Gem of the Month Amethyst

Amethyst is the gemstone associated with the month of February.  

Amethyst is a variety of Quartz best known for it's vivid purple hue which can range from a deep violet to a light lavender hue.  The greek meaning is "with out drunkenness" and is  believed to protect one from poisoning.  It was well known in the ancient times as a sobriety stone and has been used for millennia to prevent drunkenness and help with addictions. 

Known in crystal lore to be a meditative and calming stone amethyst is used to to provide balance, patience and peace.  It can enhance your intuition and spirituality and is excellent for meditation.  It has also been worn to ward off thieves and protect travelers.  

Emotionally if used in crystal healing amethyst can help heal personal losses and grief. Amethyst is said  to have a sedative energy that can also add stability and strength thus promoting happiness and contentment.  

Amethyst is typically mined in southern Brazil and Uruguay a third major exporter is Madagascar.  But this gemstone can be found all over the world.  Specimens have been found in Aztec graves.  There is a place named Amethyst harbor on the Canadian side of Lake Superior in North America. 

 I love creating jewelry using Amethyst because I am drawn to is luscious purple color. I also like the versatility in texture using some in it's more raw geode form as shown below  Amethyst has and will continue to show up in many of my one of a kind works of art in the Aprilierre collection.