At first, it may not make much sense why February is associated with the royal purple amethyst, but the gemstone's rich history and mysterious beauty make it a worthy choice.
After January's dark and cold, Amethyst's calming energies bring a breath of fresh air. Its energy can be felt almost instantly, radiating peace and clarity.
But that's just the beginning—this fab Feb birthstone has so much more to offer! We'll walk you through everything you need to know about Amethyst, the official birthstone for the month of February!
February birthstone meaning
Revered since ancient times, Amethyst has long been recognized as a powerful stone of transformation, self-reflection, and healing. Believed to protect against drunkenness during ancient Greek and Roman times, this gemstone continues to be associated with spiritual protection, emotional stability, and enhanced intuition.
Linked to the Third Eye and Crown Chakras, Amethyst's purifying energies bring balance to your mind, body, and soul: preparing you for higher levels of consciousness and inner peace.
If you've been feeling stuck, blocked, or just generally lost on your path in life, introducing Amethyst into your routine could be the key to busting out of those patterns and inviting fresh, new energy into your life.
Where Amethyst is found
Russia supplied most of the world's Amethyst in the past, but now Brazil is known as the top producer. Despite its unmistakable beauty, the gemstone is actually quite affordable, owing to its abundance in nature.
You can also find excellent specimens from Bolivia, Zambia, South America, and the United States, particularly in North Carolina.
Amethyst variations and colors
The February birthstone's color generally ranges from a light lavender to a deep, royal purple, which comes from iron inclusions as well as the natural irradiation of its crystalline structure.
Though you can find Amethysts that have been treated with heat to produce yellow, red-orange, blue, and green hues, such stones are considered by most collectors to be merely colored Quartz, not true Amethyst.
Amethyst healing properties
Because of its strong connection to our Third Eye and Crown chakras, Amethyst is an ideal ally for mental clarity and emotional healing. The gemstone is said to help bring a natural balance between our spiritual and physical selves, allowing us to let go of any energy blockages that are holding us back.
Amethyst is also known as a natural remedy for stress relief. It helps to clear out negative emotions like fear, worry, anger, and sadness, replacing them with a sense of relaxation and inner balance.
These calming properties can also be effective in treating insomnia, restoring equilibrium to the mind's nocturnal patterns, and helping us drift into a more restful, peaceful sleep.
All of these properties clear us for spiritual take-off. With a light and love-filled heart, we become better equipped to pursue higher forms of understanding, allowing us to reach deeper realms of consciousness and personal growth.
Keeping an Amethyst close to your body is a simple and effective way to benefit from the gemstone's gifts. Wearing Amethyst jewelry is a great option if you're looking for a fashionable way to do this.
February Alternative Birthstones
If Amethyst's properties aren't what you need in your life right now, don't worry! While Amethyst is the traditional February birthstone, you won't be the first February baby to go with another gem. You'll be in great company!
Check out these four alternatives and see which one speaks to you most:
Bloodstone February birthstone
One of the best purifying stones out there, the February birthstone Bloodstone helps to detox the body and mind from toxic emotions and thoughts. If you've been feeling like your mind is a cesspool of negative energy, a Bloodstone can set you right at ease. Grounding and stabilizing, it's a great stone for anyone in need of an emotional reset.
Aquamarine February birthstone
With a lot of the same calming vibes as Amethyst, the February birthstone Aquamarine is a great alternative birthstone for those who've been feeling overwhelmed and scattered. Its tranquil waves cleanse negative energies and leave you feeling clear, focused, and relaxed.
Known to help clear out any energetic blockages, this gemstone blasts away feelings of fear, worry, anxiety, and anger—-freeing us to speak our truth and embrace our authenticity.
Garnet February birthstone
Known mainly as the birthstone for January, Garnet is also known as a February birthstone.
The dark-red gemstone is known to bring forth inner strength, courage, passion, and inspiration. Nudging our hearts to bloom in new directions, Garnet encourages us to take chances and explore life—and love—without fear, anxiety, or doubt.
A perfect birthstone for February babies who want their Valentine's Day to be extra special.
Jasper February birthstone
The February Jasper is known to bring balance and harmony into relationships—no matter their shape or size. Awaken your kundalini through this gemstone and you'll find yourself closer to your partner, as well as your own inner light.
Whether it's Red Jasper, Rainforest Jasper, Picture Jasper, or Orbicular Jasper that you're drawn to, Jasper is sure to bring forth a sense of peace, healing, and understanding into your life.
Common Questions about the February Birthstone
What are the two birthstones for February?
Amethyst is the birthstone of February most collectors are familiar with, but many view Bloodstone as its main alternative.
How many birthstones does February have?
Aside from Amethyst, there are four alternate birthstones for February: Bloodstone, Aquamarine, Garnet, and Jasper.
What's the color of the February birthstone?
Amethyst is rightfully known for its magical purple hue, which comes in shades ranging from a delicate lilac to a plush, magnificent violet that any ancient king or queen would have been proud to wear!
Why is Amethyst the birthstone for February?
There isn't much in the way of written records to tell us why Amethyst was chosen as the February birthstone, but it might have something to do with the gem's ability to help cultivate courage and bring forth a sense of inner strength.
If January brings with it a feeling of new beginnings, then February is the perfect time to solidify those intentions and set the stage for what's to come. With Amethyst by your side—or one of the alternate February birthstones that resonate with you most—you'll be ready for whatever the universe throws your way!
Final Takeaways
Whether you're using Amethyst to keep you grounded amidst spiritual chaos or as a jump-off point for a mind-bending journey of self-discovery, we can't think of a better gemstone to power up your February.
If this gemstone isn't quite your style or you're seeking a deeper connection to the energies of the season, don't forget about February's four alternate birthstones: Bloodstone, Aquamarine, Garnet, and Jasper!
