What is a Birthstone?
Who doesn’t like an excuse to either receive or buy themselves a gift? Here’s another: birthstones. What is a birthstone? Well legend (or google) says that birthstones have a biblical source, where 12 gemstones represented the twelve tribes of Israel at the time.
"There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." (Exodus 28:17-20)
I can already hear some people saying “but like, I don’t read the Bibile/not Christian/I’m an Atheist etc.” Don’t worry, we’re not here to discuss your faith, or unfaith? (I’m not really sure what you’re supposed to say if you don’t have one…) BUT back to the point: a stone for your birthday! Who cares why… it’s another “personal” gift idea.
Birthstone Guide by Month.
January: Garnet
February Birthstone: Amethyst
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
April Birthstone: Diamond
May Birthstone: Emerald
June Birthstone: Pearl or Alexandrite
July Birthstone: Ruby
August Birthstone: Peridot
September Birthstone: Sapphire
October Birthstone: Tourmaline or Opal
November Birthstone: Topaz or Citrine
December Birthstone: Tanzanite or Turquoise
The February Birthstone:
Celebrating your birthday this month? Your birthstone is amethyst! The word amethyst is derived from the Greek word ‘methustos’, meaning ‘intoxicated’. In Ancient Greek times people believed the stone could protect them from getting drunk.
Long ago, amethyst was one of the most valuable gemstones and only within reach of the wealthier crowds. In the 19th century this changed when large quantities of amethyst were discovered in Brazil, and today amethyst is still widely available.
Amethysts come in colors ranging from deep, dark purples to pale shades of lavender and pink. Because of it’s blend of violet and red, it complements both cool and warm colors - which is ideal because it goes with every skintone and outfit! Other qualities assigned to the gemstone include peace, clear-headedness, courage and stability.
The details you'll probably want to know:
An amethyst is a type of quartz. It is a very affordable gemstone, and very popular due to its unique and beautiful purple hues. The value is defined by how deep and vivid the purple is rather than by the weight of the stone.
Where are they found? Amethysts are found in a lot of places around the world, including Brazil, South Korea, Russia, Austria, India, Zambia and the US.
How do you clean an amethyst? Warm soapy water and a soft brush. Don’t use steam cleaning or other sources of heat, because this might damage the stone. Amethysts are durable and resistant to chipping & scratching, so they will not likely wear off.
