Amethyst: February’s Regal Birthstone

Amethyst: February’s Regal Birthstone

If you were born in February, your birthstone is the captivating amethyst. This variety of purple quartz has fascinated civilizations for millennia. Ranging from delicate lilac to deep violet, amethyst can be cut into various shapes and sizes and is available both naturally mined and lab-created. Once treasured by European and Asian royalty, this February birthstone is now accessible to all. Consider gifting a fine amethyst to your loved one—or yourself—as a symbol of personal strength and inner power.

紫水晶:二月的皇家生日石

如果您出生在二月,那麼您的生日石就是迷人的紫水晶。這種紫色石英的變種數千年來一直令文明著迷。從淡紫色到深紫色,紫水晶可被切割成各種形狀和尺寸,既有天然開採的,也有人工培育的。曾經深受歐洲和亞洲皇室珍愛的紫水晶,如今已人人可得。不妨將一件精美的紫水晶作為個人力量與內在力量的象徵,送給所愛之人——或自己。


The Meaning and History of Amethyst

The name “amethyst” derives from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated.” It was historically believed to protect against drunkenness. Due to its wine-like color, early Greek mythology linked this gem to Dionysus, the god of wine. It was also thought to bring clarity and quick wit in battle and business. During the Renaissance, Europeans believed amethyst could calm lovers overwhelmed by passion.
Traditionally, amethyst is the gemstone for the 6th wedding anniversary. Celebrate your marriage or February birthday like royalty: Catherine the Great owned amethyst pendants, necklaces, earrings, and more. The renowned jewelry connoisseur Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, wore a magnificent Cartier amethyst collar necklace during a memorable speech at Versailles in 1953.

紫水晶的意義與歷史

「Amethyst(紫水晶)」一名源自希臘語 amethystos,意為「不醉酒」。歷史上它被認為能防止醉酒。由於其類似葡萄酒的顏色,古希臘神話將這種寶石與酒神狄俄尼索斯聯繫起來。它還被認為能在戰爭和商業中帶來清晰思路和機智。文藝復興時期,歐洲人相信紫水晶能讓被激情沖昏頭腦的戀人冷靜下來。
傳統上,紫水晶是第六個結婚紀念日的寶石。像皇室一樣慶祝您的婚姻或二月生日:凱瑟琳大帝擁有紫水晶吊墜、項鍊、耳環等珠寶。著名的珠寶鑑賞家溫莎公爵夫人沃利斯於1953年在凡爾賽發表令人難忘的演講時,佩戴了一條華麗的卡地亞紫水晶頸鍊。


Where Is Amethyst Found?

Before large deposits were discovered in Brazil during the 19th century, Russia was the primary source of amethyst. Once as rare as rubies and emeralds, amethyst suddenly became abundant. Today, the most significant sources are in Africa and South America. Brazil remains a major supplier, though its stones are often lighter in color. Some Brazilian amethysts form enormous geodes large enough to stand inside.
Bolivia’s Anahí Mine is another famous source, known for producing rare bicolor amethyst-citrine (ametrine). In Africa, Zambia’s Kariba Mine is one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality, deeply colored amethyst. The United States also yields amethyst—the Four Peaks Mine in Arizona produces some of the finest deep purple and reddish-violet crystals.

紫水晶的產地

19世紀巴西發現大型礦床之前,俄羅斯是紫水晶的主要來源。紫水晶曾像紅寶石和祖母綠一樣稀有,突然之間變得豐富。如今,最重要的產地位於非洲和南美洲。巴西仍然是主要供應國,儘管其寶石顏色通常較淺。一些巴西紫水晶形成巨大的晶洞,大到可以容人站立其中。
玻利維亞的安納西礦是另一個著名產地,以生產稀有的雙色紫水晶-黃水晶(紫黃晶)而聞名。在非洲,贊比亞的卡里巴礦是世界上最大的優質深色紫水晶產地之一。美國也出產紫水晶——亞利桑那州的四峰礦生產一些最優質的深紫色和紅紫色水晶。


Caring for Your Amethyst Jewelry

With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is suitable for daily wear but may require repolishing over time. Store it separately from harder gems like diamonds to avoid scratches. Heat treatment is commonly used to enhance color, but overheated amethyst may become brittle or lose color entirely. Some amethyst may fade in strong light.
Clean with a soft brush, mild soap, and warm water. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but steam cleaning is not recommended.

紫水晶珠寶的保養

紫水晶的莫氏硬度為7,適合日常佩戴,但隨著時間推移可能需要重新拋光。應與鑽石等更硬的寶石分開存放,以避免刮傷。熱處理常用於增強顏色,但過度加熱可能使紫水晶變脆或完全褪色。某些紫水晶在強光下可能會褪色。
清潔時使用軟毛刷、溫和肥皂和溫水。超聲波清洗機通常安全,但不建議使用蒸汽清洗。


Explore the World of Amethyst

From ancient royalty to modern collectors, amethyst has captivated hearts with its beauty and symbolism. Discover exquisite amethyst jewelry at Virtucasa, where tradition meets contemporary design.

探索紫水晶的世界

從古代皇室到現代收藏家,紫水晶以其美麗和象徵意義征服了人們的心。在Virtucasa探索精美的紫水晶珠寶,體驗傳統與現代設計的融合。


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