Amethyst semiprecious gemstone index and mineral information

Amethyst’s name derives from the ancient Greek amethustos, meaning “not drunk.” It was believed to guard or protect against the drunkenness. Amethyst is one of the most highly valued stones in the quartz group. Ancient Mesopotamia civilizations highly valued amethyst and so did the ancient Egyptians.

Amethyst has been used in jewelry for thousands of years, and also used in ceremonial and religious designs. In the early Christian church amethyst was believed to have sobering properties; it was symbol of a high spiritual state.

The major sources of amethyst come from places like Brazil, Madagascar, Zambia, Uruguay, Burma, India, Canada, Russia, Sri Lanka and the United States. A deep rich purple is a valued shade in the market but the reddish purple color can also be pricey. When amethyst is heat-treated it changes color and can be changed to imitate citrine. Some citrine that is actually sold in today’s market can be heat treated amethyst. Synthetic corundum and glass can be made in color to imitate amethyst. Amethyst Quartz: Is a more compact layer of amethyst and its layered and striped with milky quartz. Amethyst quartz can be confused with fluorite. Amethyst has probably the widest range of miraculous powers of any of the precious stones.  It was believed to also possess the power of inducing dreams and visions.  Leonardo da Vinci believed that it could dispel evil thoughts and quicken intelligence.  It was accredited with the power to protect farmers’ fields from storms and locusts, to bring good luck in war and hunting; and also to protect against snake bites.

Amethyst is the (February) Birthstone:

Amethyst is one of the twelve gemstones of the ceremonial breastplate worn by the high priest Aaron, representing the twelve tribes of Israel as described in the Old Testament book of Exodus, and is also known as the month of February’s birthstone meaning, sincerity.

Mohs’ Hardness: 7