What is the meaning of amethyst? Symbolism, birthstone & jewelry
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and has symbolized calm, clarity and self-control for centuries. Its name comes from Greek and means 'not drunk'. Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is traditionally linked to the zodiac signs Pisces and Aquarius. Below you will read what the stone is, what it means, what people mean by its 'properties' and how to wear and care for amethyst.
The short answer
Amethyst is purple quartz. Its color comes from traces of iron in the crystal, combined with natural radiation deep in the earth.
- Meaning: calm, clarity, intuition and self-control.
- Properties: this is how the stone is traditionally described; there is no proven or medical effect.
- Birthstone: February. Zodiac: Pisces and Aquarius.
- Origin: mainly Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.
- Care: keep it out of strong sunlight and take it off around water, soap and perfume. The stainless steel is waterproof, the stone less so.
What is amethyst?
Amethyst is not a separate mineral but a purple form of quartz: the same mineral as clear rock crystal. The purple color comes from small amounts of iron in the crystal, which are, as it were, 'switched on' by natural radiation deep in the earth. The shade ranges from soft lilac, sometimes called lavender amethyst, to deep wine purple.
Amethyst often grows in geodes: hollow stones lined with crystals on the inside, like the one in the photo above. The best-known deposits are in Brazil and Uruguay; Zambia is known for deep, dark amethyst. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is durable enough for rings and necklaces you wear often.
A fun fact: when amethyst is heated, it turns yellow to orange. Much of the citrine on the market was made this way. A stone that is half purple and half yellow is called ametrine.
Amethyst and its relatives
- Rock crystalColorless, clear quartz: the same base, without iron.
- CitrineYellow quartz, often made by heating amethyst.
- Rose quartzMilky pink quartz, the stone of love. Read the meaning of rose quartz.
- Tiger's eyeQuartz with golden-brown fibers and a moving sheen. Read the meaning of tiger's eye.
The meaning of amethyst
Amethyst is one of the stones with the longest history in jewelry. These are the meanings that come up most often:
- CalmAmethyst is seen as a calming stone, for anyone who wants to keep a cool head.
- ClarityThinking clearly, even when a lot is coming your way.
- IntuitionIn crystal lore, amethyst belongs to the crown chakra, which stands for awareness and intuition.
- Self-controlThe oldest meaning, and the origin of its name.
Amethyst also has a place in the church: bishops have traditionally worn a ring set with an amethyst, as a sign of sobriety and restraint. That is why amethyst is sometimes called 'the bishop's stone'.
Until the eighteenth century, amethyst was counted among the most precious gemstones, alongside diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald. Only when large deposits were discovered in Brazil did it become affordable. That is why you can now wear a real amethyst without it costing a fortune.
Where does the name amethyst come from?
The name comes from the Greek 'amethystos': not drunk. In antiquity, people believed the stone protected against drunkenness; according to tradition, drinking cups were even carved from amethyst.
The famous story of Bacchus, the god of wine, and the maiden Amethyste, who was turned into a white stone that was stained purple by wine, sounds ancient. In fact, it comes from a poem by the French poet Rémy Belleau, written in 1576. A beautiful myth, then, but not an ancient Greek one.
Amethyst properties: what is the stone said to do?
When people talk about amethyst's properties, they usually mean the qualities it is given in crystal lore: a calm mind, being able to let go, making clear choices. Some people keep an amethyst by their bed or wear one while meditating.
There is no scientific evidence that a stone affects your sleep, your mood or your health, and jewelry is no substitute for medical advice. What amethyst can be: a beautiful daily reminder to pause and breathe. It is exactly that personal meaning that makes it such a lovely piece to wear or to give.
Amethyst: February's birthstone
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It is on the list American jewelers drew up in 1912, which has been used almost everywhere since. If your birthday is in February, or you are looking for a gift for someone whose birthday is, amethyst is the natural choice.
You can also wear a birthstone for someone else: many mothers wear the stone of the month their child was born in. You will find all the months and stones in birthstones by month.
Which zodiac signs go with amethyst?
Amethyst is traditionally linked to Pisces (February 19 to March 20) and Aquarius (January 20 to February 18). That makes sense: the birth month of February falls partly under both. The soft, intuitive side of amethyst matches how Pisces is often described, its clear, independent outlook matches Aquarius. In modern lists you will sometimes also see amethyst with Sagittarius or Virgo. Read more per sign in zodiac jewelry.
Amethyst jewelry from Lundholm
At Lundholm you will find genuine amethyst in necklaces, rings and hoop earrings, always combined with premium stainless steel in gold-tone or silver-tone. Because it is natural stone, every stone is slightly different in color: one a lighter lilac, another a deeper purple. You will find everything with natural stone in our natural stone jewelry collection.
Amethyst necklace
An amethyst pendant on a fine chain is the classic way to wear the stone: close to your heart and easy to combine. Looking for something for a February baby? A birthstone necklace is a lovely alternative.
Pictured
Rosan – amethyst on a fine gold-tone chain
A teardrop pendant of genuine amethyst in a golden frame, on a 38 cm chain with a 7 cm extender. It sits just below your collarbone and goes beautifully with plum, burgundy and cream this fall. The steel is waterproof; the stone is best kept dry.
View the Rosan →
Please note: the Embla does not have a real amethyst but a cubic zirconia in the purple shade of the February stone. Lovely if you want the birthstone color in a sleek, sparkling little pendant.
Amethyst rings and hoop earrings
An amethyst ring is something you see yourself all day. The rings below are adjustable, so you do not need to know a ring size. The Agneta hoops are new: each small gold-tone hoop holds a rectangular cut amethyst that moves and catches the light.
Is every purple stone amethyst?
No. Purple can also be cubic zirconia, glass, plastic or another, sometimes dyed, natural stone. Natural amethyst often shows color zoning: patches that are slightly lighter or darker, and sometimes tiny inclusions. A stone that looks perfectly even, without a single flaw, may be glass or synthetic amethyst. At Lundholm we say it honestly: the Rosan, Ella, Elvira and Agneta have genuine amethyst, the Embla has a cubic zirconia in amethyst purple.
How to wear amethyst
Amethyst is easier to style than you might think. In gold-tone the purple becomes warmer and richer, in silver-tone cooler and fresher. And this fall, amethyst fits right in with the season's colors: plum, burgundy, sage, cream and denim blue.
- Tone on tone. Amethyst with a lilac blouse or a plum sweater lets the stone blend softly into your look.
- Contrast. With sage, ochre or camel, the purple really stands out.
- One stone in the lead. When you wear an amethyst necklace, pair it with fine, smooth basics.
- Mixing stones. Amethyst and rose quartz make a soft pink and purple pairing; with tiger's eye you get a warm fall mix.
Caring for amethyst
Amethyst is hard (7 on the Mohs scale), but it has one weak spot: light and heat. If the stone spends a long time in strong sunlight or near a radiator, its color can slowly fade. So keep your amethyst in a box or pouch, not on the windowsill.
The stainless steel of your Lundholm jewelry is waterproof and hypoallergenic; the stone is not, at least not in the same way. Water does little to quartz, but soap, chlorine, salt water, perfume and lotion dull the stone and can affect the setting. So:
- Take amethyst off for showering, swimming, sports and the sauna.
- Perfume and lotion first, jewelry last.
- Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then wipe dry.
- Do not 'charge' it in the sun, as is sometimes recommended: it can cost the stone its color. Moonlight does no harm.
- Store separately to avoid scratches.
Read more tips per material in how to clean jewelry by material.
Amethyst as a gift
Amethyst is a personal gift for someone with a February birthday, for a friend who could use some calm, or for yourself, as a reminder to take a step back now and then. Order before 3 pm (CET) on a working day and we ship the same day. Free shipping thresholds depend on your country; you will find the details on our shipping page. When you order from our own web shop, you always get a free gift bag too. On larger orders, our gift ladder adds free gifts as well (different ones every month).
Frequently asked questions about amethyst
What is the meaning of amethyst?
Amethyst traditionally stands for calm, clarity, intuition and self-control. The name comes from the Greek 'amethystos', not drunk. The meaning is symbolic and based on centuries of tradition.
What are the properties of amethyst?
In crystal lore, amethyst is seen as a calming stone that helps you think clearly and relax. There is no scientific evidence of any effect on sleep, mood or health. Think of it as a meaning you carry with you.
Is amethyst the birthstone for February?
Yes. Amethyst is the birthstone for February, according to the list drawn up in 1912 that has been used almost everywhere since.
Which zodiac sign is amethyst for?
Amethyst is mainly linked to Pisces (February 19 to March 20) and Aquarius (January 20 to February 18). In modern lists it sometimes also appears with Sagittarius or Virgo.
Is amethyst the same as purple quartz?
Yes. Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, the same mineral as rock crystal. The color comes from traces of iron and natural radiation.
Can amethyst go in the sun or in water?
Not for long. Strong sunlight can make the purple fade. Water itself does little, but soap, chlorine and salt water dull the stone. So take amethyst jewelry off for showering, swimming and sports; the stainless steel itself is waterproof.
How can you tell if amethyst is real?
Genuine amethyst often shows color zoning and sometimes tiny inclusions. A perfectly even stone without a single flaw may be glass or synthetic. If in doubt, ask for the material details.
Which stones go with amethyst?
Rose quartz for a soft pink and purple pairing, tiger's eye for a warm fall mix and pearls for a classic look. Give one stone the lead role.
Looking for amethyst?
Discover all our natural stone jewelry: amethyst, rose quartz, tiger's eye and more. Premium stainless steel, hypoallergenic and beautifully gift-wrapped.
