Happy Birthday to all you February babies! February’s birthstone is the sparkling Amethyst. This popular stone is actually quartz and refers specifically to the purple variety. This lovely gemstone is quite popular because not only is it beautiful it is also quite affordable. Did you know that Amethyst jewelry was once worn because it was believed that it helped you keep a clear head and avoid getting intoxicated. Amethyst was also a gemstone for royalty in the middle ages, and was as valuable as diamonds and rubies.
Amethyst Details:
MINERAL: Quartz
CHEMISTRY: SiO2
MOHS HARDNESS: 7
Amethyst Cleaning and Care:
Because of its hardness, amethyst is great to use in all kinds of jewelry. But you do need to care for it to keep it looking its best. You should keep your amethyst out of direct sunlight and avoid extreme heat. This means no storing it on a window sill or leaving it in your hot car during the summer. This can change the color of your stone and the lovely purple can dull. It is also important to avoid contact with household cleaners and beauty products, like hairspray. This also includes pools and hottubs. Besides the heat the chemicals aren’t the best for your jewelry. You can clean your amethyst jewelry with a soft toothbrush or cloth and a mix of mild dish soap and warm water. Gently scrub around and under the stone to clean off any gunk and you will see a big improvement if you haven’t done this before. If in doubt take it to a professional to get cleaned. Silver does tarnish over time and a professional cleaning can have your piece looking nearly new again.
