The Birthstones of February: Amethyst and Jasper
Calling all February babies! Whether you’re an Aquarius or a Pieces, all those born in February share two birthstones. The birthstones of February is the Amethyst and Jasper, both gemstones known for healing and positive energy. February is one of the months that has two birthstones, both being its modern and traditional representations. Continue reading to learn more about the symbolism, history, and features about the Amethyst and Jasper gemstones!
Why does February have two birthstones?
February is associated to two birthstones, Amethyst and Jasper, gaining its association throughout history. The months of the year differ in the amounts of birthstones that they’re associated to, each month only having either one or two birthstones, and others having up to three gemstones. In this case, Amethyst has two!
There are different numbers of birthstones per month as there are the associated gemstones that are classified as either modern or traditional. The more common of the two types are modern birthstones, which were officially named by the Jewelers of America in the 1950’s. Traditional birthstones are the gemstones that were more commonly associated with its respective month in the early 20th century and even beyond.
Many of these traditional birthstones have become too rare and are not as available on the market in this day and age, and therefore some months have modern birthstones that differ from its traditional associations. Fortunately, this does not impact February’s birthstones as Amethyst is both its traditional and modern representations. However, an alternative option worth mentioning that has recently been growing in popularity
Amazing Amethysts
Features of Amethysts
The modern and traditional birthstone for the month of February is the Amethyst. The name “amethyst” is actually derived from the Koine Greek “αμέθυστος” or “amethystos.” The “α-” or “a-” translates to “not,” and the “μεθύσκω” or “methysko” means “intoxicate” from Ancient Greek.
The reference of the stone’s name actually stems from the cultural belief that this gemstone can protect its owner from drunkenness, which we explain more in detail later on.
The amethyst gemstone is actually a form of purple quartz, and is in the same family as citrine. The gemstone gets its beautiful color due to the presence of trace elements, irradiation, and iron impurities. The purple color is the most popular form of amethyst, however, the gemstone’s colors can range from a very dark deep purple to a light pinkish violet. Depending on the light, the hues of the deep purple gemstones can look blue or red in certain light.
It is possible for one single Amethyst gemstone to have different layers of colors.
The way an Amethyst gemstone is cut is really important for how you would want your gemstone piece to look. In order words, having your Amethyst gemstone cut carefully is essential if you want to keep its vibrant purple color, just in case it does have the hue of blue, red, or pink that you may not want.
The History and Symbolism of Amethysts
Did you know that amethysts can be found in every corner of the world? Quartz is the second most abundant material that is found in our planet’s crust, and amethyst falls within the quartz family. They are mined all over the world, for example, in Africa, Brazil, Canada, Russia, South America, the United States, and Zambia, and can be found in geodes and in granitic rock cavities. Russia was the main source of amethyst until large deposits were discovered in Brazil in the 19th century. Two of the most important producers of amethyst include Africa and South America.
The amethyst gemstone was believed to have many properties and powers from many different cultures. Generally, the amethyst is known to symbolize peace, clarity, and purification. Here are some beliefs and lore surrounding the gemstone in a variety of cultures:
- As previously stated, the stone’s name comes from the reference that this gemstone can protect its owner from drunkenness as a remedy. Its origin is from its wine-like color which, in effect, associates itself to the god of wine, Bacchus, in Greek mythology.
- The amethyst was also known to keep its owner and wearer clear headed and quick witter during moments of battle and business.
- The Empress Catherine II of Russia from 1729 to 1796 actually loved the gemstone so much that she wore necklaces, earrings, and ornamental pieces featuring the amethyst stone.
- During the Renaissance, those in Europe believed that lovers blinded by passion could be calmed by wearing an amethyst piece.
With the amethyst gemstone being associated with the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries, this stone of peace, clarity, and purification is a great gift for those celebrating their milestones as well as a February birthday!
Maintaining and Caring for Your Amethysts
Amethysts score a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Although most amethysts are good for daily wear, they are actually more susceptible to damage than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. With this in mind, they are great gemstones for earrings, brooches, and pendants, as rings, necklaces, and bracelets are more susceptible to normal wear. However, professional cleaning and polishing at appropriate increments of maintenance is an easy fix to wear.
To put the scale of hardness into perspective, quartz has a hardness of 7 – 7.5 and are present in the particles of dust seen floating in the air and settling on uncleaned objects in your home. These particles have the hardness that is able to remove the polish from your table and the finish from your car. Diamonds have a hardness of 10, which is the hardest gemstone, and the softest includes talc, which is a gemstone that even your fingernail can scratch. These minerals can only be scratched by the hardness level above it, so garnet jewelry owners should wear your amethysts with caution.
Your precious gemstones still deserve care and maintenance to keep it looking as sparkly and pristine as possible.
Amethysts should be cleaned gently with mild soap in warm water with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid bleach, chemical, and abrasive cleaners when touching up your jewelry at home, including lotion and sanitizer. Although amethysts can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner, it is not recommended to use a steam cleaning machine as heat treating also causes permanent changes in the gemstone’s color to a lighter hue.
To learn more about our professional gemstone services, such as a professional clean and polish, feel free to check out a Gemstone Services.
Jeweled Jaspers
Features of Jaspers
One of the most popular alternatives to the February birthstone is the Jasper. The name “jasper” has the word origin meaning “spotted or speckled stone,” from the Old French word “jaspre” or Latin word “iaspidem.”
The jasper gemstone is not only an alternative to the amethyst birthstone, but is also known as the guardian angel birth rock for those born in February.
Just like the amethyst gemstone, the jasper also falls under the quartz family. It is a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz, which consists of tiny crystals colored by impurities, creating opaque, solid, and patterned variations. They generally have a specific physical, chemical, and aesthetic property that makes them a valuable gemstone.
The jasper gemstone comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Some colors of jasper include blood stone, lemon, and green with patterns of poppy, orbicular, landscape, leopard-skin, and Picasso. One of the most unique and popular forms of jasper is the “dalmatian jasper,” which has the famous pattern of the dalmatian dog breed. However, since this stone does not exactly match the properties of a jasper, it takes the proper nomenclature of “dalmatian stone.”
The History and Symbolism of Jaspers
The jasper gemstone can be found in places all over the the world including Australia, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Russia, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
The jasper is generally known to be a healing stone. Generally, the jasper is known to symbolize courage, positive energy, and wisdom. Here are some beliefs and lore surrounding the gemstone in a variety of cultures:
- Jasper gemstones were used to make bow drills between the 4th and 5th millennium and to produce seals around 1800 BC.
- The jasper was one of the most loved gemstones in the ancient world.
- In the Christian belief system, the jasper symbolized hope and was sacred to the Virgin Mary.
- The jasper being a healing stone, it is believed to alleviate stress and be a source to rid negative energies to bring in positive ones. It is also believed to increase focus towards positive thinking.
- In some cultures, the jasper gemstone is known to promote injuries, illnesses, and hospitalizations.
- There are those that believe that the jasper can help the wearer in self-discipline, which is great for those struggling with addiction.
- Similar to the amethyst of purity, the jasper can also aid in removing toxins from the body.
With the jasper gemstone being associated with the 42nd wedding anniversary, this stone of courage, positive energy, and wisdom is a great gift for those celebrating their milestones as well as a February birthday!
Maintaining and Caring for Your Jaspers
Jaspers have a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Although most jaspers, being a type of quartz, are good for daily wear, they are also actually more susceptible to damage than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. With this in mind, they are great gemstones for earrings, brooches, and pendants, as rings, necklaces, and bracelets are more susceptible to normal wear just like amethysts are.
Similar to amethyst jewelry as previously mentioned, garnet jewelry owners should wear jewelry pieces with jasper with caution. Your precious gemstones still deserve care and maintenance to keep it looking as sparkly and pristine as possible.
Jaspers should be cleaned gently with mild soap in warm water with a soft cloth. Avoid bleach, chemical, and abrasive cleaners when touching up your jewelry at home, including lotion and sanitizer. It is best to avoid high heat and sudden temperature changes as these may caught internal cracks inside the gemstone. It is also recommended to not clean your jaspers with ultrasonic cleaners and steam machines.
To learn more about our professional gemstone services, such as a professional clean and polish, feel free to check out a Gemstone Services.
Replacing Your Missing Amethyst or Jasper
Thinking about restoring a loved one’s sentimental birthstone piece? You’re in the right place to restore their precious memories.
Gemstones provide life and brilliance to any piece of jewelry, yet have the highest potential to damage. Whether it be a loose, lost, or scratched-up amethyst or jasper, we take restoring the life of your treasures seriously. Any gem, any damage, we’ll make your jewelry sparkle as bright as the day you got it.
We have a team of specialists in place to properly source every type of gem needed for your treasured item. We understand your gemstones are unique and require specific attention. Our Professional Stone Sourcing team makes sure that all of your gems, even the ones that sometimes go unnoticed, are replaced by stones of the right caliber for your piece.
Visit our Gemstone Replacement Services page to learn more about restoring the brilliance of your Amethyst or Jasper.
Have Questions?
“If you were born in February, your month’s birthstones are Amethysts and Jaspers.
If you didn’t already know, there are some months that have multiple birthstones, whereas some only have one. Traditional birthstones are gemstones that were most commonly associated with its respective month in the early 20th century and even beyond, with Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers associating these gemstones with the star signs. Those that are more commonly known in this day and age are the modern birthstones, which were officially named by the Jewelers of America in the 1950’s.
If you would like to learn more about birthstones in general, visit our Ultimate Birthstone Guide!“
“A basic clean, polish, and inspection is part of the routine care and maintenance needed to keep your jewelry looking like new. The inspection process includes looking for loose stones, bent prongs, and any damage to the metal or stones that need to be repaired.”
“A stone setting repair can be a simple re-tipping of a worn prong (which is considered routine care and maintenance) or the complete rebuilding/replacing of a damaged prong. In the case of severe damage, the entire head of the ring may need to be replaced.
Regardless of whether or not the prongs are compromised due to normal wear and tear or a result of accidental damage, we can provide the routine care and maintenance in order to ensure you do not lose a stone in your setting.”
“The process of a Gemstone Replacement is simple enough, yet requires trained eyes to be able to make a flawless switch. We aim to leave no trace of our work, which means not only will your setting be perfected, but the gemstone we choose will complete your jewelry piece effortlessly.”
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