Colors
- Light pinkish violet to deep purple
- Can look bluer or redder depending on the light
Browse other gems by color: Purple
Where Amethyst comes from
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Zambia
Amethyst meaning and history
The name: From the Ancient Greek "methustos", meaning intoxicated.
Ancient wearers believed amethyst could protect them from drunkenness.
Meanings and powers attributed to gems are history and folklore. We report them; we do not claim a stone can do anything.
How hard is Amethyst?
Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs scale, where talc is 1, quartz 7 and diamond 10. Toughness, its resistance to chipping and breaking: good. Suitable for all jewelry, including rings, if you remember it scratches more easily than harder gems.
See every birthstone on the hardness chart
How to clean and care for Amethyst
| Warm soapy water | Safe |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Usually safe, except rare dyed or fracture filled stones |
| Steam cleaner | Not recommended (avoid heat) |
Heat, light and chemicals: Abrupt temperature changes can cause fractures; some color can fade with long exposure to intense light; damaged by hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride and alkaline solutions.
Treatments to ask about
Rarely dyed or fracture filled.
Can you wear Amethyst every day?
Good for everyday wear Durable for most jewelry, including rings, with a little care. Check other stones.
Compare Amethyst
Frequently asked questions
What is Amethyst?
Purple quartz, the February birthstone. Quartz is the second most abundant material in the Earth's crust.
What month is Amethyst the birthstone for?
February.
How hard is Amethyst?
7 on the Mohs scale. Toughness: good. Suitable for all jewelry, including rings, if you remember it scratches more easily than harder gems.
How do you clean Amethyst?
Warm soapy water: safe. Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe, except rare dyed or fracture filled stones. Steam: not recommended (avoid heat).
What does Amethyst symbolize?
Ancient wearers believed amethyst could protect them from drunkenness. These are traditions and history, not claims about what the stone can do.
Which anniversary is Amethyst for?
The American Gem Society links Amethyst to the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
Sources
- GIA: Amethyst care and cleaning (hardness, toughness, stability, cleaning, treatments)
- AGS: Amethyst (what it is, colors, sources, history)
- American Gem Society: Birthstones (birthstone months)
Checked October 16, 2026.