What is February's birthstone?

February's birthstone is amethyst, the violet-purple variety of quartz.

What does the February birthstone mean?

Amethyst symbolizes clarity, sobriety and calm. Its Greek name literally means 'not intoxicated'.

Can amethyst be worn every day?

Yes — at 7 on the Mohs scale it is durable enough for daily necklaces, though it can fade if left in strong sunlight.

February · Birthstone guide

February Birthstone: Amethyst

The February birthstone is amethyst, the purple variety of quartz. Its color ranges from pale lilac to deep 'Siberian' violet with red flashes.

Birthstone: Amethyst
Also worn: Jasper
Color: Violet purple
Mineral: Quartz
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Main sources: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Bolivia
Zodiac signs: Aquarius / Pisces
Anniversary: 6th wedding anniversary

What color is the February birthstone, and what does it mean?

Purple was the color of emperors and bishops. Amethyst carries that meaning of clarity of mind, sobriety and calm authority.

Color is the single biggest driver of value in colored gemstones, and it is also where birthstone symbolism lives. See how every month's color compares in the birthstone color guide.

What does the February birthstone symbolize?

The Greek amethystos means 'not drunken'. Amethyst was worn as a stone of sobriety, clear thinking and self-control — today it is more often described as a calming, meditative stone.

The history of the February birthstone

Until huge Brazilian deposits were found in the 19th century, amethyst was as valuable as ruby and emerald and appeared in royal and ecclesiastical regalia across Europe. It sits in the British Crown Jewels and on the rings of Catholic bishops.

For the origin of the twelve-month tradition itself — Aaron's breastplate, Josephus, Polish gem traders and the 1912 American jewelers' list — read the full history of birthstones.

Every February birthstone in detail: where it's found, its powers and its cuts

Modern birthstone · 7 Mohs

Amethyst

Where amethyst is found: Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul), Uruguay (the deepest 'Uruguayan' purple), Zambia, Bolivia and Arizona's Four Peaks mine.
Spiritual meaning: A sobriety and clear-thinking stone since Greek antiquity — amethystos means 'not drunken'. Worn for self-mastery and calm authority.
Healing powers: Crown- and third-eye-chakra work: headaches, overthinking, insomnia and meditation focus.
Cut styles: Emerald, round and trillion cuts show off deep color; large freeform and geode slices are popular for statement pendants.

Traditional birthstone · 6.5–7 Mohs

Jasper

Where jasper is found: Worldwide — notably Oregon and Idaho (USA), India, Madagascar and South Africa.
Spiritual meaning: Called the 'supreme nurturer' — steadiness, endurance and protection in hard seasons.
Healing powers: Grounding stone used for stress recovery, focus and physical resilience.
Cut styles: Cabochons, beads and inlay; opaque, so never faceted.

Spiritual and healing associations are traditional lore, recorded here for cultural interest — they are not medical advice.

How to buy amethyst

Strong, even violet with no visible color banding is most prized. Heat treatment is common and stable; ask whether the color is natural if that matters to you.

Caring for amethyst jewelry

Clean with warm soapy water. Keep amethyst out of prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade the purple.

February birthstone jewelry to look for

Amethyst teardrop birthstone necklace
Amethyst and diamond bar pendant
Family birthstone bracelet with February amethyst

A pendant is the most forgiving setting for softer stones, because a necklace takes far fewer knocks than a ring. Bezel settings protect the girdle of the stone and suit everyday wear, which is why a bezel-set february birthstone necklace is the piece most people start with.

If you want the stone on your hand instead, a slim february birthstone ring keeps the setting low enough to survive daily wear, and a personalized birthstone bracelet lets you line up one stone for every family birthday.

February birthstone jewelry: personalized amethyst pieces

Shop February birthstone necklaces, rings and bracelets in 18K gold — each one made with the February birthstone and engraved with the name, initial or date you choose. Choose a piece, then pick your finish.

February birthstone: Amethyst on film

A short film on amethyst, the february birthstone — its color, its meaning and how it is worn.

February birthstone questions

More answers in the birthstone questions and answers guide.

What is February's birthstone?: February's birthstone is amethyst, the violet-purple variety of quartz.
What does the February birthstone mean?: Amethyst symbolizes clarity, sobriety and calm. Its Greek name literally means 'not intoxicated'.
Can amethyst be worn every day?: Yes — at 7 on the Mohs scale it is durable enough for daily necklaces, though it can fade if left in strong sunlight.