February's Birthstone is Amethyst
The Amethyst is said to symbolise peace, protection and tranquillity.Colour: Pale lilac to rich, deep purple shades: the best stones are a deep medium purple with rose-coloured flashes that give the amethyst its beauty and fire.
History: The ancient Egyptians believed that amethyst, a variety of quartz, could keep a person from being poisoned and Greek folk legend held that it would prevent intoxication. This sobering effect on the wearer was also said to influence those who were over-excited by love's passion. Other claims include a cure for insomnia; to bring pleasant dreams; as a means of preventing baldness; to improve the complexion; to protect from treason and deceit and to sharpen the mind and intellect. Because royalty has always adored the colour purple, amethysts abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians and even in the British Crown Jewels. This birthstone was believed by the ancient Greeks to ward off the heady effects of wine. Legend has it that the god Bacchus gave the stone its colour by pouring the juice of the grape over pure white stone.
Found in: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia and many other countries.