February Birthstone: Amethyst
February's birthstone is amethyst. Purple, and traditionally a symbol of clarity, calm, wisdom.
- Stone
- Amethyst
- Colour
- purple
- Hardness
- Mohs 7
- Zodiac
- Aquarius · Pisces
Amethyst
Once as prized as ruby, amethyst was a royal purple worn by bishops and emperors — until vast Brazilian and Uruguayan finds in the 1800s made it affordable. It's the same violet quartz the ancients believed warded off drunkenness (its name means "not intoxicated"), now within anyone's reach.
Traditionally a symbol of clarity, calm, wisdom, and Mohs 7 — tough enough for everyday wear. How to care for it →
Where does amethyst come from?
Amethyst is mined chiefly in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil — the great modern source, alongside Uruguay. It's also found in Zambia.
Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
the great modern source, alongside Uruguay
Zambia
deep-violet 'African' amethyst
Where is amethyst cut and traded?
Amethyst is cut and traded in São Paulo, Brazil and Idar-Oberstein, Germany.
Modern & traditional
Birthstone lists have shifted across cultures and centuries — the modern one was standardised by the American jewellers' trade in 1912 and updated since. Amethyst is the modern choice for February. Amethyst has held February on both the modern and traditional lists for centuries — one of the months where old and new agree.
Common questions
What is February's birthstone?
February's birthstone is amethyst. Amethyst has held February on both the modern and traditional lists for centuries — one of the months where old and new agree.
What colour is February's birthstone?
Amethyst is purple.
What does February's birthstone mean?
Amethyst traditionally stands for clarity, calm, wisdom — associations carried by custom, not science.
Where is amethyst mined?
Chiefly Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil — the great modern source, alongside Uruguay.
What is the Aquarius and Pisces birthstone?
February runs from Aquarius into Pisces, and amethyst serves both — though sign-based tables can differ from the calendar-month lists.
Is amethyst tough enough for everyday wear?
Amethyst is Mohs 7, hard enough for daily wear.