With February birthdays rolling around, it’s time to start thinking, what is February birthstone called? If that question brought you here, you’re in the right place. Cheers! :coffee: And welcome to BirthdayBullseye.com.
This page is all about February’s birthstone, with some helpful facts you can use to present your birthstone gift! Giving flowers this year? Learn about February’s birth flower and insert the info into the card when you present them.
What is February Birthstone?
February’s birthstone is amethyst, a beautiful violet stone.
The name amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos, which means “not intoxicated.”
Legend has it that the stone protects its wearer from drunkenness, which is why ancient Greeks used to make drinking vessels out of amethyst. :beer:
It’s a beautiful member of the quartz family with strange myths and beautiful meanings. It’s amethyst, and it’s one of my favorite gems. My husband and I like to go rock-hounding for this lovely little treasure.
Read on about the “stone of sobriety,” along with other myths and legends about the amethyst birthstone…
What is February Birthstone Called?
Traditional & Modern Gem:
Amethyst
February Birthstone Meaning: Calm, Balance, Patience, Peace, Sincerity
Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February, and the modern birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Pisces. It’s also the official state gemstone of South Carolina.
The largest deposit of amethysts in the world is in Brazil, but the stones are found in many other countries as well, including Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and the United States (in Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, and North Carolina).
Amethysts range in color from very pale pink to deep purple and can be found in a wide variety of jewelry settings. They are especially popular in rings and earrings.
This stone is durable enough for everyday wear. Amethysts are often cut into faceted stones or used as cabochons (smooth, rounded pieces). Popular jewelry designs featuring amethysts include rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets.
Amethyst was once believed to sharpen your intelligence, control wicked thoughts, and calm overly passionate feelings of romance. It’s said to bring happiness, contentment, and clarity of mind.
Amethyst Birthstone Poem
The February-born may find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If she an amethyst will wear.
Let her an amethyst but cherish well,
And strife and care can never with her dwell.
The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, pg 327
What is February Birthstone Facts & Mythology?
Every birthstone has a backstory. And Amethyst, being in the quartz family, it’s a stone that’s renowned for its strength. Its purple color ranges anywhere from light lavender to a deep, rich, royal violet.
It’s one of the foundational stones listed in the book of Revelations in the Bible, as well as a stone in the breastplate of Aaron as described in Exodus.
Amethyst was once thought to bring pain relief and immunity, or protection and healing, to the wearer. It was even used in ancient times by soldiers to adorn armor. It was believed it would protect them in battle and help them defeat their enemies.
In medieval Europe, amethysts were thought to ward off evil and were often worn by bishops and priests. Today, many people still believe in the power of amethysts and wear them as talismans or carry them as worry stones.
Here’s an interesting one… old myths claim it was a stone of soberness, meaning it could keep you from getting drunk. Now that would make a funny gift basket – amethyst and alcohol! 🙂
What is February Birthstone’s Color?
Purple is the color of February’s birthstone. It’s not surprising that purple symbolizes good judgment, industry, loyalty and faithfulness. It’s also a color of peace, contentment, and purification. Taking one look at this beautiful stone, I think you can totally understand that.
Purple became a color of nobility because they were often the only ones who could afford to buy things in this color. Purple dye was hard to make, and purple stones were more difficult to find. Thus, it is revered as the color of royalty.
What is February’s Birth Flower?
The tradition of assigning a birthflower to each month of the year dates back to the early 1700s. It was first mentioned in a children’s book called “The Language of Flowers,” which was published in London in 1819. In this book, various flowers were assigned different meanings. For example, the rose meant love, while the violet symbolized faithfulness.
February Birth Flower – Violet
The modern February birth flower is violet – interestingly the same color as the February birthstone. Like its color, violets mean faithfulness and loyalty, but they also represent inspiration and modesty. It is a symbol of peace and power.
These charming little flowers have been referenced in literature and poetry for centuries. William Shakespeare wrote extensively about violets, famously comparing them to the eyes of his dark-haired love in Sonnet 97. In Greek mythology, Io was turned into a white cow by Juno and forced to roam the earth. To comfort Io during her travels, Jupiter sent her violets as a sign that he was still thinking of her.
Violets have a long history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. They were often used as garlands and decorations because of their pleasant scent.
This also happens to be the traditional birth flower for the month of March.
February Birth Flower – Primrose
February’s birth flower is the primrose! Primroses come in a variety of colors including yellow, white, pink, red, and purple. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “The name primrose is derived from Old English priomros or primerose, meaning “first rose of spring.” This name was given to the plant because it was among the first flowers to bloom in spring.”
The sweet, yellow primrose if February’s traditional birth flower, meaning “I can’t live without you!” It is a perfect birthday sentiment for someone you really care about – whether they are your best friend, your girlfriend, or your mother.
Sources: See sources listed on the Birthstone Color Chart page.
Up Next:
March Birthstones And Flowers: Lucky Charms And Good Health
Previously:
January Birthstones – A Month Of Passion, Power And Fire
Related Reading:
Birthstone Facts and FAQS: How Did The Birthstone Tradition Begin?
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