Birthstone Guides

February Birthstones

The Royal Quartz — Deep Siberian, Rose de France & Ametrine

Prized for centuries by royalty and religious leaders, amethyst is the celebrated purple variety of quartz. Derived from the ancient Greek word amethystos (meaning "not intoxicated"), this captivating gemstone ranges from delicate lilac pastels to rich, velvety royal purple infused with fiery red and violet flashes.

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Deep Siberian

Royal Velvet & Red-Violet Flashes

The premier grade of amethyst, characterised by a deep, rich royal purple colour with strong flashes of magenta and red. Traditionally mined in Siberia's Ural Mountains.

Historical Significance

Favoured by Russian Empress Catherine the Great and set into European crown jewels, deep purple amethyst was once counted among the cardinal gems alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire.

Key Properties

• Hardness: 7.0 on the Mohs scale
• Rarity: High Grade
• Symbolism: Sovereignty, Peace, Wisdom

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Rose de France

Pastel Lavender & Soft Orchid

A delicate pastel variety of amethyst displaying pale lavender, lilac, or soft orchid tones. Known for its subtle, romantic elegance and high clarity.

Historical Significance

Immensely popular in Victorian and Art Nouveau jewellery design, Rose de France offers a light, ethereal aesthetic that contrasts with deeper violet gems.

Key Properties

• Hardness: 7.0 on the Mohs scale
• Rarity: Accessible
• Symbolism: Serenity, Grace, Devotion

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Ametrine

Bicolor Purple & Golden Sun

A rare, naturally occurring bicolor quartz featuring distinct zones of purple amethyst and golden-yellow citrine within a single crystal, caused by iron oxidation state differences.

Historical Significance

Commercially mined almost exclusively at the Anahí Mine in Bolivia. Legend holds it was given to the Spanish conquistador Don Felipe in the 1600s as a royal dowry.

Key Properties

• Hardness: 7.0 on the Mohs scale
• Rarity: Very Rare
• Symbolism: Balance, Harmony, Focus

Direct Comparison of Key Amethyst Varieties

Lore & Metaphysical Qualities

Royal Purple Amethyst: Sobriety, Clarity & Divine Connection

In ancient Greek mythology, Bacchus created amethyst to protect wearers from intoxication and clear-headed decision making. In the Catholic Church, bishops wore amethyst rings to signify spiritual purity and devotion, earning it the moniker "Stone of Bishops."

Rose de France: Emotional Calm & Heart-Centered Peace

Associated with gentle emotional healing, pastel amethyst is believed to soothe anxious thoughts, ease insomnia, and encourage open communication. It provides a peaceful, grounding aura for meditation and restful sleep.

Ametrine: Dual Energy, Mental Focus & Inner Alignment

Combining the serene mental clarity of amethyst with the fiery abundance and vitality of citrine, Ametrine is revered as a master harmoniser. It helps dissolve negative energy and bridges intuition with practical execution.

Care & Maintenance

• Sunlight exposure: prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight or high heat can cause amethyst's rich violet colour to fade over time.
• Cleaning: safe to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe unless the gem contains liquid inclusions or fracture fillings.
• Storage & protection: with a Mohs hardness of 7.0, amethyst withstands everyday wear well, but should be stored away from harder gemstones like topaz, sapphire, ruby, and diamond to prevent scratching.

Have a birthday to shop for this February? Browse our hand-curated amethyst jewellery collection or our full vintage gemstone rings.

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February Gemstone Collector's Guide • Amethyst Family: Deep Siberian, Rose de France & Ametrine • Visual & Gemological Reference