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Objects such as gems and crystals have absorbed and inherited the vital healing powers of Mother Earth. New Age supporters believe that crystal and gem healing is an art. In Tibet, amethyst is a sacred gem to Buddha. Cardinals and Bishops in the Catholic Church wear rings with a large amethyst as a part of their office. Amethyst is mentioned in the Old Testament and the Bible, and is thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize holiness. It is still being used today, with the rare ones decorating the British Crown Jewels. Amethyst necklaces and jewelry were found buried in the tombs of Ancient Egyptians, and was a personal favorite of Queen Catherine the Great. Because of its purple color and beauty, amethyst was favored by the royals for centuries. Purple color has long been associated with royalty. Moreover, amethyst used to be carved into cups with the belief that drinking from it helps to cure and avoid poisoning. Owing to its name and mythological origin, it was believed that the wearer of amethyst jewelry is immune to becoming intoxicated. Seeing Amethyst like that, Dionysus wept tears of wine, which stained the quartz purple creating the gemstone amethyst. Dionysus brought two tigers to eat her and sat back with his wine to watch.Īmethyst called upon Diana for help, who turned Amethyst into a crystalline quartz statue to protect her. Being so innocent she was not familiar with drinking and intoxication. The origin of amethyst name and its healing properties come from a Greek legend telling the story of how Dionysus, god of wine and intoxication was angry from one mortal that he swore revenge on all mortals who did not get drunk and celebrate.Ī young maiden called Amethyst was on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana, when she was captured by the furious Dionysus. Dark amethyst in small sizes is also found in Australia.Īmethyst gets its name from the Greek word amethustos, meaning "not drunken". However, Amethyst from Africa is known for better and deeper color. Amethyst coming from South America is likely larger than the African amethyst. However, the quality of amethyst differs by region and source. Amethyst has been named the state gemstone of South Carolina.Īmethyst deposits can also be found in other countries such as: Germany, Italy, Bolivia, Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka. Geographical InformationĪmethyst is found globally, at very affordable prices, in countries like Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, United States, Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. Very dark stones are sometimes heated to enhance color. One of the largest cut amethysts in the world is 343 carats and is being displayed at the National History Museum in London. Amethyst measures 7 on Mohs' hardness scale. Artificial heating treatments have been used on Amethyst to produce popular gems known as Citrine and Ametrine (400 and 500 degrees Celsius).
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The purple color comes from the presence of manganese, while the existence of iron in certain quantities controls the intensity of the color. Amethyst obtains its color through a combination of manganese impurities and iron. The chemical name for Amethyst is Silicon Dioxide.
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They are found sometimes in volcanic vugs or small cavities in rocks. Amethyst Birthstone Gemmology Geological InformationĪmethyst is a high-quality form of quartz crystal, naturally found as clusters in a nodular stone. Learn all you need to know about the history and origins of Amethyst.īy Rick Aubin. This information packed article is sure to answer some of your most burning questions about the Amethyst birthstone.