Amethyst has a history that goes back over 4,000 years:

The name amethyst comes from the Greek: amethystos, which translates as unintoxicated, counteracting the intoxication  means. Given the color, it was believed that the wearer of amethyst would be immune to the intoxicating effects of wine. It was also claimed that drinking wine from an amethyst cup should not make you drunk. People already recognized the clarifying effect of the stone at this time. 

Others are convinced that the name Amethyst has a divine origin. Bacchus, the god of wine, is said to have poured wine on a nymph named Amethyst who had been transformed into a crystal, whereupon she turned purple. 

Amethyst is assigned to the zodiac sign of Pisces (February 20th). – March 20th) and is the stone of those born in the month of February.

Please note: The birthstone as well as the month stone are not identical with the assignment to the signs of the zodiac.