The Beauty of Late Winter Birthstones
This time of year, the short days and cold weather make us eager for springtime. Luckily, the rich hues of the birthstones for February and March lend so much beauty to the season that they can help chase those winter blues away.
February’s birthstone is amethyst, and it is also the gem traditionally given for the sixth wedding anniversary. It is always purple, but its color ranges from pale lilac to deep violet. The majority of amethyst available today has been heat treated to deepen its purple hues. This enhancement is permanent and will not fade over time. Adding to amethyst’s allure is its sensitivity to lighting. Under incandescent light, a stone will appear a deeper purple. In daylight or fluorescent light, the same stone will adopt cooler, grayish-blue tones.
Amethyst has been prized for thousands of years; since medieval times, Christian scholars regarded this precious crystal as “the bishop’s stone” for its power to provide sobriety and clarity. Amethyst was also believed to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted in battle and business. Even today, many people wear amethyst as a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength. Russia was the major source of amethyst until the 19th century, when large deposits were found in Brazil. Once as rare as ruby or emerald, amethyst was suddenly abundant. Today, the primary sources of amethyst are located in Africa and South America.
When winter moves from February to March, the birthstone changes to aquamarine, the blue variety of the mineral beryl (emeralds are the green variety of the same mineral). The pure blue of aquamarine is the most prized, and as such, heat treatment is often applied to enhance aquamarine’s color. After applying gentle heat for several hours, a once greenish-blue gemstone will permanently become a purer pastel blue. Aquamarines evoke the colors of the sea (the name comes from the Latin word for seawater), and legends say that aquamarine originated in the treasure chests of mermaids. For centuries, it was the constant companion of mariners, their protection against the wrath of the sea.
Faceted aquamarines are often free from inclusions and as clear as water, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul. There is a famous and stunning aquamarine with a connection to the Hudson Valley. In 1936, the government of Brazil gave First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt a rectangular, step-cut aquamarine that weighs 1,298 carats and is housed in the archives at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park Another celebrated aquamarine is a popular attraction at the Smithsonian Institution — the 10,363 carat Dom Pedro Aquamarine, a 14-inch-high, 4.6-pound obelisk believed to be the largest faceted aquamarine in the world. Brazil has been an important source of aquamarine for the past two centuries, and more recently, stunning aquamarine crystals have been found in Pakistan. Aquamarine also is mined in Africa, and American sources include mines in Colorado (where aquamarine is the state gem) and California.
When winter skies are gray, we look to other sources for light and color, and beautiful gemstones like amethyst and aquamarine offer some respite. Whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or the pure enjoyment of a natural masterpiece, these colorful gems are rich in history and a joy to own and wear.
Sources: The Gemological Institute of America (gia.edu/birthstones) and The American Gem Trade Association (agta.org)
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