The Basics:
Mineral: Quartz
Chemical Formula: SiO₂
Color: Purple tones, pink, and green

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7

A stone that can range from the lightest of lilacs to the deepest of violets, amethyst has captured hearts for centuries, and is the lucky birthstone of February as well as the gemstone for 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

Early Greek legends associated amethyst with Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure (also known as Bacchus by the Romans) - as such, legends reflected the belief that wearing amethyst kept the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted, and that the stone helped prevent drunkenness. We can't attest to THAT, but appreciate the sentiment.

If you're looking for a larger gem, amethyst may be your friend - this stone can be found in relatively large sizes with immense clarity. Did you know that the GIA Museum displayed an amethyst crystal that weighs 164 pounds?

The Basics:
Mineral: Corundum
Chemical Formula: Al₂O₃
Color: All variations of red, from pinkish to dark brownish red

Mohs Scale Hardness: 9

As the color of passion, courage, and resilience, rubies are the life of the party. And resilient they are! Ranking just behind the diamond in strength, rubies register a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Said another way, they can handle the heat and will NOT get out of the kitchen, thankyouverymuch.

The party has ARRIVED! Not only is ruby the birthstone for July, it is also used to celebrate 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. If ever a gemstone were to celebrate love, it's the ruby.

Deriving from the Latin word rubens , which means red, rubies have been renowned for centuries. They were even recorded in Sanskrit as the "King of Gems".