Dark & Lovely: February Birthstones Amethyst & Black Onyx
Share
Welcome to Rock Talk with Angel!
Hey February babies!
Your birthstones are dark, lovely, and classic choices for any gemstone or jewelry collection:
Amethyst, and alternate gemstone Black Onyx.
Amethyst is the purple Quartz variety, and has been used for thousands of years for healing and ornamental purposes. It is one of the best recognized minerals in both the scientific and healing communities.
Black Onyx is the black variety of chalcedony; it is often created by treating white onyx (see notes below), but may rarely be found in nature. It is highly prized for its healing properties.
Read on for 10 facts about these classic beauties, the primary and alternate birthstones for February!
5 Facts about Amethyst:
1. Amethyst is the purple Quartz, and gets its color from iron ions. It is found in shades from palest lavender to nearly black, and may also be colorado pinkish or red by hematite, display golden inclusions from goethite, display golden zones when partially heated (Ametrine), and become another color completely when heated totally (green Prasiolite or golden Citrine, depending on the chemistry within.)
2. Amethyst gets its name from the Greek wprd amethystos, a combination of words that translates to "not / to be drunk". Both the Greeks and Romans believed amethyst could prevent drunkenness and addictions--in one myth, the god of wine Bacchus poured his wine on clear crystals, creating the deep purple shade.
3. Amethyst is one of the longest used gemstones for healing--it was used by multiple ancient cultures, and was also a symbol of royalty in the Middle Ages in Europe. In the bible, amethyst is listed as one of the 12 gemstones that represented the 12 tribes of Israel.
4. In gemstone healing practices, amethyst is associated with spiritual guidance, dreams, prayers, and protection. It is believed to be be connected to the crown chakra and the element of wind.
5. Amethyst is a 7 on Moh's scale, as it is a crystalline quartz variety. The color is photosensitive, so we recommend against prolonged sun exposure, as it can bleach the color out. This is also true for other colored quartz, calcite, fluorite, and more.
5 Facts about Black Onyx:
1. Black Onyx is just one color of the onyx, or banded chalcedony family--part of the quartz family, these silicate minerals are characterized by banded layers of chalcedony (banded onyx tends to have higher contrast bands than agate, but they're very closely related.) As a member of the quartz group, it is a 7 on Moh's scale.
2. Black Onyx is frequently heated and/or injected with dye to produce its jet black color--it is so widespread that it's basically assumed to be treated on the market. Natural black onyx does occur in nature, but it's very rare and highly valued. You should assume that the vast majority of the black onyx you purchase has been treated, and was likely white originally.
3. The largest black onyx ever discovered is from Brazil, and weighs over 130 pounds.
4. Onyx gets its name from the Greek word "onux", meaning fingernail--this is because the smooth layers of the stone were thought to resemble the smooth layers of a fingernail. It should not be confused with onyx marble, a banded carbonate material that is frequently quarried in Mexico and Pakistan. Onyx Marble is frequently labeled only as "onyx", and it's considered deceptive due to its softness and lower durability.
5. In modern gemstone healing, black onyx is associated with strength, focus, and emotional balance. It is believed to be connected to the earth element and the root chakra. Like most black stones, either natural or enhanced, it is believed to help ground and protect.
Meet me back here next month for a fascinating look at the gems of March!
What was the most surprising fact you learned about these dark beauties? Do you prefer the richness of Black Onyx or the classic look of Amethyst? Comment below!
Follow Rock Talk with Angel for more interesting tidbits on the history and modern lore of the gems we love! Shop online with Phenomenal Gems for your own little piece of the mineral world, and keep an eye out for special events, promotions, and in-person booths to meet us in person. Rock on, my friends!