Amethyst

Amethyst is a beautiful, popular and affordable purple gemstone. It is the most well-known variety of quartz and has been used in jewelry and other decorative objects for centuries. Amethyst is believed to have many beneficial properties, including promoting calmness, clarity of thought, and intuition.

 A Favorite Gemstone

The word "amethyst" comes from the Greek word for "not intoxicated." The use of amethyst traces back to 25,000 BC when the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used it in jewelry and other decorative objects. Amethyst was very popular among the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that the gemstone had the power to prevent intoxication.

The Egyptians also associated amethyst with royalty and used it extensively in their jewelry and other regal objects. The gemstone was even used in the famous burial mask of Tutankhamun.

Today, amethyst is just as popular as it has always been. High-quality amethyst can be found in Sri Lanka, Namibia, Siberia, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States (Arizona, Colorado, and Virginia). This gemstone is relatively affordable and is used in a variety of jewelry items, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Amethyst is the Birthstone for February

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February. If you are lucky enough to have a February birthday, amethyst is the perfect gemstone for you! This beautiful purple stone represents peace, sincerity, and strength of character.

Properties & Benefits Of The Purple Stone

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz that ranges in color from light lavender to deep purple. The stone gets its purple color from the presence of iron and other trace minerals in the quartz. Amethyst is quite durable, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it an ideal gemstone for jewelry since it can be cut into various shapes.

Varieties Of Amethyst

In addition to the traditional purple amethyst, there are a few other varieties of this popular gemstone. These include:

Green Amethyst:  Also known as prasiolite, green amethyst is created when heat is applied to purple amethyst. This variety of amethyst ranges in color from light green to deep olive green.

Rose de France Amethyst: This variety of amethyst is light purple in color and gets its name from the fact that it was once very popular in France.

Chevron Amethyst: Chevron amethyst is a type of banded amethyst that contains white bands of calcite running through it. This gemstone embodies a robust spiritual vibration that's especially helpful in promoting peace, calmness, and relaxation.

Ametrine: Ametrine is a type of quartz that contains both amethyst and citrine. This gemstone is yellow or orange, with purple streaks running through it.

How to Care for Amethyst

Amethyst is a durable gemstone, but should still be treated with care to prevent damage. Here are a few tips on how to care for your amethyst jewelry:

Store amethyst jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratching.

Avoid exposing amethyst to harsh chemicals, detergents, or heat, as this can damage the stone.

When cleaning amethyst jewelry, use only mild soap and warm water. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers.

Have your amethyst jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected once a year.

Final Thoughts

Amethyst, with its range of distinct shades, is a favorite gemstone for many people. This beautiful purple stone promotes calmness, clarity of thought, and intuition. Whether you are looking for a birthstone for February or simply searching for a stunning piece of jewelry, amethyst is a great choice!