The February birthstone is amethyst, the purple variety of quartz. It ranges from light lilac to deep royal purple, measures 7 on the Mohs scale and is February’s only birthstone in both the U.S. and UK.
Amethyst and citrine, the November birthstone, are the same mineral. Both are quartz, and heat treatment can turn purple amethyst yellow, producing citrine, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Amethyst was once “as rare as ruby or emerald” and priced to match. Only after large deposits were found in Brazil in the 19th century did it come “within reach of most consumers.” Like January, February has a single birthstone on both the American and British lists.
Table of Contents
What is the February birthstone?
Amethyst is the official February birthstone on the GIA list and the British National Association of Goldsmiths list. The table summarizes its key properties.
| Property | Amethyst (February birthstone) |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Quartz (purple variety) |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Toughness | Good |
| Color range | Light lilac to deep royal purple; bluish or reddish purple |
| Main sources | Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul), Bolivia (Anahà mine), Zambia (Kariba mine), United States (Four Peaks mine, Arizona) |
| Wedding anniversary | 6th |
| Zodiac signs for February birthdays | Aquarius (to about February 18) and Pisces (from about February 19) |
| Lab-created form | Synthetic amethyst, chemically identical to natural amethyst |
Does February have more than one birthstone?
No. February has one official birthstone, amethyst, on both the U.S. and UK lists. January (garnet) is the only other month with a single stone on both lists; the full comparison is in the Birthstones by Month chart.
February birthstone colors
Amethyst ranges “from a light lilac to a deep, intense royal purple, and from brownish to vivid,” according to GIA’s amethyst description.
Stones may lean toward cool, bluish purple or warmer reddish purple. Amethyst “commonly shows zones of darker and lighter colors,” often in angular patterns, which cutters orient to give the face-up stone an even color.
| Color tone | Description |
|---|---|
| Light lilac | Pale, pinkish-purple stones; often used in larger, less expensive pieces |
| Medium purple | The most widely sold amethyst color |
| Deep royal purple | Intense, saturated purple, often with red or blue flashes; generally the most valued |
| Brownish purple | Lower saturation; less valued |
Why does amethyst turn into citrine?
Heating amethyst can change its color from purple to yellow or orange, producing citrine, according to GIA. Because both stones are quartz, the only difference is color.
This makes February and November birthstones mineralogical siblings; the November Birthstone guide covers citrine.
Amethyst compared with other purple February birthstone look-alikes
Amethyst is the gem most commonly associated with purple, but purple sapphire and tanzanite are harder or rarer alternatives. The table compares them.
| Feature | Amethyst (February) | Purple sapphire (September) | Tanzanite (December) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Quartz | Corundum | Zoisite |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 9 | 6–7 |
| Typical color | Lilac to royal purple | Violet to purple | Blue-violet |
| Relative price | Affordable | Higher | Higher |
| Birthstone guide | This page | September Birthstone | December Birthstone |
February birthstone meaning and history
The name amethyst comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning “a remedy against drunkenness.” Ancient Greeks linked the wine-colored stone to Bacchus, the god of wine, and believed it kept the wearer “clear headed and quick witted.” GIA records these historical milestones:
| Period | Amethyst in history |
|---|---|
| Alexander the Great (4th century BCE) | Admired and worn by ancient Greeks |
| Renaissance Europe | Believed to calm passionate lovers |
| 18th century | Catherine the Great of Russia wore amethyst necklaces and ornaments |
| Until the 19th century | Russia’s deposits dominated supply; amethyst was “as rare as ruby or emerald” |
| 19th century | Large deposits found in Brazil; prices fell sharply |
| 1953 | The Duchess of Windsor wore a Cartier amethyst bib necklace |
These beliefs are folklore; they describe tradition, not gemological properties.
Caring for a February birthstone
Amethyst is hard and tough enough for every jewelry type, including rings, but its color can fade in intense light and it can crack under sudden temperature changes. Follow GIA’s care guidance:
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. This is always safe.
- Use an ultrasonic cleaner only on untreated stones. GIA says ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe, except for rare dyed or fracture-filled amethyst.
- Never steam-clean or heat amethyst. Abrupt temperature changes can fracture it.
- Keep amethyst out of prolonged strong sunlight. Some amethyst color fades with intense light exposure.
- Avoid chemicals. Hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride and alkaline solutions can damage it.
What the February birthstone is not
The February birthstone is often confused with other stones. The points below separate them.
- It is not a rare gem today. Brazilian and African deposits make amethyst one of the most affordable birthstones.
- It is not a different mineral from citrine. Both are quartz; they differ only in color.
- It is not the only purple gem. Sapphire and tanzanite also occur in purple.
- It is not shared with another official stone. Like the January Birthstone, garnet, amethyst is February’s only birthstone on both the U.S. and UK lists.
Frequently asked questions
What color is the February birthstone?
The February birthstone, amethyst, is purple, from light lilac to deep royal purple. Deep, saturated purple with red or blue flashes is generally the most valued.
Can you wear amethyst every day?
Yes. At 7 on the Mohs scale with good toughness, amethyst suits everyday rings, but keep it away from heat and prolonged strong sunlight, which can fade its color.
What anniversary is amethyst for?
Amethyst is the traditional gemstone for the 6th wedding anniversary, according to GIA.
