Amethyst stone has been known to man for a very long time. It got its name from the nymph Ametis and is translated from ancient Greek as “not drunk.” According to legend, the god of wine Dionysus fell in love with the nymph, but she did not reciprocate his love. Fleeing from the persecution of an angry god, the beauty prayed to the goddess Artemis for help. She heeded her pleas. When Dionysus overtook the fugitive, she turned into a statue. Trying to revive the statue, Dionysus doused it with wine. The nymph remained a statue and was painted purple. If you believe this legend, it is Dionysus that humanity owes the appearance of the amethyst stone.
The ancient Greeks believed that lilac amethyst helped to avoid alcohol intoxication. In Ancient Rome, decorative jewelry was made from it, in China - vessels for storing aromatic oils, and in Ancient Egypt, the stone was endowed with magical properties. In Russia, the amethyst gemstone was loved by the highest clergy and nobility. He was credited with the ability to protect against illness and mental sadness.
How much does an opal stone cost?
Noble opal
| Weight, carat: | 0.02 — 21.30 |
| Width, mm: | 1.50 — 19.50 |
| Cut shape | antique pear circle oval |
| Price: | 50.00 - 70000.00 rub. |
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Properties and deposits of the mineral
In terms of composition, this mineral belongs to quartz. In addition to quartz, the composition contains a small amount of cobalt, iron and other minerals. Chemical formula – SiO2.
The following physical properties of amethyst are distinguished:
| Stone property | Characteristic |
| Color | All shades of purple to dark lavender, green, black, pale pink |
| Transparency | Amethyst is a transparent or translucent mineral. Translucent stones are used as ornamental stones, while transparent ones are suitable for jewelry making. |
| Shine | Glassy |
| Hardness | In terms of hardness, the mineral is slightly inferior to topaz (7 on the Mohs mineralogical scale). |
| Strength | The stone is fragile and cannot boast of high strength |
Amethyst is a stone that “grows” on a gray base and has an elongated shape, reminiscent of a scepter. The most common color is purple, but blue, green, pink and black amethyst are also found.
Amethyst is both a precious and semi-precious stone; its value is determined by the color and transparency of the mineral. Jewelers prefer transparent and translucent lilac-colored minerals; transparent lavender amethyst is in demand. No less valuable is a gem of a dark, deep, almost black tone. This difference in color depends on the presence of impurities and the structure of the crystal lattice.
Amethyst loses color when exposed to sunlight. When heated, an amethyst crystal changes color from purple to yellow, and when exposed to temperature for a longer period of time, from yellow to transparent. When cooled, it can restore its original color.
Amethyst occurs in nature in the form of single crystals or in clusters called druses. It is mined in Asia, South America and along the Ural mountain range. Ural stones are highly valued all over the world. Occasionally this gem is found in Africa. The quality and value are largely determined by the fact in which country and how amethyst is mined (the depth at which the rock lies, geographical location, the presence and composition of impurities).
Suitable for whom according to horoscope
Astrology differs in opinions about the patron planet of amethyst. Some astrologers believe that this is Jupiter, others that it is Saturn, Venus, Neptune.
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According to the horoscope, wearing a stone is contraindicated for Fire signs. And if Aries and Sagittarius can still “agree” with the decoration, then handsome quartz is contraindicated for Leo . In any case, the stone in the jewelry should be dark purple or dark purple.
Amethyst is ideal for Gemini, Libra, Aquarius - Air signs. Choose lavender or pink amethyst. A rare black gem (this is the king of amethysts) will unconditionally accept Scorpios and Virgos.
According to the zodiac sign, amethyst is indifferent to Cancer, Taurus and Capricorn. If people born in the signs of the water and earth elements want to wear an amethyst, they will have to choose a stone to their liking, according to the dictates of their heart. It will take time for your energy energies to “get closer”.
Although the 15th century astronomer Dominico Navara wrote:
“..when the Sun enters the sign of Pisces, unusual people will be born. Often they bring with them into the light of God the gifts of the muses - poetry and music. Amethysts bring them happiness.”
Numerologists are confident that those who have the number 3 in their date of birth will be more affected by the gem than others.
Legends about the nymph Ametis
This is an ancient Greek myth. The god of wine, Dionysus, has always been slightly (or not slightly) “under the weather.” He met the nymph Ametis. God liked the girl, and he decided to uh... get to know her better. So close that it couldn't be further. But Ametis was in love with a simple shepherd (but young and handsome). The prospect of an affair with God did not appeal to her. The nymph tried to escape from the drunken Dionysus, but it didn’t work.
The god, inflamed with wine and passion, overtook the girl, and she would have been raped if Artemis had not happened nearby. It was not worth committing violence in front of the goddess of chastity. She could not stand such disgrace. But she also felt sorry for her brother Dionysus (even though he was a stepbrother). She turned the nymph into a stone statue. Dionysus did not abandon the vile harassment. But sex with a statue is beyond the reach of even God. Dionysus read a spell over the wine, and sprinkled the petrified Amethys with that wine - suddenly he would come to life.
The spell with half and half wine did not help, Amethys remained a stone. But the divine drink painted the statue red and purple. And Artemis decided to endow the amethyst stone with the property of protecting against intoxication.
There is an ancient Roman version of the legend.
In Ancient Rome they thought more about military glory. Bacchus (the Roman god, responsible for wine and winemaking) once (the wine was sour, he didn’t drink enough or drank too much - who knows) decided that people did not respect him enough.
Bacchus swore that his pack of animals would tear apart the first person that got in their way. The first was the nymph Amethyst. The poor girl simply went to make a sacrifice to the goddess Diana (she performed the same functions in Roman mythology as Artemis in Greek).
When the animals attacked Amethyst, she began to run, screaming for help to Diana. It is not clear why, but the goddess (instead of shaming Bacchus, who was stunned by wine) turned the young nymph into stone.
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The toothy animals tried to tear Artemis apart, but they couldn’t even bite - the stone, after all, was not a living body. Bacchus, having surveyed the battlefield, said:
“Wine revives everyone” and generously poured wine on the stone girl. It did not revive the nymph, only the stone became purple quartz - amethyst.
The goddess, after all, cast a spell on the stone - the wearer of the amethyst will not get drunk.
ORIGIN
Amethyst was born in the depths of the earth under high pressure and exposure to water. Formed in hydrothermal veins and lava amygdalae. Often deposits are found in volcanic rock and growths on rock crystal. High-quality amethysts are mined in the Urals, Uruguay and Brazil. Another unique deposit has been developed on the Kola Peninsula, famous for amethyst brushes with a fairly even dark purple color. And yet, the most expensive amethysts in the world are mined in Mexico, the Jaerrero deposit. These are dark purple prismatic crystals surrounded by clear or white quartz, growing straight from the center. There are also deposits of the mineral in the USA, Canada, Uruguay, Italy and Germany.
Amethyst and zodiac signs
Amethyst is a magical stone. Possessing magical powers, it will suit almost all zodiac signs. It will help Aries learn to control their emotions, Gemini - cope with nervous tension and insomnia, Cancer - increase immunity, Taurus will bring good luck in business.
With its help, Leos will gain peace of mind, Virgos will feel more confident in solving difficult life problems. Libra will develop their intuition with the help of this mineral.
Amethyst is ideal for Scorpios. For people born under this constellation, it will become a real amulet against the evil eye. The mineral will give harmony and peace of mind to Sagittarius and Aquarius, and good luck to Pisces. Read more about the properties of amethyst stone →
Therapeutic effect
The property of a stone to prevent a person from getting drunk is well known. However, stone treatment specialists - lithotherapists - recognize the importance of amethyst for solving many health problems.
The water in which the amethyst lay all night, drunk before breakfast, helps:
- cleanse blood vessels, liver, kidneys, defeat colds;
- debug the functioning of the endocrine system;
- relieve swelling, remove bruises, reduce joint pain, normalize blood pressure;
- strengthen the nervous system, reducing tension and stress; it helps cure mental disorders (except paranoia or schizophrenia);
- for diseases of the stomach, intestines, heart;
- for gout;
- to saturate the blood with oxygen.
Sometimes an amethyst crystal is used directly:
- Effective for skin diseases. By massaging your face, you can improve its color, smooth out wrinkles, remove freckles, age spots, and other skin rashes.
- To relieve insomnia and headaches, you need to hold the amethyst between your palms and then apply it to your forehead or temples.
- A stone under the pillow will make you sleep soundly and calmly.
For amethyst to exhibit its healing properties to the maximum, the crystal must come into contact with the skin. If it is framed, then it is silver.
STRUCTURE
Amethyst consists of silicon dioxide SiO2 with iron impurities. Crystal structure: trigonal, hexagonal prism. Three segments of axes of equal length intersect in one plane at an angle of 60°, the third axis is perpendicular to this plane, and the segment cut off on it has a different length. In the hexagonal system, three unit cells form a regular prism on a hexagonal base.
Application area
Amethyst is used in jewelry and is suitable for artistic carving. The most expensive samples are brightly colored. These are a worthy company of emeralds and diamonds. Possible cut:
- fantasy;
- diamond;
- stepped;
- cabochon.
Traditionally, the breed is used for making and decorating religious artifacts. The stone is used to decorate crowns and dresses. Distinctive signs, amulets, and amulets are made from it. Talismans come in the form of figurines, rosaries, and jewelry.
Norwegian Queen Sonja wearing an amethyst tiara
The qualities of amethyst, due to its crystal structure, have made the rock valuable in the aviation and space industries. The quartz produced at the Kyshtym plant is a material for composite protective panels used to cover spaceships.
The precious stone is used in optics and the mechanical industry in the construction of tele-, gyro-, microscopes, and lenses. It is valued in cosmetology due to its positive effect on human skin. Used for preparing infusions.
Jewelry
Jewelers value garnet, red, purple, and pink varieties, which can be successfully combined with any metal. Amethyst is especially beautiful when set in silver. It is suitable for rings, signet rings, neck and ear jewelry. More often used in the production of women's jewelry.
Who is suitable for jewelry with amethyst?
There is no clear gender restriction on wearing the breed. This is a unisex stone.
Women wear rings with a stone violet on their left hand, men - on their right.
Products with bishop's stone are recommended for restoring strength after difficult life trials.
Interesting to know!
Amethyst jewelry will predict the weather. If the color changes, it will start raining soon.
Amethyst – material for stone cutting
Storage and care rules
The initial characteristics of the stone may change over time. If stored and cared for improperly, the mineral loses its brightness, transparency, and becomes dull. In this case, it will not be possible to restore it. Therefore, happy owners of the gem should pay increased attention to proper storage and care.
When wearing jewelry, dust, particles of fat, and other contaminants appear on the surface. Over time, any stones need to be cleansed. It is recommended to clean amethyst in a jewelry workshop using ultrasound. This method allows you to restore the original appearance of the gem without compromising its aesthetic qualities.
If it is not possible to clean the product in a workshop, you can do it at home, following simple recommendations:
- For cleaning, you need to choose a non-aggressive detergent. A regular soap solution will do.
- The product is immersed in a soap solution for half an hour. If there is heavy dirt, you can use a brush with soft bristles. The movements should not be strong, otherwise scratches may remain on the surface of the stone.
- Clean jewelry should be wiped with a dry soft cloth and polished to a shine.
Abrasives and ammonia solution are not suitable for cleaning amethyst. In this case, the expensive stone may deteriorate. The mineral is also afraid of aggressive detergents, washing powders and dishwashing detergents.
In order for the decoration to please its owner for as long as possible, you need to store it away from direct sunlight. A fabric bag or a separate box with soft upholstery would be ideal.
Types of gem
The intensity of the color depends on where the amethyst is mined. There are several varieties of these fossils. In Africa, namely in Namibia, brandberg is found - a special gem. These gemstones combine amethyst crystals and smoky quartz. You can often see frozen insects in them. This mineral is credited with special magical powers and the ability to treat serious illnesses.
In Mexico you can get acquainted with a special type of mineral - chevron. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of layers of bright purple amethyst with light layers of quartz. Such a stone is not of particular value to jewelers, but is popular among magicians and psychics. It is believed that it helps in spiritual journeys, healing the soul, and removing negativity.
Ametrine is a stone that combines shades of blue, lilac and gold. It consists of amethyst and citrine, which determines such an interesting combination of colors. This mineral looks impressive in jewelry.
Rutile amethyst is rare and the stone combines lavender and brown tones. He is credited with the ability to normalize a person’s emotional state and fulfill cherished desires.
Lavender amethyst is a sought-after mineral. It is in demand among jewelers. Lavender amethyst is believed to preserve youth and improve health. It changes color when heated and in the sun.
Among the jewels, a pale pink amethyst stands out. This is a symbol of love, maintaining peace in the family, reconciliation between lovers, and is preferable for making a talisman. The stone is afraid of the color of the sun; ultraviolet rays turn it into gray quartz.
Proselytes are green minerals that are rare. Highly valued by jewelers, they are used to create beautiful jewelry.
The rarest version of this mineral is black. Such stones have been created by nature for millions of years. To emphasize their exquisite beauty, complex and unusual types of cutting are used. Its characteristics include the ability to neutralize radioactive effects on humans and develop extrasensory abilities.
How to spot a fake
There are several simple effective ways:
- Run a knife over the stone. The hardness of the gem is greater than that of steel, so scratches will not appear. However, the artificially grown analogue will not be detected this way, only glass.
- Heat. Amethyst, like other natural stones, does not conduct heat well. Consequently, the palms will not immediately heat up, unlike artificial ones.
- UV lamp. When illuminated, natural ones become completely discolored, while grown ones only partially discolor.
- Glass of water. When a real crystal is immersed in water, it will turn pale at the edges.
- Magnifier. No matter how attractive a crystal may be, a perfectly homogeneous specimen is rare in nature: foreign inclusions are almost always present. And vice versa: it is much easier to grow an absolutely pure sample than with inclusions.
Those who are suitable for an amethyst of exclusively natural origin will be able to identify it by these signs.
So, amethyst fully lives up to its poetic names: stone violet, lilac stone nobility, as well as the reputation of a magic crystal, bishop's stone and stone of the Apostle Matthew. It still serves as an amulet and talisman, delighting with its beauty.
