February Birthstone: Amethyst Meaning, History & Jewellery Guide
February's birthstone is the amethyst - the regal purple gem that once cost as much as ruby and dressed royalty from Egypt to England. Today it delivers the same royal colour at one of the friendliest prices in fine jewellery, making February babies the calendar's best-kept value secret.
What is the February birthstone?
Amethyst, alone and unrivalled - February's purple has no alternative stone and needs none.
Amethyst meaning and symbolism
Amethyst is the gem of calm, clarity and sincerity. Its name comes straight from a Greek legend: amethystos means "not intoxicated", and the ancients genuinely believed the stone protected its wearer from drunkenness - wine goblets were carved from it as insurance. Beyond the wine cellar, the symbolism settled into something broader: a stone of clear thinking, peace and self-possession.
Its purple also made it a church and crown favourite - bishops' rings and royal regalia have featured amethyst for centuries, because purple dye was once so costly that the colour itself meant royalty. Amethyst marks the 6th wedding anniversary.
What exactly is amethyst?
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, coloured by traces of iron and natural irradiation in the crystal. For most of history it ranked among the "cardinal" precious gems alongside diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald - until vast Brazilian deposits were found in the 19th century and abundance brought the price down to earth. The stone didn't change; only the supply did. That's the February bargain: a gem with precious-stone history at semi-precious prices.
Amethyst measures 7 on the Mohs scale - durable enough for all jewellery types with everyday care.
What colour is the February birthstone?
Purple, from pale lilac through to deep violet. The most prized shade is a rich purple with flashes of red, while the lighter lavender tones (sometimes marketed as "Rose de France") have a soft vintage charm of their own. Cooler lilacs flatter silver and white gold; deep violets are spectacular in yellow gold.
Choosing amethyst jewellery
Amethyst's affordability changes how you can shop: this is a month where a statement piece — a large cocktail ring, a bold pendant - costs what a tiny stone would in other gems. It suits every setting style from delicate to dramatic, and purple flatters virtually every wearer.
Browse our rings, earrings, necklaces and the wider gemstone jewellery collection - or shop the birthstone jewellery range and gift edits from under $100. February birthdays sit close to Valentine's Day, and amethyst's calm-and-sincerity meaning makes it a lovely way to mark both at once - or to deliberately separate them with a gift that's unmistakably about their day.
How to care for amethyst
Warm soapy water and a soft brush. The one rule particular to amethyst: keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight and away from heat, which can slowly fade the purple. A jewellery box is its friend; a sunny windowsill is not. Store away from harder stones to avoid scratches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for February?
Amethyst - February's only birthstone.
What does the amethyst birthstone mean?
Calm, clarity and sincerity. Its Greek name means "not intoxicated", reflecting the ancient belief that it kept the wearer clear-headed.
Why is amethyst so affordable if it was once a precious gem?
Huge Brazilian deposits discovered in the 19th century transformed its supply. The beauty and history are unchanged - only the scarcity went, which makes amethyst exceptional value today.
Can amethyst fade?
Prolonged direct sunlight and high heat can gradually lighten amethyst's colour, so store it away from windowsills and remove it for sunbathing. Normal daily wear is no problem.
Is amethyst durable enough for everyday rings?
Yes - at 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst handles daily wear well with routine care.
Shop this birthstone
Looking for the perfect piece? Explore our amethyst jewellery collection — earrings, pendants and rings to suit every style and budget. Not sure where to start? A pair of studs or a simple pendant is always a safe, beautiful choice.
Prefer to browse everything in one place? Visit our birthstone jewellery hub to shop by any month. Free express shipping on orders over $99, with Afterpay and Zip available.
Find your birthstone by month
Every month has its own gem. Explore the full series:
January - Garnet · March – Aquamarine · April – Diamond · May – Emerald · June – Pearl · July – Ruby · August – Peridot · September – Sapphire · October – Opal · November – Topaz & Citrine · December – Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon