What Is the Meaning of Amethyst Stones?

Raw amethyst crystals range from light lavender to royal purple.

Amethyst is a semiprecious stone and is the most precious member of the quartz family. This gemstone can be found in many hues of purple ranging from light lavender to royal purple. The highest quality amethysts are deep purple. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers adopted amethyst as the official birthstone for the month of February. Amethyst is suggested as a gemstone to give on the fourth, sixth and 17th wedding anniversaries.

History

For centuries amethyst was known as the Bishop's Stone because it is worn by Roman Catholic Bishops as a symbol of piety, humility, sincerity and spiritual wisdom. The color purple is also associated with wealth and prosperity in many cultures. For this reason amethyst is often featured in crowns and royal attire. Amethyst is one of the many gemstones featured in the British Crown Jewels. Egyptian royalty also chose amethyst for many of their adornments. Catherine the Great of Russia and many nobles throughout history also wore amethyst.

Physical Properties

Raw crystalline quartz has the same chemical composition as amethyst.

Amethyst is a naturally occurring form of crystalline quartz. The chemical composition of amethyst is SiO2, the same composition as clear crystalline quartz. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, amethyst ranks a 7, making it one of the more scratch-resistant gemstones. The hardest gemstone on the Mohs scale is the diamond, which is a 10. The Specific Gravity of amethyst is 2.66 with a Refractive Index of 1.544-1.553

Colors

The pale green color on these amethyst crystals is rare.

The most common colors of amethyst range from light lavender to deep purple depending on the amount of manganese and iron present during formation. Rare colors such as reddish-purple or yellowish-purple amethyst form depending on the combination of these minerals. Natural green amethysts are very rare; most green amethyst is heat treated. Amethyst containing iron with specific properties (Fe2+ iron compounds) will turn green when heat treated.

Formation

Raw amethyst crystals are found inside agate geodes.

Amethyst crystals form in the inside surface of agate geodes. Agate geodes are formed when clay, silt, sand or gravel are compacted by running water. Geodes containing amethyst crystals can be several feet in height, yet only produce crystals that are a few inches long. Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Africa, Russia and the United States.

Metaphysical Properties

People often wear amethyst for its perceived metaphysical properties.

Many metaphysical properties are attributed to amethyst. It is believed to aid creativity, spirituality, relaxation, meditation, psychic abilities, spiritual awareness, contentment, peace, stability, serenity, forgiveness and tolerance. The artist Leonardo da Vinci once wrote, "Amethyst holds the power to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken one's intelligence." For this reason many believe wearing amethyst can help quiet the mind and increase intuition.

Folklore

Wearing amethyst is said to protect against negativity.

Ancient Egyptians viewed amethyst as a protective gemstone. It is said to guard against negative feelings. It is often worn as protection from self-deception and against witchcraft. Traditionally amethyst is worn to guard against drunkenness and to instill a sober mind. The word amethyst comes from the Greek meaning "without drunkenness." Amethyst is also believed to protect one from poison.

References

• Fire Mountain Gems: Amethyst Gemstone Properties
• Bernardine: Amethyst Facts
• Green Amethyst:: FAQ
• Crystal Cure: Amethyst gemstone meaning
• Jewelry: Amethyst The Color for Kings