Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. The name comes from the Ancient Greek and methustos ("intoxicated"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. The ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. The starsign on which amethyst suited the most is AQUARIUS. It is considered to be the birthstone of the month FEBRUARY.