February is the final month of winter in the northern hemisphere, and it's the shortest month of the year, which means that it is truly a rare thing if amethyst is your birthstone!

AMETHYST

Amethyst is a semiprecious stone, a violet or purple variety of quartz, given its name by ancient Greeks for its ascribed capacity to prevent, and cure intoxication (amethystos). Once upon a time, you'd have to be "born to the purple" to own this deep purple gemstone. It was as elusive as a unicorn, believed to be found in only one place on earth. These days though, its lilac crystals can found in many locations around the world. It is far less expensive, and cherished by many.

Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7 out of 10, and forms within volcanic rocks, in cavernous, crystal-lined geodes that are sometimes so large, you can stand up inside them. Single amethyst crystals can be huge, occasionally weighing well over 150 lbs.

The very essence of the color purple, amethyst is considered to be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength. The two zodiac signs of February are Aquarius and Pisces, and so if you celebrate a February birthday, wearing an amethyst may help to keep you calm, cool, and collected.

Image credits: GIA.edu