Amethysts at a Glance:

 Mineral Name:  Quartz
 Colour:  A deep shade of purple or a light lavender
 Main Factor  Affecting  Value:  Certain types of inclusions are found more often in natural gemstones than in their synthetic counterparts
 Inclusions:  Needles, clouds, fluids, and crystals are examples of inclusions typically found in these gemstones
 Birthstone:  Amethyst is a February Birthstone
 Some Diamond Mines:  Brazil, Uruguay, South Korea, Austria, Arizona & Texas (USA)

 

World of Amethysts

Amethyst was as expensive as ruby & emerald until the 19th Century when Brazil’s large deposits were unveiled. It was believed to prevent intoxication—amethystos means ‘not drunk’ in Ancient Greek. Today, as the most valued quartz variety, amethyst is in demand for designer pieces and its purple to pastel hues retain wide consumer appeal.  The use of Amethyst in Jewellery creates a wonderful combination when set in yellow or white gold.  Often set with diamonds, Amethyst Jewellery is adorned by millions throughout the world!

Largest amethyst found:

The ‘Empress of Uruguay’ which weighed 2.5 tonnes, was discovered in November 2007 and needed two very large cranes to lift it from the mine where it was discovered in Uruguay. The Crystal Caves Museum paid $75,000 and a further $25,000 just to get the stone cleaned and set up in the museum. It now has a value estimated at over $250,000. 

Myths and Legends:

Due to its wine-like colour, Greek legends associated amethysts with Bacchus, the god of wine; son of Jupiter; who was the last god to join the twelve Olympians. Bacchus was tutored into appreciating good wine!  The Greeks believed amethysts prevented drunkenness or intoxication; whilst soldiers during medieval times believed the amulets contained healing powers and kept people ‘cool-headed’.

The name Amethyst was borne from the Greek word ‘ametusthos’, (not intoxicated). Bacchus; angry over an insult and determined to avenge himself declared the first person he’d encounter will be eaten by his tigers. The unfortunate mortal happened to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. As the ferocious beasts attempted to ambush her, she sought the protection of the goddess and was saved by being turned into a clear, white crystal. Bacchus, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, giving the gem its lush purple hue.

Amethyst: As a ‘talisman’.

The amethyst is believed to stimulate and soothe the mind. The gemstone is highly regarded as a gem that rises above its commonality and transcends it. Amethyst is especially supportive of the emotional body, bringing those who are overworked, overstressed, or overwhelmed back to centre.

Interesting facts and beliefs:

1. Amethyst is an alternative variation of quartz, the second most abundant mineral on Earth.

2. Amethyst is especially calming of the emotional body, bringing those who are overworked, overstressed, or overwhelmed back to normality. It eases tensions that lead to headaches and is a great talisman to calm those who tend to be hot-headed and easily irritated.

3. Amethysts, famously claim to prevent drunkenness but also claim to prevent over-indulgences within ‘the richer classes’.

4. In today’s world, Amethysts are a remarkable stone of spirituality and contentment, known for their metaphysical abilities to alter the mind and inspire an enhanced meditative state. Its high frequency is believed to purify the aura of any negative energy and create a protective shield of light around the body, allowing the wearer to remain clear, lucid and grounded while opening to spiritual direction. Amethyst is also believed to stimulate the Third Eye, Crown and Etheric Chakras enhancing cognitive perception as well as accelerating the development of intuitive ability. It initiates wisdom and understanding and provides comfort for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

5. Amethyst is believed to help in the creation of new ideas, from conception to delivery, and bring projects to completion - A talisman of focus and drive.

6. Amethyst is the birthstone for February and one of the emblems of the twelve apostles.

7. Top-quality amethysts have been set in religious jewellery and crown jewels for hundreds of years. It was once considered equal in value to ruby, emerald & sapphire. It’s no wonder amethyst adorns the fingers of bishops as well as the regalia of the British monarch.

 

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