Amethyst : February Birthstone / Zodiac Sign Aquarius / Day Of Week Wednesday / Anniversary Gemstone 6th Year

Amethyst is a variety of microcrystaline quartz (silicon dioxide). It has a hardness of 7 and is a very transparent gemstone. Amethyst quartz is layered with milky white quartz stripes and is opaque to translucent. Amethyst is the most highly valued stone in the quartz family and it is said to have many supernatural powers: it brings luck, ensures constancy, and protects against magic and home-sickness. The name is Greek and probably means "not drunken" as amethyst was also worn as an amulet against drunkenness.

Gem amethyst are found in geodes in alluvial deposits. The most significant deposits are in Brazil, Uruguay, and the Malagasy Republic. The best stones are faceted, however others are tumbled or worked into ornaments.

Amethyst comes in a variety of light to dark purple. The finest Brazilian amethyst are a deep crimson purple and are called Siberian amethyst. The stones are cut in the major shapes, with oval being the most popular.

***Care Tips of Quartz Group

Avoid Strong Heat because it may change the color of amethyst, citrine, rose quartz and smoky quartz. Some rose quartz and amethyst may fade in light.
In general, quartz is a fairly durable stone and can be safely cleaned in most ultrasonic cleaners if it's not fractured. It can also be safely washed in warm soapy water. Avoid steam cleaning and sudden temperature changes because they can cause fracturing or cleaving. Quartz reacts to hydrofluoric acid and alkalies.