February-Amethyst Birthstone

Amethyst, is the birthstone for February.  Amethyst is also the gem traditionally given for the sixth and seventeenth wedding anniversary.

The name “amethyst” derives from the Greek amethystos, which means “a remedy against drunkenness”. Because of its wine-like color, early Greek mythology associated the gem with Bacchus, the god of wine. Amethyst was also believed to keep the wearer clear headed, quick witted in battle and business affairs it also was thought to be symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength. During the Renaissance Europeans thought it calmed lovers overrun by passion.

Russia once was the major source of amethyst until the 19th century. Today, the most important sources of amethyst are in Africa and South America. The Anahi Mine in Bolivia is an important source of amethyst. The mine is also celebrated for being a source of different bi-colored amethyst-citrine crystals called ametrine. In Africa, Zambia’s Kariba mine is one of the largest amethyst producers in the world.

Amethyst can also be found in the United States, just 46 miles outside of Phoenix, Arizona. The Four Peaks amethyst mine is located high in the Mazatzal Mountains. The mine is located in a very remote part of the mountains. The mine has no water or power, so everything has to be helicoptered in and out. The mine produces very fine dark purple and purplish red amethyst crystals. The only other mine in the world that has the red flashes is in the Ural Mountains in Russia.