Amethyst
- Crystal Structure: hexagonal
- Colors: deep violet to pale purple
- Refractive Index: 1.5
- Chemical Composition: Transparent Quartz – Silicon Dioxide, SiO2
- Hardness: 7 MOHS
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It was earlier known as Jasper. Amethyst has been famous with Catholic Bishops, Buddha and Tibetian Lamas. Amethyst is an antidote for intoxication.
What does the name Amethyst mean?
The word Amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos. It means not drunk.
Chemical Composition of Amethyst:
Amathyst is a transparent form of quartz. Quartz is compased of Silicon Dioxide. Its hardness is 7 Mohs. Its specific gravity is 2.66.
Colors of Amethyst:
Amethyst is transparent and is availabe in shades of purple. Their colours may vary from deep voilet to pale purple. Along with purple, some Amethysts also have white or grayish areas. Color zones are very intense in transparent, translucent and opaque varieties. The most desired hues ranged from deep purplish-red to purple-red and these stones were called Uralian or Siberian Amethyst, terms that are now color grades rather than source areas.
The purple color of Amethyst is due to iron oxide, manganese, or hydrocarbon content.
Where is Amethyst Found?
You are able to mine amethyst is South American countries that include Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. You are also able to excavate it in African countries such as Zambia, Argentina, and Namibia.
There are a few key locations you can find certain amethyst. In Guerrero, Mexico you can find dark deep purple amethysts, known to be one of the most precious in the world. Also in Vera Cruz, Mexico you can find pale crystallized amethysts that have developed in light colored rocks.
In Maraba, Brazil the gemstone is generally medium or pale colors. These amethysts are regularly cut. In Rio Grande de Sul, Brazil you can find amethyst stones from large volcanic rocks and is generally big.
North Carolina, USA offers some exquisite blue-violet colored amethysts. Maine, USA used to have amethysts but they aren’t for distribution any more.
History and Mythology of Amethyst:
In the prehistoric era nearly 25,000 BC, man used amethysts to decorate. Claeopatra, the queen of Egypt, saint Valentine – both wore Amethyst ring. Leonardo Da Vinci wore Amethyst to increase his creativity and subside negative energies.
Amethysts have always been famous with the royals. They have been used in British Crown.
As Amethyst stone is considered to be sacred, roseries made with Amethysts were used in Buddha monestaries. It was also considered to be important by churches in the middle age.
The legend of the origin of amethyst comes from Greek myths. Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was angered one day by an insult from a mere mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal that crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wish. Along came unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Diana turned Amethyst into a stature of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god’s tears stained the quartz purple, creating the gem we know today.
Benifits of wearing Amethyst:
Amethyst is the Stone of spirituality and contentment. Provides a clear connection between the earth plane and other worlds, clears the aura, brings peace, stability and strength.
Caring for Amethyst Jewelry:
- Clean Amethyst Jeweler with warm soapy water.
- You can use an ultrasonic cleaner
- Avoid Steam
- Avoid prolonged bright light, intense heat and acids.
Excellent for meditation, releasing addictions and migraines.