Able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence

Amethyst's royal purple color has long been associated with kings and queens. A transparent purple quartz, amethyst is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry.

The lore about amethyst is varied. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence. Because it was thought to encourage celibacy and piety, amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of Catholic and other churches in the Middle Ages. In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it.

The Greek word "amethystos" basically can be translated as "not drunken." Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it! The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety. T

Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was angered by an insult from a mere mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal to cross his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wish. Along came the unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Diana turned Amethyst into a stature of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the quartz purple, creating the gem we know today.

Amethyst ranges in color from pale lilac to deep purple. The deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes.

Amethyst is mined primarily in South America and Africa. Specific gravity - 2.65 Hardness - 7.00. Normal. It is safe to clean amethyst in the ultrasonic cleaner.