February Birthstone Amethyst – Five Fun Facts

Lots of people know that amethyst is the birthstone for February.  But here are our top five fun facts about the stone that you may not know!

1. Had One Too Many?

Ever had the feeling that you shouldn’t have had that last glass of wine?  Well, perhaps it’s time to put on your amethyst jewellery!  Amethyst’s name comes from the Greek meaning “not drunken”.  It was thought to ward off intoxication and the powers of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine.

Whilst we can’t guarantee your head will feel better, put on some amethyst jewellery and you’ll at least look great!

2. An Impressive Empress

“The Empress of Uruguay” is the world’s largest amethyst geode.  A geode is a cavity in a rock that contains crystals.  And, boy, The Empress is one impressive rock!

It stands at an incredible 11 feet tall and weighs 2.5 tonnes.  It was discovered in Uruguay but in 2007 it was bought and transported over 9,000 miles to Australia.  Its home is now the Crystal Caves Museum in Brisbane, Australia.  The Empress Room where the stone is situated was actually built around the stone!

Putting a value on The Empress of Uruguay is nearly impossible.  It is reported that an offer of AUS$250,000 was made for it, but the stone is not for sale.  Sadly, that doesn’t stop some people from wanting it.  Back in 2011, a tourist stole a tennis ball sized chunk of crystals from The Empress.  Security has since been increased.

3. Fit for a Queen

It’s not just the Empress of Uruguay that has a connection with amethyst.   The colour purple and amethyst have a long association with royalty.  In the middle ages, kings and queens used the stone to represent monarchy.

In 1923 Queen Alexandra presented Elizabeth Bowes Lyon with an amethyst and pearl necklace.  This exquisite necklace was worn by the Countess of Cornwal in the 2012 premiere of the James Bond film, Skyfall.

4. Calm Down!

Feeling a bit frazzled or frustrated?  Then amethyst can help calm the mind.  Consequently this gem has the nickname of “natures’ tranquiliser”.  Do you suffer with obsessive compulsive disorder?  There are many OCD sufferers who swear that amethyst helps them.   Also, some even say it can calm hyper-active children (why don’t they tell you this at NCT classes?!).

Furthermore, it is believed an amethyst crystal placed under the pillow may help with insomnia and bad dreams.  Who wouldn’t love the thought of that?

5.  St Valentine’s Stone

As well as being the birthstone for February, amethyst is the stone which symbolises St Valentine.  Legend says St Valentine wore ring of amethyst engraved with the image of Cupid.  As a consequence, amethyst has come to represent fidelity when worn in an engagement or eternity ring.  And if worn in a locket, some say it will bring back a lost love.

So, all in all, we think amethyst is a pretty remarkable stone.  If you know of any other amazing facts, we would love to hear from you!  Leave us a comment below.

To view our Amethyst and gem jewellery, click here!