February 2022 - Happy Birthday, Arizona!

Did you know that Arizona shares its birthday with Valentine’s Day? That's right, not only is February the season of love, it is also a time to cherish our state in all its majestic splendor. What could be more fitting this month than learning about Arizona's/February's birthstone? Can you guess what it is? Amethyst! Whether you find this mystic beauty in the center of banded agate or hiding in the cavity of a geode, you can’t help but be spell-bound by its divinity.

Amethyst is a variety of quartz that surfs the color spectrum from lilac to deep wine, reminiscent of mulberry. Flashes of blue and red are often seen shimmering under natural light. At seven on the Mohs hardness scale, this semi-precious stone is ideal for adornment in the form of jewelry or home decor.

Ancient Greeks believed Amethyst to prevent intoxication. This references the myth of Dionysus and Amethyst. Spurned by the maiden Amethyst, the Greek god of wine attempts to take her life. To save her, the goddess Artemis turns Amethyst into a quartz statue. Saturated with regret, Dionysus pours his wine onto the effigy, staining it purple. The Greek word amethystos translates to "not drunken."

The majority of the world's amethyst is mined in Canada, South America, and Africa. The highest grade amethyst is excavated from the Ural Mountains of Russia and is aptly named "Deep Siberian." This variety is famed for its deep purple tone. In Arizona, top-grade Siberian Red Amethyst comes from the Mazatzal Mountain Range of Tonto Basin.

Don't miss our enchanting sale on natural amethyst gems! Whether you're an artist, a collector, or just an appreciator of beauty, we have what you're looking for in-store at the

Pickle Barrel Trading Post!

Take advantage of 15% OFF all Amethyst jewelry and stones for the entire month of February!