The Top Ten Most Interest Facts About Amethyst
1. The name Amethyst comes from the Ancient Greek a- ("not")
and methustos ("intoxicated"), which is a reference to the belief that
the stone protected its owner from drunkenness.
2. In Greek
mythology, Dionysus, the god of intoxication, was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos,
who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, which
the goddess Artemis granted and transformed her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos's
desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing
the crystals purple.
3. Since it was thought to put the wearer in a chaste frame of
mind and symbolize trust and piety (not to mention sobriety), the amethyst came
to occupy a very prominent position in the ornaments of the Catholic clergy in past
centuries. It was the stone of bishops and cardinals and it is also found in prelates'
crosses as well as the Papal Ring currently located the Jewelry Museum in Pforzheim.
4. Ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and used the stone to
make drinking cups with the belief that it would prevent intoxication. If this is
true, seems like a great marketing idea for bars. Beer in an amethyst cup!
5. Amethyst used to be classified in the same gemstone category
as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. It has since lost much of its value
due to massive discoveries of extensive deposits of the stone. However, the highest
grade of amethyst, called the "Deep Russian" is exceptionally rare and
its value is highly dependant on the demand of collectors when one is actually found.
The value is still lower than high-grade sapphires and diamonds but considerably
higher than most other gemstones.
6. Anyone who wears an amethyst is said to be gentle and likeable.
Other qualities and powers associated with the amethyst include: dreams, healing,
peace, love, uplifting feelings, courage, protection against thieves and happiness.
That is a lot of power!
7. Amethysts are found in geodes all over the world. However, the
color varies depending on the mineral deposits. When manganese is present, clear
quartz amethyst is produced, while the amount of iron captured in the crystal accounts
for the depth of purple.
8. Moses described it as a symbol of the Spirit of God in the official
robes of the High Priest of the Jews, believing the High Priests would embody the
spirit and qualities of the stone.
9. Its color is as unique as it is seductive, though in fact this
gemstone of all gemstones is said to protect its wearer against seduction. It is
the ultimate gemstone oxymoron.
10. On exposure to heat, amethyst generally becomes yellow, and
much of the citrine, cairngorm, or yellow quartz of jewelry is said to be simply
"burnt amethyst".