# February birthstone: Amethyst

> The February birthstone is amethyst. Its meaning and history, alternatives at gift-friendly prices, February star signs and pieces you can buy in the UK.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/february
Updated: 2026-10-30

The birthstone for February is amethyst. The full list is amethyst (also onyx in some older lists). Amethyst is purple quartz. Its name means 'not drunk' in Greek, from an old belief that it guarded against drunkenness.

## February birthstones at a glance

- [Amethyst](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/amethyst): traditionally linked with calm, clear thinking and restful sleep; the Greek name means 'not drunk'
- [Onyx](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/onyx)

## Where birthstone lists come from

The idea of a stone for each month goes back to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, described in the Book of Exodus. The modern list was set by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912, and Britain's National Association of Goldsmiths published its own list in 1937. That is why some months have more than one stone.

## February star signs

February birthdays fall under [Aquarius](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/aquarius/crystals) (20 January – 18 February) and [Pisces](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/pisces/crystals) (19 February – 20 March), so a sign stone is another gift option.

## Gift ideas at every price

- Under £10: a tumbled onyx or amethyst in a pouch with a card.
- £10–£30: a pendant, bracelet or point in the birthstone colour.
- £30 and over: a sphere, a larger point or a set with a candle and incense. Orders over £40 travel free.

## Care

Hard stones (7 and above on the Mohs scale) can be washed in warm soapy water. Softer and porous stones need a dry cloth only. Each stone page gives specific care.

## Questions

**What is the February birthstone?**

Amethyst (also onyx in some older lists).

**What colour is the February birthstone?**

Amethyst is purple quartz.

**Is there a cheaper alternative to amethyst?**

Yes: onyx give a similar look or tradition at a lower price.

**Can I wear a February birthstone if I wasn't born in February?**

Yes, anyone can wear a February birthstone. Birthstone lists are a modern jewellers' tradition (set in 1912 in the US and 1937 in the UK), not a rule, and many people choose stones for their colour or meaning. Amethyst and Onyx are the usual choices.

**What is the zodiac stone for a February birthday?**

A February birthday falls under two star signs, and each has its own traditional stones. Check your exact date, then see the [crystals for February](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals-by-month/february) page, which lists both signs' stones. Many people give the birthstone and a sign stone together.

## Related

- [January birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/january)
- [March birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/march)
- [All birthstones](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones)
- [Crystal gift finder](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-finder)

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Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.