Amethyst Crystals from South Africa
Fine grade rough amethyst crystals, each piece exhibits slightly different characteristics.
The mineral amethyst has been widely used throughout history. The colour purple has always represented wealth, status and power.
Some of world's finest amethyst can be found in royal jewellery collections from ancient Egypt to the British Crown Jewels. Purple is still looked upon today as being a slightly more exclusive colour.
Prior to 1856 it was only possible to create the colour purple using natural dyes. For this reason the process was long, difficult and expensive.
The original colour known as tyrian purple was named after the Phoenician city of Tyre, modern day Lebanon. The dye was made from the mucous of muricidae sea snails. A huge quantity was required to create the tiniest amount.
Roman mythology says the muricidae which is more commonly known as a murex sea snail was discovered by the dog of the Roman God Hercules. The dog is said to have picked one up on the beach and his drool turned it purple.
