AMETHYST - This is the purple variety of quartz and is a popular gemstone. If it were not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken." This was likely due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring to the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered. Its color is unparalleled, and even other, more expensive purple gemstones are often compared to its color and beauty. Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it can and does have a wide range of purple shades. The color of Amethyst specimens from certain localities slowly fade upon prolonged exposure to light. Some citrine is formed by heat-treating amethyst.
CHEMISTRY: SiO2
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY: Hexagonal
REFRACTIVE INDEX: 1.544 - 1.553
HARDNESS: 7
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 2.651 - 2.7
CLEAVAGE: None
HEAT SENSITIVE: No
ENHANCEMENTS Amethyst can be heat treated to improve the color or change it to citrine (not common).
Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six-sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show the pointed terminations. As a mineral specimen, amethyst is popular for its color and nice crystal shapes that produce a handsome, purple, sparkling cluster. Tall, prismatic, well-shaped crystals are restricted to two Mexican localities: Piedras Parado, Las Vigas, Veracruz, and Guerro. They occur in pale crystals that are rarely faceted, since collectors pay well for these rarities. Enormous quantities of fine Amethyst come from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Most faceted material is from this locality. Also in Brazil is Rio Grande do Sul, Bahaia, where it occurs with agate. Another South American country, Uruguay, produces uniformly colored crystals in large geodes and pipes. Very dark and clear material comes from the Ural Mountains in Russia. Large amounts of amethyst are found two African countries: Zambia and South Africa. There are two notable Canadian occurrences. One is Thunder Bay, Ontario, the other locality is the area of Digby, Nova Scotia, where naturally rounded, water-worn amethyst pebbles are found on the beaches along the Bay of Fundy. In the U.S., fine Amethyst crystals can be found in Four Peaks (in the Mazatzal Mountains), Gila Co., Arizona; in the Pohndorf Mine, Jefferson Co., Montana; in the Pennoyer Mine at Redfeather Lakes, Larimer Co., Colorado; Deer Hill, Maine; and in several areas in the western portion of North Carolina. In the early 1900's, excellent Amethyst clusters were found in Paterson, Passaic Co., New Jersey, but the area is now built over by urban expansion.
Astrological Signs of Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn.
A semi-precious stone, amethyst is essentially quartz, and its metaphysical properties are similar to the properties of that mineral. This purple variety is seeped in ancient magic. In Tibet, the amethyst is considered a stone sacred to the Buddha. The stone was favored by Egyptian royalty and their soldiers who believed that it would provide them with calm in times of danger. Amethyst has long been believed to repress evil thoughts and protect its wearer against disease and excess. It is also often called "The Bishop's Stone" because of its use in rings by Bishops in the Catholic Church to symbolize their victory over worldly passions.
- The amethyst is known as a spiritual stone (receptive) and is used for general healing and for meditation. (Stone of spirituality and contentment. Aids in left brain imbalances, psychic insight, stimulates third eye, enhances dream state, aid for meditation, spiritual opening and internal surrender, spiritual guidance, raising conscience, transformation, calming the mind. Aids channeling abilities.)
- Its powers are used to overcome alcoholism, protect, heal, bring courage and happiness. (The amethyst clears, purifies and helps overcome any addictions or stress or tension.)
- Many healers also consider it useful in the relief of insomnia and to bring serenity in times of grief. (Soothes and calms the mind, raises the spirit, re-balances and increases intuitive awareness, protects from negative vibrations.)
- Also protects against blood disease, toxic effects of substance use, acne, neuralgia and fits.
- Strengthens endocrine and immune systems. Power blood cleanser and energizer.
- Enhances right brain activity and pineal and pituitary glands. Helps mental disorders (promotes good judgment).
- Purification and regeneration on all levels of consciousness, transmutes one's lower nature into the more highly defined aspects of their higher potentials.
- Excellent for edginess, brings inner peace, psychic insight, stimulates third eye, enhances dream state, spiritual opening and internal surrender, spiritual guidance, raising conscience, transformation, calming the mind. (Bestows stability, strength, invigoration and peace.)
- Also useful for drawing pure, true, emotional love, divine love, inspiration, intuition.
- Clears the aura.
- Physical representative of the Violet Ray of alchemy and transformation.
- Chakras: Third Eye, Crown.
Some claims:
~ It is said that sleeping with a piece of amethyst beneath one's pillow promotes intuitive dreams and inspired thought.
~ It is a very good idea to have an Amethyst cluster in your room because of the cleansing and energizing properties associated with it.
~ In shape of fish, sacred symbol of life fertility as well.
~ It is a stone used in spiritual journeys. Visualize and send your pain to the stone, as your hand releases the stone release all hurt as well, know that it is gone from you, and that is the magic. The earth will absorb the hurt, leaving your amethyst clear again.
