February Birthstone: Amethyst is a gorgeous purple variety of Quartz that comes in a variety of light to dark purple and even a hint of red. Amethyst is both the February birthstone and a 6th anniversary present! Amethyst is believed to ward off drunkenness, keep the wearer clear headed, and quick witted on the battlefield. Once extremely scarce and therefore expensive, more deposits of Amethyst have been found around the world, flooding the market and making this gorgeous gem more affordable.
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Amethyst registers 7 on the Mohs hardness scale which means Amethyst can be worn in every day use, but will eventually show wear over the years, especially when set in a ring. Make sure your Amethyst isn’t making contact with harder stones (i.e. Diamonds and Sapphires), or your Amethyst may chip, wear, or crack over time.
Amethyst will change or lose it’s color with high heat or frequent exposure to strong light. So no Amethyst in the tanning booth!
Amethyst Jewelry Cleaning
Amethyst jewelry (without fractures or inclusions) can be cleaned in the Ultrasonic, it is not recommended to steam clean due to the potential for high heat damage. All ring resizing should be done with the Amethyst protected from the heat, or removed and reset to avoid the heat altogether. As with almost all jewelry, warm soapy water with a soft bristle brush will clean up your Amethyst jewelry and have it looking shiny and new!
Learn more about Amethyst here: https://www.gia.edu/amethyst/gem-overview
Alternative February Birthstone: Sugilite
Sugilite is considered an alternative February birthstone due to it’s similar intense purple color. Similar to Amethyst, Sugilite is said to have a calming wisdom that also promotes love and spiritual guidance.
While not as had as Amethyst (5.5 – 6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale), Sugilite is an excellent choice for necklaces and earrings. These styles help protect the more fragile stone from chipping and cracking. Sugilite can be worn in a special occasion ring with caution, just like opals, and pearls. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners for your Sugilite jewelry. Only clean with a soft bristle brush and some warm soapy water. Towel dry and enjoy for years to come!
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