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Amethyst: The February Birthstone

Amethyst is the birthstone for February, it is a gorgeous stone that is available in an array of purple tones. Amethyst is one of the most common crystals but is the most highly valued in the quartz group. Traditionally it has been worn to guard against drunkenness, but today it is believed to have many properties that are beneficial to the mind and body. Amethyst is very popular in the jewellery making world, here we will delve into the history, uses and spiritual properties of amethyst as well as share some jewellery making inspiration. Don't forget you can find all the gemstones, jewellery making supplies and inspiration on our website!

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Amethyst Facts

Colour: Amethyst comes in a variety of shades of purple from deep plum to light lilac. Canadian amethyst appears more violet, whereas Brazilian amethyst has more of a slight red tinge.

Appearance: Amethyst is a dichroic crystal (showing different colours when viewed from different directions, or, more generally, having different absorption coefficients for light polarised in different directions) that can show a bluish or reddish-purple tinge when viewed from different angles. Usually, the stone has distinctive inclusions within it.

Rarity: A common crystal that is mined in many countries.

Moh Scale Hardness: Amethyst measures 7 on the Moh's Hardness Scale. It often has small inclusions that can cause weak spots within the cut of the stone. These are caused by liquid getting into the canals within the stone structure.

Sourced: United States, Britain, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, East Africa, Siberia and India.

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Formation & History Of Amethyst

Amethyst is found in alluvial deposits - which is material deposited by rivers where the stream has slowed down. It is also found in geodes - which is a small cavity in a rock lined with crystal or other mineral matter. Amethyst is a transparent stone that grows in the form of pointed crystals.

Its purple colour tends to darken towards the top point of each crystal. The stones colour tone is determined by the amount of iron within the rock and can be altered by heat treating, irradiation or with gamma rays. Sadly the colour can also fade in sunlight.

This stone is the most highly valued of all of the quartz family and has been popular in jewellery making since the 19th Century. Amethyst is very well known by the ancients as a sobriety stone, worn to guard against drunkenness, and to instil a sober and serious mind as well as assist in getting rid of addictions to alcohol, drugs, smoking and destructive compulsive behaviours of all kinds. The name originates from the Greek language and is thought to mean "not drunken".

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Amethyst's Spiritual Properties

Amethyst has been used throughout the ages as a calming stone, it is said to be one of the most powerful healing stones giving off naturally tranquillising energy. The stone is also thought to promote love and serenity as it is a natural tranquilizer that can aid in blocking geopathic stress and negative environmental energies. Amethyst is thought to be extremely beneficial to the mind - calming or stimulating as appropriate. It is said to help you feel less scattered, more focused and in control of your faculties. Many believe that amethyst facilitates the decision making process, bringing common sense and spiritual insight.

Healing Properties Of Amethyst

Amethyst is said to boost hormones and tune the metabolism, cleanse the blood and relieve emotional, physical and physiological pains or stresses. The stone is also believed to help with reducing bruising, swelling and even treat hearing disorders as well as lung diseases, skin conditions and insomnia.

Where To Place Your Amethyst

Point your amethyst towards you to draw in energy or away to repel energy. For insomniacs, place a piece under our pillow.

As jewellery, amethyst is best worn as a necklace over the throat or heart to channel the powers through your airways and blood stream.

Jewellery design

Amethyst is such a vibrant and beautiful colour that it is an appealing stone to create jewellery with. Its commonality means that it is available in many forms to get creative with!

At Kernowcraft, you'll find a wide range of amethyst stones available as cabochons, faceted stones and beads to incorporate into your handmade jewellery designs.

Check out some beginner and more advanced jewellery designs featuring amethyst.

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Amethyst & Feather Necklace

This projects is perfect for a jewellery making beginner! This pretty feather pendant can be used with your favourite 6x4mm faceted stone for a fun and beautiful design.

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Amethyst And Peacock Feather Charm Earrings

These beautiful charm and bead earrings are perfect if you want a pretty nature inspired design. This design is a great choice for the nature lovers and those born in February.

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Amethyst Briolette Flower Necklace

These beautiful pink amethyst faceted drop briolette beads are a pretty shade of purple and look stunning as droplets on the flower.

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Fireflies And Dragonflies: "Just one of the beautiful silver dragonfly pendants I have made from fine silver. This one has an amethyst for that extra zing of colour!"

amethyst spinner ring

Silverpickle makes an eyecatching spinner ring with an African amethyst! 

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