Friday

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Amethyst, the most prized type of quartz, occurs naturally as crystals within rocks.  Amethyst comes in shades of purple, from light lavender to dark purple, the darker the purple, the more valuable the stone.  Amethyst is generally graded on three tiers: “Siberian”, high grade; “Uruguayan”, mid quality; and “Bahain”, low grade.  Pale amethyst is known as “the Rose of France“.

Rose de France Amethyst and Diamond Ring

Sometimes amethyst is heated to deepen the natural color.  When heat treatment reaches a certain level, the stones turn dark yellow or reddish brown.  When this occurs, the stone becomes a citrine.  Due to the rich color, these manufactured citrines are actually more valuable than naturally occurring ones.

Although amethyst mines are located pretty much globally, the primary sources are Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.  Natural deposits also are found in Russia, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and in the U.S.  American deposits are native to Maine, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Arizona. Montana, and North Carolina.  Maine amethyst is inherently dark while North Carolina’s version has a unique bluish tint.

Amethyst necklace in the Smithsonian

One of the world’s largest cut amethysts is a 343 carat giant displayed in London’s Natural History Museum. Washington’s Smithsonian Institute owns a 400 pound uncut crystal behemoth.  Amethyst is found in the British and French crown jewels, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and in the jewelry of important church officials.  Once more valuable than diamonds because of its rarity, the value of the gem declined when it was found in abundance in South America.

According to Greek Mythology, the amethyst was created when the drunken God of Wine, Dionysus, (Bacchus is his Roman name) grew angry with mortals and swore to have tigers consume the next human who crossed his path.  Unfortunately, a beautiful woman on her way to pay homage to Goddess Diana (or Artemis), met up with Dionysus.  Diana turned the girl into quartz to protect her from the tigers.  Dionysus was horrified and his tears of remorse dripped into his goblet of wine.  The wine spilt on the quartz, turning it into purple amethyst.  Other versions of the story have Dionysus getting angry with the girl, named Amethystos, because she’d rejected his romantic pursuit.  The Greek work “amethystos” translates to “sober”.  Ancient Greeks believed that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent intoxication.  Goblets were often carved from the amethyst as a talisman against overindulgence.

Amethyst rosary from the Catholic Store

Amethyst, sometimes referred to as the Bishop’s stone, has religious connections.  The gem is mentioned in the Bible as one of the twelve stones that decorated the high priest Aaron’s breastplate.  Representing the tribe of Dan, One of the twelve tribes of Israel, these twelve stones later became connected to birthstones.  The twelfth foundation of the Holy City was said to be formed with amethyst.  The stone became a symbol for the Apostle Matthias and the Guardian Angel Adnachiel.  Royal purple was thought to symbolize Christ so Catholic clergymen began using it in jewelry, crosses and in rosaries to denote spirituality, piety and celibacy.

Roberta Z Amethyst, Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring

Saint Valentine is said to have worn an antique amethyst ring carved in the image of Cupid.

Amethyst have been worn by royals since at least 2500 B.C. Greece.  The purple color of the amethyst appealed to royals because they often wore the color.  Purple dye was rare and costly so it was reserved for regal apparel. Matching amethyst was utilized in crowns, scepters, jewelry and in breastplates worn in battle.

Mystic Amethyst

The amethyst is associated with mystical powers.  It is said to be a stabilizing force in the struggle to overcome addictions and fears as the wearer is overcome with a sense of calm control and well being.  Mystics believe amethysts can control evil thought, protect soldiers, promote positive thinking, relieve stress and depression, and provide wealth.  Healers used stones, especially in necklaces, to remove toxins, cure arthritis and heart and lung disorders, and improve overall health.  When placed under a pillow, amethysts are said to prevent insomnia and nightmares, relieve headaches, and promote prophetic visions.

Regardless of its mystical component, amethyst is wonderful for purely aesthetic reasons.  As a component of rings, necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, amethyst is stylish, attractive, and colorful.