Amethyst

Amethyst is a semiprecious stone; essentially it’s the violet-colored variety of quartz (quartz being one of the most common minerals in the earth’s continental crust). The English borrowed the word “amethyst” from the French (from the Latin amethystus). Ultimately, however, the word comes from the Ancient Greek elements “ἀ-“ meaning “not” and “μέθυστος” meaning “intoxicated.” In other words, amethyst means “not drunk” in reference to the ancient Greek’s belief that the stone prevented drunkenness. In fact, people of the ancient world wore amethyst rings before drinking wine out of goblets studded with amethyst in an effort to keep them sober-minded and coherent. If only! The traditional birthstone of February, the amethyst is also symbolic of protection and positivity. Like other gemstone names (Pearl, Ruby, Jade), Amethyst is occasionally used for baby girls, although it is much more rare compared to those others.