Amethyst is a violet or purple variety of quartz often used as
an ornament. The name is generally said to be derived from the Greek a, "not,"
and methuskein, "to intoxicate," expressing the old belief that the stone
protected its owner from drunkenness. It was held that wine drank out of a cup
of amethyst would not intoxicate. However, the word may probably be a corruption
of an Oriental name for the stone.
In the 20th century, the color of amethyst was attributed to the presence of
manganese. However, since it is capable of being greatly altered and even
discharged by heat, the color was believed by some authorities to be from an
organic source. Ferric thiocyanate was suggested, and sulfur was said to have
been detected in the mineral. As of 2005, impurity atoms are known to be
responsible of the colour of the amethyst.
On exposure to heat, amethyst generally becomes yellow, and much of the citrine,
cairngorm, or yellow quartz of jewelry is said to be merely "burnt amethyst".
Veins of amethystine quartz are apt to lose their color on the exposed outcrop.
Amethyst is composed of an irregular superposition of alternate lamellae of
right-handed and left-handed quartz. It has been shown that this structure may
be due to mechanical stresses. As a consequence of this composite formation,
amethyst is apt to break with a rippled fracture, or to show "thumb markings",
and the intersection of two sets of curved ripples may produce on the fractured
surface a pattern something like that of "engine turning." Some mineralogists,
following Sir David Brewster, apply the name of amethyst to all quartz which
exhibits this structure, regardless of color.
Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely
employed in antiquity for intaglios. Beads of amethyst are found in Anglo-Saxon
graves in England. It is a widely distributed mineral, but fine, clear specimens
that are suitable for cutting as ornamental stones are confined to comparatively
few localities. Such crystals occur either in the cavities of mineral-veins and
in granitic rocks, or as a lining in agate geodes. A huge geode, or
"amethyst-grotto", from near Santa Cruz in southern Brazil was exhibited at the
Düsseldorf Exhibition of 1902. Many of the hollow agates of Brazil and Uruguay
contain a crop of amethyst crystals in the interior. Much fine amethyst comes
from Russia, especially from near Mursinka in the Ekaterinburg district, where
it occurs in drusy cavities in granitic rocks. Many localities in India yield
amethyst; and it is found also in Sri Lanka, chiefly as pebbles.
Due to its popularity as a gemstone, several descriptive terms have been coined
in the gem trade to describe the varying colors of amethyst. "Rose de France" is
usually a pale pinkish lavender or lilac shade (usually the least sought color).
The most prized color is an intense violet with red flashes and is called
"Siberian", although gems of this color may occur from several locations other
than Siberia, notably Uruguay and Zambia. In more recent times, certain gems
(usually of Bolivian origin) have shown alternating bands of amethyst purple
with citrine orange after treatment, and have been given the name "ametrine".
Purple corundum, or sapphire of amethystine tint, is called Oriental amethyst,
but this expression is often applied by jewellers to fine examples of the
ordinary amethystine quartz, even when not derived from eastern sources. It
should be noted that most professional gemological associations such as the
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gemological Society (AGS)
discourage the use of the term "Oriental amethyst" to describe any gem as it may
be misleading.
Amethyst occurs at many localities in the United States, but these specimens are
rarely fine enough for use in jewelry. Among these may be mentioned Amethyst
Mountain, Texas; Yellowstone National Park; Delaware County, Pennsylvania;
Haywood County, North Carolina; and Deer Hill, and Stow, Maine. It is found also
in the Lake Superior district. Amethyst is relatively common in northwestern
Ontario, but uncommon elsewhere in Canada; it was selected as the provincial
mineral of Ontario in 1975.
Value
Traditionally included in the cardinal, or most valuable, gemstones (along with
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald), Amethyst has lost much of its value due to
the discovery of extensive deposits in locations such as Brazil. Even
high-quality examples are often sold in large unfinished slabs, or as geodes, in
everyday locations.
Amethyst in folklore and astrology
Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. It is also associated with
the constellations of Pisces, Aries (especially the violet and purple variety),
Aquarius, and Sagittarius. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, and of the
pioneer in thought and action on the philosophical, religious, spiritual and
material planes.
Linked with Saint Valentine, tradition maintains that amethyst assists those who
wear it in maintaining their faithfulness, causing peace and calmness of mind.
It was often carried by soldiers on the shafts of spears and on swords as a
charm against death, being thought to bring calmness and victory in battle.
However it is also thought that the protection and long life that amethyst owner
has is being drawn from people nearby/enemies killed, thus stealing other's
lifeforce in return of prolonging theirs. It is useful for the revelation of
prophetic truth. It is said to strengthen wisdom, faith, and religion, and is an
aid in prayer and in dreaming. It is also said to be a charm against witchcraft,
poison (it warns of the presence of poison by dimming), and evil thoughts; it is
an aid to chastity, a power against all forms of overindulgence, and a
strengthener of the mind. It is used as a charm for securing the favor of
princes, rulers, churchmen, people of wealth, influence and power, people with
prophetic ability, poets, travellers, publishers, and others. Ranking members of
the Catholic Church traditionally wear rings set with a large amethyst as part
of their office.
Bound to the left wrist, the amethyst is said to enable the wearer to see the
future in dreams. It represses evil thoughts and actions, gives a keen business
sense, and warns of ill health. The amethyst attracts love and good luck, and
helps to prevent drunkenness.
When engraved with the names of the sun and the moon, it is said to protect
against sorcery. A winged horse cut on an amethyst is a protective talisman for
horses and their riders. Immerse an amethyst in hot water, take it out, dry it
carefully, and apply it to headache or toothache to soothe pain.
To dream of amethyst indicates success to a traveller, clergyman, sailor,
philosopher, teacher, or mystic; also protection, faith, and fruitful thoughts.
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