What Makes Amethyst So Magical’

The birthstone of February is amethyst, and if you're a lover of the excellence of this purple gemstone, there's no better time than February to purchase wine-colored amethyst jewelry. Of course, beyond the surface excellence of amethysts, there's a lot more going on with this gemstone underneath.

As one of our favorite semiprecious gemstones, we adore everything that can be done with amethysts here at BARONS Jewelers, and we're here to help our customers discover the fashion rings and other pieces of jewelry that dazzle their February someone's imagination.

SCIENCE

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz crystal, meaning that the famous purple gem is related to other quartz crystals. Citrine, aventurine, prasiolite, rose quartz, and tiger's eye are all variations of quartz gems, and have a chemical formula of SIO2—or, silicon dioxide. It might be amusing to realize, but your favorite TACORI Crescent Crown necklace is made with gems that have been magically transformed by nature from humble sand.

Of course, if amethysts were only silicon dioxide, they'd be completely clear. It's the presence of iron ions in the crystal, as well as millennia of natural radiation seeping in from surrounding elements, that gives amethyst its floral hue.

HISTORY

Amethyst has been a gemstone adored since its discovery in prehistory. Bright purple has been a relatively rare color in history, and it's been reserved for aristocracy and royalty. Amethyst isn't exempt from that historical preference. Regarded as one of the "cardinal gems" for centuries, amethysts were reserved for the fashion necklaces, cameos, and other types of jewelry owned by kings.

In the 19th century, however, tons of amethyst were discovered in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, making the gemstone far more common. Today, amethyst is a fixture of jewelry design, part of works by designers such as Bellari and others.

SYMBOLISM

Human imagination often ties things together based on their physical qualities. In the case of amethyst, the ancient Greeks saw the color of their favorite wine reflected in the violet of the stone and imagined that amethyst could prevent intoxication. In fact, this is where we get the name amethyst: "Améthustos" means "I am not drunk" in Classical Greek. Because of its relationship with clear thinking and abstinence, amethyst was chosen in previous centuries for the gold rings worn by Catholic bishops.

Whatever your beliefs about the spiritual power of amethyst, it remains a beautiful gemstone that's great for gift-giving. The February birthstone is something that's dazzling all year round, but there's something special about adding some of its purple hue to a gloomy time of year.

If you'd like to learn more about the amethyst jewelry and the birthstone pieces we offer at BARONS Jewelers, don't hesitate to give us a call today. We're always ready to become the jewelry store of choice for those doing some birthday shopping for their loved ones! You can reach our Dublin, California showroom at (925) 278 6506!