February Birthstone: Amethyst
For most of history amethyst sat alongside diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire as a cardinal gem, worn by royals and clergy for its rich purple. Then vast Brazilian deposits were found in the 1800s, and the price of that royal color came within everyone's reach.
That history makes amethyst one of the best value propositions in jewelry: a genuinely beautiful, storied stone at prices that let you buy for color and size without flinching.
Judging amethyst color
Amethyst runs from pale lilac to deep violet. The most prized color, often called Siberian in the trade, is a rich purple with flashes of red and blue. Very dark stones can go inky indoors, and very pale ones read closer to lavender quartz.
Look for even color without visible banding across the face, and view the stone under both warm and cool light, since purple shifts noticeably between them.
Durability and care
As a quartz, amethyst measures 7 on the Mohs scale: hard enough for rings, though it will collect fine scratches over years of hard daily wear. Bezels and protective settings extend its life on busy hands.
Two cautions: prolonged direct sunlight can slowly fade the color, and sudden heat can fracture it. Warm soapy water is the safe cleaning method.
Buying notes
- Amethyst is affordable even in large sizes, so prioritize color quality over carat count.
- Eye-clean is standard; visible inclusions should lower the price.
- Most amethyst is untreated aside from occasional heating; ask, as always.
- Green quartz sold as green amethyst or prasiolite is heat-treated quartz; pretty, but it should be labeled and priced as such.
Common questions
Why is amethyst so affordable if it used to be precious?
Supply. Enormous deposits in Brazil and Uruguay changed the market permanently. The stone is as beautiful as it ever was; only the scarcity changed.
Is darker always better?
No. The best stones balance depth with brightness. A stone so dark it reads black in a dim room has crossed the line. Medium-deep purple with red flashes is the target.
