February - Amethyst
Another of the stones found in the High Priest's breast plate is amethyst, the February birthstone. Amethyst is one of the most widely known gem stones. The purplish color varies from light to deep purple, and reddish purple. One of a variety of the quartz group, it occurs in many countries. Color is due to traces of manganese. It is found in quartz veins, and chalcedony (quartz) geodes are often found lined with amethyst crystals. Not all amethyst is gem quality.
It belongs to the hexagonal crystal system, 7 in scale of hardness, streak white, brittle to tough tenacity, indistinct cleavage, conchoidal to splintery fracture. It is found in various areas in Utah (Grand County and Piute County).