Amethyst

Photo by Ilze Lucero on Unsplash

Amethyst is well known as the gemstone for the constellation of Pisces and the birthstone for February. It is also the stone of St. Valentine and regarded as a stone of love and faith. It is a violet variety of quartz that contains iron and other minerals within its structure, often used in jewelry because of its hardness and stability. The ancients called it the "Gem of Fire" and recognized it as a strong stone of spirituality, and it is often used during meditation. The name "amethyst" is thought to have come from the Greek word "amethustos," which means non-inebriated. It was believed that having amethyst on your person would prevent you from becoming intoxicated, homesick, or having evil thoughts. Amethyst is traditionally believed to carry a calm, serene energy, and many people keep it nearby for meditation and quiet reflection.