Many know the bright purple semi-precious stone called Amethyst. It comes from a family of quartz and is often used in jewellery works with a healing meaning.
The name of this stone comes from Greek. It means “sober up” or “to not intoxicate”. It was used by Romans and Greeks to keep themselves sober. They often drunk wine from amethyst cups to help their cause. Amethyst was also used to help with addictions, grief and insomnia.
It is believed that Amethyst was used amongst royalty during Neolithic times, where it was incorporated in royal rings and crowns.
Amethyst is February’s birthstone and belongs to astrological signs of Aquarius, Sagittarius, Pisces and Aries.
The stone is mainly found in Brazil, but many other parts of the world like Russia, India, Brazil, US, Canada, Australia, and South Korea have natural sources of it as well. However, only a few countries provide high-quality dark colour.
About the Stone
Amethyst measures 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. The reason why Amethyst has a purple colour compared to other clear quartz is due to aluminium and iron present during the stone’s formation. Amethyst colour is various shades of purple. Some stones have a very light shade, and others are quite dark. Occasionally there are red dots or hues or blue hues visible in the stone.
Amethyst and Citrine
These are considered twin stones which belong to the same quartz family. They share many of the same properties but yet are still different. During Amethyst’s formation and when it is exposed to heat, Citrine is produced. This is why Citrine’s nickname “burnt amethyst” exists. During rare occasions of finding Citrine and Amethyst together as one piece, people call it ametrine.
