewelry cleaners, mild soap, or an untreated cloth. However,
steaming, ultrasonic, and boiling amethyst is not recommended!
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Fine quality amethysts are found in Uruguay and are deep purple.
More common amethysts are found in Brazil and are light to medium
purple.
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Ametrine, also known as trystine, is a unique bicolor gemstone
that occurs naturally. It represents two of the most valued members
of the quartz species in a single stone: citrine and amethyst.
Ametrine was discovered in 1977, and it has become increasingly
popular.
