Birthstone for February

Amethyst is a transparent purple to deep violet variety of quartz. Its long-prized color is a result of iron. In Greek mythology, Amethystos was a maiden who refused the advances of Dionysus, god of intoxication. To preserve her chastity, Artemis turned her to white stone. Dionysus' tears of remorse stained it to purple. It has been used as a love charm and to prevent addiction. Significant sources include Brazil, Russia, Uruguay, and India.