Birthstone for the month of February and the anniversary gemstone for the sixth year of marriage, Amethyst is most famous for its its stunning purple colour which is caused by impurities of Iron or Manganese within the gemstone. It varies greatly depending on its source so experts can identify from which part of the world it has been mined purely on a visual inspection. It has been in great demand throughout history and some of the finest gems have been included in royal jewellery collections from Ancient Egypt to the British Crown Jewels. Amethyst is also believed to have been a favourite of Catherine the Great.
Fascinatingly translucent, it is the most highly sought after variety of Quartz whose colour and the fact that its graded 7 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness, makes it a perfect choice for use in jewellery. Its colour however is quite delicate so excessive exposure to bright sunlight can result in it fading and when heat treated, it changes into the yellow gemstone known as Citrine. Natural Citrine is quite rare hence many of the gems being sold on the market are actually heated Amethyst.
During the Middle Ages it was believed to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety (dutiful devotion to God and observance of religious principles) hence it was a favourite of officials of the church.
Its name comes from the ancient Greek word "amethustos" meaning "unintoxicated" hence the Ancient Greeks believed it would protect them from becoming drunk so wine goblets and other amulets were often made from it.
The colour of Amethyst can range from the palest of lilac to the deepest of purple and it's the deeper colours that are generally the most valuable. Currently the finest grade material comes from Western India, Rio Grande do Sol in Southern Brazil and South West Sri Lanka.
It is believed to have been one of the gemstones in the high priest's breastplate also known as the Breastplate of Aaron which was a religious garment worn by the Jewish high priest which had embedded in it, twelve magnificent gems each bearing the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. According to the Septuagint, Amethustos was the third gem in the third row of the Breastplate.
Pliny the Elder, Roman author and natural philosopher, identified four varieties of Amethyst whose colour he compared to wine. He says "all these gemstones are transparent and of an agreeable violet colour and are easy to engrave. Those from India are most perfect as a result of having the very richest shades of purple."
Amethyst is popular in crystal healing as it's believed to be powerful and protective. It is said to be a natural tranquilizer whose serenity enhances higher states of consciousness and is helpful where insomnia is as a result of an over active mind. It can also help with recurrent nightmares. Once worn to prevent one from becoming intoxicated, it has a sobering effect on over indulgence and can help overcome addictions and blockages. Extremely beneficial for the mind, focussing on concentration and the ability to control ones faculties. It can help to balance emotional highs and lows and helps to dispel anger, fear and anxiety. Amethyst alleviates sadness and grief and supports coming to terms with loss.
Amethyst is mined in Western India, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Russia, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar and some other African countries. Generally the gemstones from South America tend to be available in larger sizes although those from Africa have the reputation for having a more saturated colour. The very dark colours which are generally not as large are also mined in Australia.
Further reading on Amethyst can be found here:
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Our collection of Amethyst jewellery
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