February birthstone

February birthstone: Amethyst

The February birthstone is Amethyst. Purple quartz, the February birthstone. Quartz is the second most abundant material in the Earth's crust.

Amethyst

Purple quartz, the February birthstone. Quartz is the second most abundant material in the Earth's crust.

Colors: Light pinkish violet to deep purple; Can look bluer or redder depending on the light
Mohs hardness: 7
Everyday wear: Good for everyday wear
Found in: United States, Canada, Brazil, Zambia
Anniversary: 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries

Ancient wearers believed amethyst could protect them from drunkenness.

The right piece depends on how tough the stone is. These suggestions follow GIA's hardness and toughness notes for each stone.

Stone	Best as	Why
Amethyst	Rings, pendants and earrings	Durable for most jewelry, including rings, with a little care. Take rings off for heavy work.

For a mom: a pendant or bracelet with each child's birthstone. Mix tougher stones with delicate ones only in pendants.
For a partner: stud earrings or a simple pendant in her own stone are easy to wear with anything.
Before you buy: ask whether the stone has been treated, and get it in writing. Treatments change how a stone should be cleaned.

Before the US list was standardized in 1912, the traditional stones for February were: Amethyst, hyacinth, pearl. How the list changed.

Amethyst: warm soapy water: safe; ultrasonic: usually safe, except rare dyed or fracture filled stones; steam: not recommended (avoid heat). Details

What is the February birthstone?

Amethyst. Purple quartz, the February birthstone. Quartz is the second most abundant material in the Earth's crust.

What color is the February birthstone?

Amethyst: light pinkish violet to deep purple.

Is the February birthstone durable?

Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs scale (good for everyday wear).

Sources: American Gem Society: Birthstones, GIA: The Beauty of Birthstones, and the GIA care guide and AGS overview for each stone (linked on its page). Checked October 16, 2026.