Birthstone for February - Amethyst

Amethyst to the ancients was a Precious Stone, at times in history worth as much as a Diamond! It has always been associated with February, the month the Romans dedicated to Neptune, their water-god. It is the stone of St. Valentine & faithful love, passion, creativity & spirituality.  Amethyst is a type of Quartz found around the world & forms as transparent crystals of all sizes, in geodes, clusters & as long single points. Manganese present in clear Quartz produces Amethyst & amounts of iron vary the purple coloration. The name Amethyst comes from the Greek word ametusthos, meaning “not intoxicated" & from ancient legend the wine god Bacchus, angry over an insult, determined to avenge himself decreed the first person he should meet would be devoured by his tigers. The unfortunate mortal happened to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. As the ferocious beasts sprang, she sought the protection of the goddess & was saved by being turned into a clear, white crystal. Bacchus, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, giving the gem its lovely purple hue.