The colour of amethyst
Amethyst is a type of quartz often found in geodes among cold lava. The color of amethyst ranges from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. It gets its purple colors from the presence of iron and natural radiation below the Earth's surface. Gemstones can exhibit color segmentation with both uneven color distribution and color bands.
But certain treatments can change the colour of an amethyst. These gemstones, however, are no longer considered amethysts, but merely a different coloured variety of quartz. Amethyst can undergo changes in colors such as yellow, green, blue and red-orange
Meanings, symbolism and folklore
The origin of the word “amethyst” is from the Greek word amethystos, which means “not drunk” or “medicine for drunkenness”. The ancient Greeks believed that a person could drink all night and stay sober if he had an amethyst on him.
Because of its wine-like colour, early Greek mythology associated amethyst with Bacchus, the god of wine. It was also believed to keep those who wore the amethyst clear-headed and witty in battle and in business affairs.
Renaissance Europeans believed that it calmed lovers who were overwhelmed by passion. Amethyst was also said to impart strength and wit.
According to Christian traditions, the colours of amethyst referred to the wounds and sufferings of Jesus and were used to heal wounds. Its calming presence was also thought to produce soothing dreams, creating clarity and peace in the waking mind.
For those whose birthday is in February, amethyst is a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength. Saint Valentine, the patron saint of love, is said to have worn an amethyst ring carved with the image of love.
Camillo Leonardi, an Italian astronomer and astrologer, wrote that amethyst accelerates intelligence and frees you from bad thoughts. It was even once believed that rubbing a wet amethyst on a pimple would cure it.
Amethyst is a gift for celebrating a couple's sixth wedding anniversary. Dreaming that you receive an amethyst as a gift brings good luck. Dreaming that you are giving an amethyst means that you forgive the recipient.
The history of amethyst
The ancient Egyptians used amethysts in amulets as a form of prayer and protection against evil. Catherine the Great of Russia also had a fondness for the gemstone that led to a collection of amethyst necklaces, earrings and other decorative jewelry. It was once considered equal in value to ruby, emerald and sapphire.
Where to find amethyst.
Russia was the main source of amethyst until the 19th century, before large deposits were found in Brazil, making it available in abundance.
Today, regions of the world such as Africa, South America, Bolivia are a source for the gemstone. It is also found in the United States in Arizona and North Carolina.
Amethyst in jewellery
Amethyst is readily available in all sizes and does not show a dramatic increase in price per carat. Lower grade amethyst can be carved and shaped into beads and other items.
With a Mohs hardness of 7.0, amethyst is suitable for everyday use in jewellery such as rings. Be careful when storing it next to harder gemstones, as there is a risk of scratching it.
