What Is the February Birthstone? Amethyst's Colour, Meaning & History
The February birthstone is amethyst — the violet variety of quartz, ranging in colour from pale lilac to deep royal purple, and traditionally associated with clarity, calm and inner strength. Unlike some months that share several birthstones, February has just one, and it is among the most recognisable gems in the world. Here's the stone's colour, history, meaning and how to choose a piece.
February's Only Birthstone
Amethyst has represented February since the modern birthstone list was standardised in 1912, but the association is far older — amethyst appears in month-stone traditions going back centuries. It is quartz coloured violet by traces of iron, formed in geodes and veins in volcanic rock, with major sources in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia and Australia.
What Colour Is the February Birthstone?
Purple — but across a wide range. Pale lavender amethyst has a soft, romantic character; the most prized stones show a deep, even violet, sometimes with red or blue flashes. Because colour is the stone's defining feature, well-cut amethyst is oriented to show the most even tone face-up. In sterling silver, the cool white metal sharpens the violet — one reason silver amethyst jewellery is such an enduring pairing.
History and Meaning
The name comes from the Greek amethystos, "not intoxicated": the ancient Greeks believed the stone kept the mind clear, and even drank from amethyst goblets in that belief. Through the Middle Ages, amethyst's purple made it a stone of royalty and high office, set into crowns and ceremonial rings across Europe and Asia. By long tradition it is associated with clarity, calm, composure and inner strength — meanings rooted in folklore rather than fact, but a large part of what makes the stone feel personal as a birthstone gift. For the full story, read what amethyst means.
Is the February Birthstone Expensive?
No — and that is one of amethyst's great strengths. It is one of the most attainable coloured gemstones: large, vividly coloured natural stones that would cost thousands in sapphire are affordable in amethyst. At Mohs hardness 7 it is also durable enough for daily wear, so a February birthstone gift can be generous, practical and worn constantly.
Choosing February Birthstone Jewellery
- Rings: solitaire and statement amethyst rings in sterling silver.
- Earrings: classic amethyst studs and drops in our amethyst earrings collection.
- Necklaces: pendants and statement pieces in the amethyst necklace collection.
- Bracelets: a touch of violet at the wrist with amethyst bracelets.
Browse the full February birthstone collection or the complete amethyst jewellery collection. Born on the Aquarius–Pisces cusp? Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) spans garnet and amethyst — see our Aquarius jewellery collection — while Pisces (from 19 February) looks ahead to March's aquamarine in our Pisces jewellery collection.
For colour science, treatment honesty and care advice, see the full amethyst stone guide, or discover the February birthstone and flower pairing.
Written by the Irosk team — a family-owned Australian jewellery brand specialising in 925 sterling silver birthstone and gemstone jewellery, based in Brisbane. Every piece ships express, free, Australia-wide.