From our article you will learn what geologists, chemists and esotericists say about the gem. We will tell you who amethyst is suitable for and how to use it for good. It will be interesting!
From the Bible to the present day?
The Bible mentions amethyst (Exodus 28:19, Exodus 39:12, Revelation 21:20).
Expert opinion
Semenishcheva Polina
Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.
“St. Matthew’s Stone” is what the church ministers called amethyst. Amethyst was used to decorate clothes, vestments of icons, and to make church utensils from stone. Bishops traditionally wore rings with very large gems. And either a glass made of amethyst glass or a glass made of a single crystal was always served on the bishop’s table. (A. Shevelenko “Jewelry of the Early Middle Ages...”.
Interesting: the popes, while drinking wine, held a specially rounded gem in their mouths.
Origin of name ?
The gem received its name in Ancient Greece. The Greeks (a cultured and enlightened people) did not drink wine like wild steppe barbarians. Although their wine was more like syrup. It was very thick, tart, and often very sweet.
This ancient necklace dates back to 2000 BC.
This wine was diluted with water. How to find out how much water to add was determined by the color of the stone. As soon as the color of the diluted wine becomes equal, you can start drinking. This kind of wine didn’t get you drunk “on the spot”; you could drink it for hours and have interesting conversations.
Amethyst. A is a particle of negation; can be translated as "not". Mephistos (metistos) - drunk, intoxicating.
Most residents of ancient Rome were sure that the stone would not allow them to get drunk “to the point of losing their appearance.” But Pliny the Elder laughed at this superstition.
The Greeks have a touching (and not very logical) myth about the nymph Amethys.
“Maternity hospital for amethyst”?️
Hydrothermal rocks, the main igneous rocks, are the birthplace of amethyst. It is found in the form of crystals, druses and brushes. They are in demand among collectors.
Vein quartz from "Chevron amethyst"
Chemical composition of the mineral
Unlike other quartzes, the chemical composition of amethyst contains a large amount of iron. The intensity of the color depends on this element. Today, the exact content of aluminum and alkali is not known, and there is no information about the refractive index. The physical constants of the crystal are approximately the same as those of colorless quartz, but amethyst has a higher refractive index.
The density of quartz constantly fluctuates. Scientists conducted many spectral analyzes of the stone. The results showed that it contains several main impurities: Cu, Ti, Mn, Cr, Mg, Ca, Li, Al, Fe.
Place of Birth ?
In Russia, a gem of excellent quality was found a couple of centuries ago. Catherine II simply fell in love with the stone. Amethyst “burst” into fashion; high society considered it necessary to have jewelry with a handsome purple stone.
Canada
Mexico
USA
Zambia
Uruguay
The most beautiful specimens are found in Brazil.
In Russia, placers are found on the shores of the White Sea. There, crystals coexist with ordinary cobblestones.
World locations for amethyst mining:
- Canada;
- Mexico;
- USA;
- Zambia;
- Uruguay.
In Russia, placers are found on the shores of the White Sea. There, crystals coexist with ordinary cobblestones.
The most beautiful specimens are found in Brazil.
Properties ?
Amethyst is quartz and has most of the properties of this mineral.
Quality factors?️
The value of an amethyst is determined by evaluating the following characteristics.
COLOR. The best color of amethyst is bright reddish purple to purple with no visible color zoning.
CLARITY. Most amethysts do not have inclusions that can be seen without magnification.
A CUT. Amethyst is cut into a variety of standard calibrated shapes, including round and oval.
WEIGHT. Amethyst is available in all size ranges and suits a variety of jewelry styles.
Physico-chemical?
It has always been believed that manganese gives amethyst its color. Nowadays, some mineralogists have hypothesized that the color of the stone depends on “certain organic coloring substances.”
Amethyst crystals grow on a “substrate”.
It has weak pleochroism, grayish-violet, reddish-violet.
Has a weak (greenish) fluorescence. (W. Schumann “Precious and semi-precious stones”).
Inclusions and structural heterogeneities?
Two-phase (gas-liquid) inclusions in amethyst. Viewing mode: dark lighting.
Incorporation of goethite into natural amethyst. Viewing mode: transmitted light.
Structural and color zoning Structure of natural amethyst. Viewing mode: transmitted light.
Two-phase inclusions in natural amethyst. Viewing mode: transmitted light.
Two-phase inclusions in natural amethyst. Viewing mode: reflected light.
Interference pattern of natural amethyst. Viewing mode: dark field.
Amethyst treatment?
- Lithotherapists are confident that amethyst will help with:
- Insomnia and stress.
- Blood diseases, poor circulation.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Treatment of skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis).
- Persistent headaches.
- It is traditionally believed that the stone helps overcome addiction to alcohol.
Magical?
- Amethyst is a powerful protector. Esotericists are sure that this is a rare stone that not only reflects astral attacks, but also transforms them into the energy of love.
- The stone stimulates brain function and helps logical thinking.
- Mages do not use the gem. He does not interfere in “human squabbles”; his concern is the good of the owner.
- Does your husband look at pretty girls too often? Place an amethyst geode in your apartment - this should help regain the attention of your loved one.
Important: the amethyst was not purchased, was the jewelry passed down to you by inheritance? You're very lucky. Such a stone has much greater power. In addition, he is attuned to the values and well-being of your family.
But the gem cannot stand theft and fraud. Just remember the eerie story of “The Curse of the Delphic Purple Sapphire.”
Types of gem
The intensity of the color depends on where the amethyst is mined. There are several varieties of these fossils. In Africa, namely in Namibia, brandberg is found - a special gem. These gemstones combine amethyst crystals and smoky quartz. You can often see frozen insects in them. This mineral is credited with special magical powers and the ability to treat serious illnesses.
In Mexico you can get acquainted with a special type of mineral - chevron. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of layers of bright purple amethyst with light layers of quartz. Such a stone is not of particular value to jewelers, but is popular among magicians and psychics. It is believed that it helps in spiritual journeys, healing the soul, and removing negativity.
Ametrine is a stone that combines shades of blue, lilac and gold. It consists of amethyst and citrine, which determines such an interesting combination of colors. This mineral looks impressive in jewelry.
Rutile amethyst is rare and the stone combines lavender and brown tones. He is credited with the ability to normalize a person’s emotional state and fulfill cherished desires.
Lavender amethyst is a sought-after mineral. It is in demand among jewelers. Lavender amethyst is believed to preserve youth and improve health. It changes color when heated and in the sun.
Among the jewels, a pale pink amethyst stands out. This is a symbol of love, maintaining peace in the family, reconciliation between lovers, and is preferable for making a talisman. The stone is afraid of the color of the sun; ultraviolet rays turn it into gray quartz.
Proselytes are green minerals that are rare. Highly valued by jewelers, they are used to create beautiful jewelry.
The rarest version of this mineral is black. Such stones have been created by nature for millions of years. To emphasize their exquisite beauty, complex and unusual types of cutting are used. Its characteristics include the ability to neutralize radioactive effects on humans and develop extrasensory abilities.
Areas of application ?
Mainly the jewelry industry. Can be used in optical and electronic devices, radio and television equipment.
Zodiac signs ♈
Amethyst will have difficulty getting used to the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).
But the air signs will immediately receive the support and help of the gem:
- Scales;
- Aquarius;
- Twins.
Black (inky-purple) amethysts will “love” Scorpios and Virgos.
Element?️
Air
Planets?
Venus
Saturn
Neptune
But some astrologers “give” amethyst to Jupiter.
Energy ☯️
Yin (feminine, secret, dark).
Stone care
The mineral needs regular care. It should be washed in warm water and soap and wiped with a soft cloth. Hard sponges and brushes are recommended to be used in extreme cases to avoid damaging the quartz. If the dirt is very strong, you can clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Under no circumstances should you use chemicals, otherwise irreparable damage will be caused to the stone.
It is best to take the amethyst to a jewelry workshop. There, specialists will clean it using ultrasound, which will return the mineral to its original state and will not damage it. Amethyst is durable and hard, but other stones can scratch it. Therefore, it is better not to store the mineral in a jewelry box and always wrap it in soft cloth.
Interesting Facts ?
Wear amethyst jewelry on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Once a week, remove jewelry and clean under running water. Let the stone rest and gain strength.
Esotericists are confident that the gem is able to cleanse the aura and restore it.
ST. VALENTINE, the patron saint of romantic love, wore an amethyst ring with a carved image of Cupid.
Amethyst is the birthstone of February and the pearl of the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
CAMILLO LEONARDI - the astrologer wrote that amethyst revitalizes the intellect and eliminates evil thoughts.
What zodiac signs is it suitable for?
In the zodiac horoscope, amethyst is correlated with the air element, the planets Neptune and Saturn. It suits almost all signs.
For Aquarius, Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Pisces, this is the main talisman. Aquarians are very loving. The lilac mineral will help you find your betrothed and improve relationships.
For fickle and doubtful Pisces, the pebble will enhance positive qualities and help in making the right decisions.
Aries love attention. Jewelry in bright colors is suitable for them. Those who are especially emotional will be helped to curb their feelings.
Astrologers recommend that insecure Taurus wear a ring with an amethyst. This will help reveal business qualities, achieve authority, and prove yourself.
Astrologers recommend for Geminis not to part with amethyst; it will help develop abilities and bring peace and mutual understanding to the home.
As for Cancers, this mineral is advised to be worn only by those born before July 1st. It will help reveal a wide variety of talents and improve relationships with loved ones.
Leos strive to be in the center of events. A bright stone will help you succeed in this desire. But at the same time, it adds adventures, and not always pleasant ones, to all areas of the life of fiery lions.
This gem is also suitable for stable Virgos. It will help you cope with the fear of new things and not be afraid of life changes.
For Libra, whose sign is the goddess of justice, Themis, amethyst will help in the development of intuition.
It will help a strong Scorpio to restrain their temperament and explosive nature, to become more collected and calm.
Sagittarius should definitely wear amethyst jewelry to combat bad mood.
For Capricorns, this stone will give peace, family well-being, and good luck in a variety of matters.
Questions/answers ❓
If you have any questions, write to us, we are in touch.
How to distinguish a fake?
Synthetic amethysts do not fade; This is what natural gems are guilty of.
Examine the stone under a magnifying glass. An absolutely pure stone body, without inclusions, is most likely a fake.
A good imitation cannot be distinguished from natural stone without a specialist.
How to care?
Amethyst jewelry cannot be dry cleaned. Household dust contains microparticles of quartz sand; it will settle on the napkin and scratch the amethyst.
Therefore, we clean jewelry the way our grandmothers did. Soap solution, soft cloth, then rinse with cool water. At the end, we wipe the jewelry dry and put it in a personal case.
Important: the stone does not like prolonged exposure to the sun.
Who should wear it?
- For those who cannot stop drinking alcohol in time.
- Widowers and widows. There has long been a belief that the stone helps to cope with loss more easily.
- Born in February.
Purple amethyst is not recommended for adventurous people.
(“The Complete Encyclopedia of Etiquette”). How to wear?
Pink, lavender, lilac shades of gems are suitable for women. For men - brutal, rich, purple tones.
Esotericists advise setting amethyst in silver. In alliance with gold, the stone weakly exhibits magical properties.
A woman wears an amethyst ring on her left hand. It is more correct for a man to wear a bracelet or ring on his right hand.
For your information: if you want an amethyst set in gold, wear it with pleasure and joy. It’s just that the magic of the stone won’t be there...
What is the price?
Pay attention to the uniformity of color: the more even the color, the more expensive the stone will be.
| Product | Price in US$ |
| Necklace | 97,70 |
| Ring | 80,99 |
| Suspension | 7,20 |
| Earrings | 30,50 |
| Bracelet | 15 |
What colors are there?
All shades of purple: from pale lilac, through all the “intermediate options,” to lilac-ink, almost black.
The color is often uneven and distributed zonally.
The color, where ¾ is purple, the rest is blue, is called “Deep Siberian”. “Rose of France” (Rose de France) has a delicate lilac, pink-lilac hue.
Annealing the gem changes its color to green and its name to prasiolite.
Where can you get amethyst yourself?
There is a nice place in Finland, Lowsto. There is an amethyst mine there, where any tourist can try his luck, find a couple of crystals of purple happiness and (important!) take them with him.
There are no industrial preparations at this mine; the place is given over to tourists for “excavations.”
What stones does it go with?
Amethyst will quickly “make friends” with tourmalines, chrysoprase, and corals.
Beryls, aquamarines, and malachite do not like the bishop's stone.
Jewelers create
Rene Lalique is a name known to all connoisseurs of unusual jewelry. The pendant he made for Princess Luanten is now in London, in a private collection. (V. Singaevsky “The Most Legendary Jewels of the World”).
A huge pure amethyst adorns the British royal scepter.
Queen Charlotte's amethyst necklace is known to all jewelry connoisseurs.
