The Greek word ‘amethystos,’ meaning ‘not intoxicated,’ gives amethyst it’s name – it was considered to be a strong antidote to drunkenness.
Amethyst is a type of quartz that can be found in all shades of purple – from light lavender to a rich purple that can display highlights of magenta when faceted, known as Siberian amethyst. Cape amethyst (also called amethyst quartz) is more opaque with color zoning in white and purple. Like all quartz, amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7, so it is moderately hard but can scratch and get chipped.
Amethyst is sensitive both to heat and sunlight – both could affect the color of the stone. Try to keep your amethyst jewelry or stones away from prolonged exposure to intense heat or light and store in a cool, dark place when not in use. Clean your amethyst jewelry with water mixed with a small amount of mild liquid hand soap with a soft cloth, rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.
Typically amethyst is not treated in any way, however synthetic amethyst does exist and synthetic quartz may be dyed and sold as amethyst. Be sure to ask your seller about the stones.
Amethyst has a number of metaphysical associations with it, including:
- increases stability, peace, and calm
- provides protection against psychic attacks
- opens communication with angels, telepathy and other psychic abilities
- promotes shrewdness in business matters
- balances and heals all chakras
- encourages inner strength
- helps with developing intuition and psychic abilities
- can transform negative energy to love energy
Chakras: third eye, crown
We have many amethyst pieces on our site and loose stones waiting to be set. Below is a 2.51ct amethyst set in Sterling Silver from www.dragondreamsjewelry.com
Gemstone & Jewelry Blog by Dragon Dreams Jewelry, LLC 