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Stone guide

Amethyst meaning: February birthstone and zodiac signs

Amethyst is purple quartz and the birthstone for February. It’s known as a stone of calm, the one people reach for when they want to slow down. The name comes from the Greek amethystos, “not drunk”: the Greeks believed it kept its wearer sober. In Astrolith readings it is paired with Aquarius and Pisces.

Amethyst · lavender bead
Amethyst · violet bead
Amethyst · pale violet bead
Amethyst · lavender · Amethyst · violet · Amethyst · pale violet — beads as sold by Astrolith. About product images
What it is
Purple quartz
Hardness
7, fine for everyday wear
Birthstone
February
Known for
Calm, intuition
Astrolith signs
Aquarius, Pisces

What does amethyst mean?

Amethyst is known as a stone of calm and intuition. Plenty of people wear it in the evening, or keep it close after a loud day, as a small reminder to slow down.

Its oldest story is in its name. In Greek, amethystos means “not drunk”, and the stone was once believed to keep a clear head.

Which zodiac sign is amethyst for?

Ask five crystal shops which sign amethyst belongs to and you’ll get five answers. In Astrolith readings it is paired with Aquarius and Pisces, the two signs of late winter, the same season as its February birthday. In a reading it can stand for a Sun, Moon or Rising sign in either one.

How do you choose amethyst?

The best amethyst is a deep, even purple, sometimes with a touch of red. Brownish tints and stripes of lighter and darker colour bring the value down, and very dark stones can look almost black indoors.

Some amethyst is heated to lighten it, and pale quartz is sometimes dyed purple. Ours is undyed, and we sort the beads for even colour.

How do you care for amethyst?

At 7 on the hardness scale it’s tough enough to wear every day. Don’t leave it in strong sun for long stretches, which can fade it over the years. A soft cloth and a little soapy water is all the cleaning it needs.

Amethyst beads at Astrolith

Not sure which stones are yours? Read your sky first, or design a bracelet with amethyst.

Sources

Last updated 27 October 2026. Crystal meanings and astrology are traditions and interpretation; they are not medical or financial advice.