Birthstone of the month, Amethyst = February

Amethyst in the rough. Image sourced from minedirect.com
Amethyst in the rough. Image sourced from minedirect.com

Like most quartz minerals, amethyst is found all over the world. The finest amethysts are found in Uruguay, where it is the national gemstone. It is also found in Brazil, Russia, India, Zambia and Namibia.

Amethyst can be found anywhere where lava has been close to the earth’s surface. Scientists believe that amethyst is formed in two stages. Firstly, an amethyst geode is formed from gas bubbling and being captured in the lava, causing cavities. The cavities then fill up with a liquid that contains a small amount of iron, which over time forms amethyst crystals. The geodes look very plain on the outside but when cut open they reveal a spectacular display of amethyst in the middle. These geodes can be found in varying sizes.

This is one of the largest amethyst geodes. The Empress of Uruguay. Photo sourced from indulgy.com
This is one of the largest amethyst geodes. The Empress of Uruguay. Photo sourced from indulgy.com
A small amethyst geode. Photo sourced from spiritrockshop.com
A small amethyst geode. Photo sourced from spiritrockshop.com

We use amethyst often in our jewellery. We love the rich, purple colour. Below are some examples of amethyst in our work.

One of our heart necklaces with amethysts. John and Dawn Field.
One of our heart necklaces with amethysts. John and Dawn Field.
Amethyst extra long asymmetrical earrings.
Amethyst extra long asymmetrical earrings.
Amethyst cufflinks from our new Matching range.
Amethyst cufflinks from our new Matching range.
Our garnet and amethyst necklace from our gemstone range.
Our garnet and amethyst necklace from our gemstone range.
Large arc earrings.
Large arc earrings.
Halved amethyst earrings from our Imprint range.
Halved amethyst earrings from our Imprint range.

All of the above jewellery can be found on our website at www.JandDField.co.uk