February's Birthstone: Amethyst, The Purple Wonder

Amethyst in JewelryAmethyst is the traditional gemSouth America is likely larger than the African
for the 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. It isamethyst. However, Amethyst from Africa is known
used as faceted stones and is carved in variousfor better and deeper color. Dark amethyst in small
shapes. Amethyst gemstones are used in necklaces,sizes is also found in Australia.HistoryAmethyst gets its
earrings, rings, bracelets, brooches, and pendants. Thisname from the Greek word amethustos, meaning "not
highly praised stone is also shaped and used otherdrunken". The origin of amethyst name and its healing
items such as hair accessories, key rings andproperties come from a Greek legend telling the story
watches.Geological InformationAmethyst is aof how Dionysus, god of wine and intoxication was
high-quality form of quartz crystal, naturally found asangry from one mortal that he swore revenge on all
clusters in a nodular stone. They are found sometimesmortals who did not get drunk and celebrate.A young
in volcanic vugs or small cavities in rocks. The chemicalmaiden called Amethyst was on her way to pay
name for Amethyst is Silicon Dioxide. Amethysttribute to the goddess Diana, when she was captured
obtains its color through a combination of manganeseby the furious Dionysus. Being so innocent she was
impurities and iron.The purple color comes from thenot familiar with drinking and intoxication. Dionysus
presence of manganese, while the existence of iron inbrought two tigers to eat her and sat back with his
certain quantities controls the intensity of the color.wine to watch.Amethyst called upon Diana for help,
Artificial heating treatments have been used onwho turned Amethyst into a crystalline quartz statue
Amethyst to produce popular gems known as Citrineto protect her. Seeing Amethyst like that, Dionysus
and Ametrine (400 and 500 degrees Celsius).wept tears of wine, which stained the quartz purple
Amethyst measures 7 on Mohs' hardness scale.Onecreating the gemstone amethyst. Owing to its name
of the largest cut amethysts in the world is 343 caratsand mythological origin, it was believed that the wearer
and is being displayed at the National History Museumof amethyst jewelry is immune to becoming
in London. Very dark stones are sometimes heated tointoxicated. Moreover, amethyst used to be carved
enhance color.Metaphysical and Healing PropertiesNewinto cups with the belief that drinking from it helps to
Age supporters believe that crystal and gem healing iscure and avoid positioning.Purple color has long been
an art. Objects such as gems and crystals haveassociated with royalty. Because of its purple color
absorbed and inherited the vital healing powers ofand beauty, amethyst was favored by the royals for
Mother Earth. They believe that crystals and gemscenturies. Amethyst necklaces and jewelry were
have physical and spiritual powers that can be used asfound buried in the tombs of Ancient Egyptians, and
a therapy for pain, stress and depression.Amethystwas a personal favorite of Queen Catherine the
has come to be known to possess prolific purifyingGreat.It is still being used today, with the rare ones
healing powers. It acts as a healer at all levels of mind,decorating the British Crown Jewels. Amethyst is
body and soul, and is commonly associated withmentioned in the Old Testament and the Bible, and is
peace. It has a tremendous ability of reducingthought to encourage celibacy and symbolize holiness.
negativity and anxiety.Placing it under the pillow is saidCardinals and Bishops in the Catholic Church wear
to calm the mid, encourage sleep and dispelrings with a large amethyst as a part of their office. In
nightmares. Amethyst is also known to enhanceTibet, amethyst is a sacred gem to Buddha.Physical
mental strength and stability. It is considered an idealand Optical PropertiesAmethyst is available in a wide
stone for those who are struggling with addiction orvariety of sizes and shapes. Large stones could be
recovering from alcoholism.Beside its mentalsold in free sizes but usually amethyst is cut in certain
therapeutic benefits, amethyst is used as a remedy fordimensions.This semi-precious stone is unique in color.
many physical afflictions. When used as a medicalWith colors range from pale lilac to deep purple,
solution, amethyst is used to treat toothaches, skeletalincluding a reddish shades sometimes, amethyst is the
discomforts, and other bone and joint-relatedmost valuable form of quartz. In jewelry, the deepest
sicknesses. Amethyst also cures stomach problems,shades of Amethyst, which maintain their
blood disease as well as heart and hearing disorders.transparency, are considered the most precious.A
Amethyst as crystal is used to heal nervous systemunique Brazilian amethyst in pastel shade of lilac with
problems such as neuralgia.Geographicalpinkish tones is known as Rose de France Amethyst.
InformationAmethyst is found globally, at veryIt is a very clean gemstone and was very popular
affordable prices, in countries like Canada, Brazil,during the Victorian age. Though it is frequently found in
Uruguay, Mexico, United States, Zambia, Namibia andantique jewelry, Rose de France Amethyst is
other African countries. Amethyst has been namedbecoming popular again nowadays.Richard Aubin
the state gemstone of South Carolina.offers an elegant collection of amethyst jewelry that's
Amethyst deposits can also be found in othersure to fire up your desire and passion. Visit the
countries such as: Germany, Italy, Bolivia, Madagascar,amethyst rings section of his website for more
India and Sri Lanka. However, the quality of amethystinformation.
differs by region and source. Amethyst coming from