Gift Guide
February Birthstone: Amethyst Meaning, Color and Gift Ideas
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February's birthstone is amethyst. Here is what amethyst means, its range of purple shades, how to care for it, and how to choose a February birthday gift.
Birthstone edit
February's birthstone is the color of calm.
Amethyst ranges from pale lilac to deep violet, and for centuries it was linked with clear thinking and composure. It is one of the most recognizable birthstones of the year.
Answer key: February's birthstone is amethyst, a purple variety of quartz traditionally linked with calm and clarity
This guide covers the gemstones themselves. North & Pearl birth-month pieces use a color accent inspired by each month rather than natural gemstones, so check each product page for its material. To shop, browse our birthstone jewelry.
Quick Answer: What Is the Birthstone for February?
February's birthstone is amethyst, a purple variety of quartz. It is February's only birthstone on both the traditional and modern lists. Amethyst ranges from pale lilac to deep reddish violet, with deep purple the most prized. It is traditionally associated with calm, clarity and sobriety, and it is the gem for a 6th wedding anniversary. At 7 on the Mohs scale, it is durable enough for everyday jewelry.
February's single birthstone on both lists.
From pale lilac to deep violet.
Its traditional meaning since ancient Greece.
Key Takeaways
- Amethyst is February's only birthstone on the traditional and modern lists.
- It is a purple variety of quartz, rated 7 on the Mohs scale.
- Deep, even purple is the most valued shade.
- Its name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning not intoxicated.
- Amethyst can fade in prolonged strong sunlight, so store it out of direct sun.
What Is Amethyst?
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. Its color comes from traces of iron and natural irradiation in the earth. Major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia and South Korea.
Amethyst was once as highly valued as ruby and emerald. Large deposits found in Brazil in the 1800s made it far more widely available, which is why it is now an accessible birthstone.
Amethyst Colors
| Shade | Description |
|---|---|
| Rose de France | Pale lilac to pink-lavender |
| Medium purple | The most common everyday shade |
| Deep Siberian | Rich purple with red and blue flashes, the most prized |
| Green amethyst (prasiolite) | Heat-treated quartz, sold under a separate name |
Purple has long been a color of royalty, which adds to amethyst's appeal as a gift. See how February fits into the full year in our birthstone chart.
Gifting note
One gift for a birthday and Valentine's Day.
A February birthday sits close to Valentine's Day. A purple birth-month piece can mark both without feeling like a shortcut.
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What Does Amethyst Mean?
The name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning not intoxicated. Ancient Greeks believed the stone could keep the wearer clear-headed, and some drank from amethyst cups for that reason.
Today amethyst is associated with calm, clarity, balance and inner strength. It is also the traditional gem for a 6th wedding anniversary. These meanings are cultural traditions rather than proven effects.
Does February Have Two Birthstones?
No. Unlike months such as October and December, February has only one birthstone on the modern list: amethyst. Purple is also widely considered February's color. For months with more than one stone, see our December birthstone guide.
Choosing a February Birthstone Gift
- A purple accent pendant pairs a February birthday with Valentine's Day gifting.
- Deeper purple accents stand out against gold-tone metal; lilac shades look soft with silver-tone.
- Keep any purple stone out of long, direct sunlight when it is not being worn.
- For more February ideas, see our Valentine's Day jewelry gifts.
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February birthstone gift ideas
Rectangle Birthstone Pendant Necklace
A petite rectangle pendant; select February for a purple accent.
$59.00
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Marquise Birthstone Bracelet
A delicate chain bracelet with a marquise month color accent.
$49.00
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Flower Birthstone Open Ring
A floral open ring with a birth-month color accent.
$69.00
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Birth Flower & Birthstone Necklace
A flower-accent necklace paired with a birth-month color.
$59.00
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Birth-month pieces use a color accent inspired by each month. Check each product page for its material, and select February before adding to cart.
FAQ
What are the two birthstones for February?
February has only one birthstone on the traditional and modern lists: amethyst.
Who should not wear amethyst?
There is no gemological reason anyone should avoid amethyst. Restrictions come from astrology and belief systems, not from the stone itself.
Which stone is lucky for February?
Amethyst is February's birthstone and is traditionally associated with calm, clarity and good judgment.
What is the spiritual color of February?
Purple, from amethyst, is the color most associated with February.
Does amethyst fade?
It can fade with long exposure to strong sunlight or heat. Storing it away from direct sun keeps the color at its best.
Related Guides
- February Birth Flower: Guide and Meanings
- March Birthstone: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
- January Birthstone: Garnet
- Birthstone Chart by Month
- Valentine's Day Jewelry Gifts for Her
- Birthstone Necklace Guide
Shopping for a February birthday?
Shop Birthstone JewelryFinal Buying Note
Amethyst is February's only birthstone, and purple is its color. Choose a shade that suits the person, and consider a piece that works for both a birthday and Valentine's Day.
