Description
Amethyst is the finest variety of quartz, and takes its name from the Greek word amethystos
which means 'not drunken'. Colours range from pale lavender to a deep, rich purple. The
pale colours are sometimes called 'Rose de France'. The deep colours are the most
valuable, particularly a rich purple with rosy red flashes.
The Science
Amethyst is silicon dioxide (quartz) and owes its colour to traces of iron and impurities which
have been subjected to natural radioactive radiation. The colour may fade if the stone is
exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.
6.5 to 7.0 on the Moh's Hardness Scale
Care and Cleaning
Soft polishing cloth, plain water rinse or mild solution of soap and water.
Amethyst may also
be cleaned using ultrasonics or steam.
History
Ancient Egyptians royalty wore Amethyst as jewellery, its rich purple colour being
regarded even then as the colour of royalty.
The Greeks believed that Amethyst would ward of the effects of alcohol, preventing imbibers from getting drunk. Using Amethyst as a drinking vessel was also believed to help the drinker avoid being poisoned or getting drunk.
In ancient Rome it was believed that Amethyst was created when the goddess Diana transformed the maiden Amethyst into quartz. As with the Greeks, it was believed to mitigate the effects of the celebrations of the god Bacchus, the god of wine. It was thought to protect soldiers and bring them victory, and to offer protection against witchcraft.
In the Middle Ages only royalty and those of noble birth were allowed to wear Amethyst. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.
Amethysts were a favourite gem of Catherine the Great, and the connection with royalty is underlined by the presence of fine amethysts in the British Crown Jewels.
Today, Amethyst is the State Gem Stone of South Carolina, and is sacred to the Buddha in Tibet.