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If your birthday falls in February, you've been blessed with possibly the most revered birthstone in the form of amethyst. 

The February birthstone - the purple variety of quartz - has become one of the most fashionable gem stones of recent times. Whether wellness warrior Miranda Kerr is drinking from an amethyst water bottle or Victoria Beckham is clutching at an amethyst crystal to calm her nerves before a fashion show, the purple hued stone is synonymous with good vibes. 

The February birthstone comes in an array of purple-toned hues, from light lilac to a purple as deep as The Purely Purple One in a box of Quality Street chocolates. It can also be cut into a multitude of shapes and sizes, and manufactured in both a lab as well as mined, making it majorly versatile and inexpensive. 

Here at GLAMOUR we're all about empowering our readers to feel damn good about their life choices - and that's exactly what amethyst does. For centuries, the gem stone has been prized as a symbol of personal empowerment and strength. Psychics have long believed the stone has mystical powers and can give strength and wit to its wearers. It's little wonder, then, that amethyst has been a key gem stone in royal collections throughout Europe and Asia. 

Today, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners swear by the powers of amethyst for healing the mind and body and believe it helps restore serenity and calm.

So, if your birthday falls in February and you're looking for your very own birthstone - or you're seeking a gift for a friend with a birthday in the second month of the year - we've answered everything you need to know about the February birthstone. We've also compiled a shopping guide to the best February birthstones to buy now and wear forever (and there's a piece to suit every budget and taste).

What does the amethyst birthstone symbolise?

The February birthstone is amethyst, which derives from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ which rather hilariously means ‘a remedy against drunkenness’. Indeed, amethyst has long been worn to evade the ill-effects of alcohol (something that could come in handy after celebrating the end of dry January). Greek mythology associated the gem with Bacchus, the god of wine, thanks to its purple, wine-like hue and a titan named Rhea gave the god of wine an amethyst to help preserve his sanity.

In ancient times, the gem stone was also used to ensure the wearer was clear headed and quick-witted in battle and business. 

Renaissance Europeans, meanwhile, would present amethyst to lovers overrun by passion. According to some historical accounts say, Saint Valentine himself wore an amethyst ring emblazoned with a carved image of Cupid. It also has biblical connections and was one of the twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament. Leonardo da Vinci, the famous polymath, even believed amethyst helped quicken intelligence (sign us up) and banish evil thoughts.

Fast forward to today and the power of amethyst is still going strong. Although it was once deemed almost as rare as diamond, it is much more common (and affordable!) in this day and age. Due to its hardness and durability, it can be cut into a variety of shapes, which makes it an aesthetically pleasing piece.

The best naturally forming amethyst can be found in Sri Lanka, Siberia, Brazil, Uruguay, Namibia and the Far East, with the largest cache being found in South America. Amethyst can also be manufactured in a lab so it's very easy to get your hands on your perfect piece.

Is amethyst good to wear everyday?

Amethyst is a good all-rounder, which is why you'll see it front and centre of so many crystal shops. Natural health practitioners are deem it to be a stone soaked in serenity that can bring calming and healing vibes to you throughout the day. They also believe it can help reduce anxiety and perceptions of pain; its often used to help in treating addiction. 

If you've ever seen a large amethyst geode in someone's home, it's because metaphysical crystal practitioners believe it will absorb negative energy and create an air of tranquility in the space. According to the same experts, amethyst can actually block electromagnetic frequencies and ‘geopathic stress' that creates negativity so if someone in your household is killing your vibe, you need to scroll down and shop one of these geopathic stress-busting pieces of jewellery.

After more jewellery content? You're in luck because we've got plenty, including gold jewellery, gold hoop earrings and initial pendants. We've also got friendship bracelets, pearl jewellery, unique engagement rings, Missoma jewellery, Monica Vinader jewellery, resin rings a la Dua Lipa and clip on earrings (yes, really). We also have guides to the best September birthstone jewellery, October birthstone jewellery, November birthstone jewellery and December birthstone jewellery if you're looking to treat someone with a birthday in those months. You're most welcome. 

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