Amethyst, February Birthstone

Amethyst, the February birthstone and one of the most beloved of all the gemstones. It's a good thing it's plentiful; otherwise it would be super expensive!

If you're looking for some other stones to represent Aquarius in the Zodiac, try Agate, Jasper, Turquoise or Opal as these stones are associated with Talismanic, Planetary and Sun/Star signs.

Some more-than-trivial facts about Amethyst:

• From the Greek word "amethystos", which means not drunken. It is thought to protect from overindulgence.
• It's the official state gemstone of the US state of Georgia.
• Major deposits are found in the US, Brazil and some countries in Africa.
  
• Some amethyst will lose its color in direct sunlight. It can be restored using X-rays.

An amethyst cathedral makes great decor in a living or waiting area and perhaps will contribute to the metaphysical properties of the room? 

You can find them larger or smaller than this. It's like a large geode with masses of amethyst crystals inside. I've seen them recently at shows with a really ugly green paint/sealant on the outside. I prefer them natural on the outside.

Metaphysical properties include:

• Protection from overindulgence
• Balance, quieting the mind
• Emotional healing
• Spiritual growth and transformation

When I am picking out gemstones to wear or display, I select based on the ones I am most drawn to. Though the metaphysical properties are always interesting and may have basis, people are definitely drawn to certain stones more than others and it varies by person. 

I recently got some new amethyst stones and will have new designs shortly! 

Gem Shows

Yesterday I attended a gem and jewelry show in Orlando. I got some great new items to make into necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more! It was fabulous to pick up some new bead strands, but I particularly enjoyed visiting vendors who had specimen stones, like this company, Raiders of the Lost Art. I had to really hold myself back from buying gemstone spheres, eggs and natural formations, knowing that my focus this day was to buy jewelry supplies. You can't hang an amethyst cathedral from a pendant; well, you could, but it would be mighty heavy.

Here are a few of the cool strands I picked up yesterday:

From the left, as follows:

Green Java glass: Java has a big glass industry; these remind me of sea glass.

Various glass beads: faceted blue & clear glass

Labradorite, large chips

Unidentified black stone: small cube; mostly black with a very few white flecks. It's a softer stone, because there is powder between the stones, where the thread has rubbed inside the bead hole.

Pyrite, flat squares: these are heavy, but awesome!

Quartz ovals and hearts

Tigereye

Iolite

Rhodonite

Sodalite, puffed squares

Lapis lazuli, puffed coins

Bone fish & tubes

Paua shell

Black lip shell

It was great and I'm ready to incorporate these into some new designs and to go back to the next show in January! 

Interested in gem shows in your area? Check out this blog with monthly updates around the U.S.