Amethyst is a variety of quartz and varies in color from pale lavender to a deep, rich purple. The presence of manganese produces Amethyst, while varying amounts of iron content vary the purple intensity. Amethyst is found all over the globe and in every country, but the deeper colored amethyst are found in Uruguay, Siberia, Africa and Colorado.
Amethyst is a Greek word, 'amethystos' meaning 'not intoxicated'. Ancient belief was that anyone wearing an amethyst could not become intoxicated. Sometimes novice drinkers wore amulets made of it to counteract the action of wine.
Amethyst is the State Gemstone for South Carolina and the Canadian State Gemstone for the area of Ontario, Canada.
Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February, an astrological birthstone for the sign of Pisces, and the anniversary gemstone for the 6th wedding anniversaries.
Its color is as unique as it is seductive, though in fact this gemstone of all gemstones is said to protect its wearer against seduction. The amethyst is extravagance in violet. For many thousands of years, this striking representative of the quartz family has been a jewel coveted by princes both ecclesiastical and secular.
Moses described it as a symbol of the Spirit of God in the official robes of the High Priest, and the Russian Empress Catherine the Great sent thousands of miners into the Urals to look for it.
Amethyst is said to be one of the stones in the Breastplate of The High Priest. It is further associated with the Hebrew tribe of Dan and the Christian Apostle Matthias.
According to the ancient Greek saga, Diana turned a nymph whom Bacchus loved into an amethyst; hence the term Bacchus stone.
(Astrological Sign of Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius & Capricorn)
Vibrates to the number 3
Amethyst has been often given away as a symbol of sincerity.
Amethyst is a stone of "Spirituality and Contentment". It balances the energies of the intellectual, emotional and physical bodies and bestows stability, strength, invigoration and perfect peace. It is 'warm and cuddly' as well as as well as regal and ruling. It brings one serenity and composure in decision making. Amethyst is also a 'Stone of Meditation'.
Some people believe amethyst can be used to remove undesirable attributes in the soul and bring about a more intense spirituality. It is said to deflect and redirect energies instead of absorbing them. Users of this powerful crystal believe that amethyst operates on levels that are out of our normal range of senses.
Amethyst is related crystal of Archangel Jeremiel, whose name means Mercy of God. He heals emotions.
In healing, amethyst is used to help manic-depressives. It is said to bring thought patterns into alignment. It is believed that amethyst should be used sparingly as it is very powerful stone.
It has been used to treat insomnia and pain from headaches.
