 Birthstone for February, the 6th Anniversary gemstone, amethyst is found in many variations of color purple. The subjection of amethyst to intense heat changes its color to a yellow, referred to as burnt amethyst. This is better known as citrine.
Amethyst is made up of different varieties of quartz. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos which means ‘not drunk’. It points to the original belief that this was the gemstone to avoid intoxication by wine.
Amethyst may exhibit one or both secondary hues of red and blue. Top quality amethyst is considered a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes. The ideal grade is called "Deep Siberian" and has a primary purple hue and secondary hue of blue.
Other names that it is known as are: lavendine, spirit quartz and bishop’s stone. Germans call it bacchusstein.
Amethyst is widely mined in countries like Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina, Zambia, and Namibia. While deep purple amethysts come from Mexico, Brazilian amethysts are usually paler.Some exquisite blue-violet colored amethysts come from North Carolina, US.
Amethyst is produced in abundance from Brazil. Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul is a large world producer of large quantities of Amethyst. Most of the material from Brazil is light-colored purple.
The chemical composition of amethyst is silicon dioxide, and the color purple is obtained due to iron or manganese compound impurities. It measures a 7 on Moh’s scale of hardness. This makes it a good gemstone for jewelry purposes.
Amethyst History :
In Greece, it was a common belief that this stone could help those who were intoxicated. The belief was that if one wore amethyst jewelry or drank from a cup made of amethyst, it would keep them immune from getting drunk.
Amethyst is also believed to have played an important part in the history and culture of ancient Egypt. Many royals were entombed with amethyst objects. Egyptian rulers exploited amethyst mines near Aswan to fund wars with neighboring kingdoms.
In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of intoxication, and wine, was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos, who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which was answered, so she became transformed into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos's desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, which dyed the crystals purple.
Early Amethysts had more recognition and value, classed along with Sapphire and Ruby. In olden times, Amethyst saw its place in the Christian church, worn on Bishops’ rings. The purple color used to symbolize Christ. Amethyst was the gemstone used in antiquity for intaglio engraved gems. Amethyst is also a symbol of Saint Matthias. Biblical references to the amethyst abound. It was one of the twelve precious stones in Aaron’s breastplate.
It is believed that amethyst brings a certain spiritual awareness in the wearer, and thus enhances spirituality. Further, it is also believed to ward off negative energy – whether from within, or negativity that comes from those around us.
It is claimed that amethyst can ward off nightmares, provide relief from physical and mental exhaustion, and helps a person get balanced perspective in life.
While there is little scientific evidence to support it, in history beliefs about curative powers of amethyst are found aplenty. Ground amethyst was believed to get relief form skeletal, neurological ailments and aid with digestion, sugar levels and blood circulation.
Amethyst is thought to have powerful soothing effects on the wearer. It is believed to enhance a person’s ability to learn faster. It is can help you steady the mind and balance your emotional, mental, and physical states. |
