The stone is not on the list of the best among gems, but its amazing color brought it to the forefront. It is distinguished by kings, church leaders, wealthy people and ordinary citizens. There are rumors about its qualities - it promotes sobriety, love, spiritual enlightenment.
History of appearance
Scientific data has proven the ancient origin of the stone during the Sumerians. The Egyptians used it for blessings, in Ancient Rome for crafts. Bottles for aromatic oils are made in China.
The word “amethyst” (translated as “not drunk”, “sober”) appeared in Ancient Greece thanks to a myth. The merry fellow, the god of wine, Dionysus, fell in love with the nymph. Ametis herself chose the shepherd. Saving the nymph from the angry Dionysus, the goddess Artemis turned her into a colorless stone. God decided to bring Amethys back to life and poured a cup of wine onto the stone, which painted the quartz a luxurious color. And the name remains from the name of the nymph.
Jewelry with amethyst helps not to get drunk and not chatter when drunk.
The mineral is called “lilac noble stone”, “violet of stone”, stone of the apostles or bishop.
Meaning and description of the stone
The stone is considered to be the most expensive quartz variety. It is inferior in value to precious stones and is classified as a semi-precious stone. In nature, amethyst looks like a cluster of lilac, lavender, violet crystals on a gray rock base of a round or flattened oval shape (geode). Such a cluster of crystals is scientifically called drusen; they are visible to the naked eye on a section of a geode.
Amethyst translated from Greek means “sober” or “not drunk.” Represents wisdom, spirituality, sincerity, purity of thoughts, nobility, justice.
In ancient times, semi-precious quartz stones were called planers, and the ancient name for amethyst specifically was varenik.
Types and colors of natural amethyst
There are several varieties of amethyst:
- Violet is a classic mineral and the most common. Purple color is the hallmark of amethyst. This also includes similar shades of different intensities: lilac, lilac with a blue tint, lilac, lavender, violet in light and dark tones.
- Pink – One type of clear quartz is pink amethyst or rose quartz. Characterized by opaque speckles. It loses color in the light.
- Green is a rare Brazilian specimen that resembles prasiolite. The natural mineral has shades of green: greenish-golden, less often emerald, yellowish; artificial – rich green. Amethyst, mixed with other minerals, obtains unusual shades: chevron - a combination with white quartz, rutile - with genite, smoky - with smoky quartz, ametrine - with citrine.
- Black is a very rare mineral and a favorite of collectors. Another name is the black king.
Red, blue, and blue shades are extremely rare. These colors, as well as yellow, green, and brown, can be obtained by heating.
It is known that the mineral changes color under the influence of natural phenomena. Moreover, color restoration does not always occur.
One or another treatment of amethyst (cabochon or others) emphasizes the characteristics of the gem. Frames made of precious metals and other neighboring gems help to set off the shades.
The special role of stone
It was one of the 12 precious stones on the robe of the ancient Jewish high priest.
Upon taking office, cardinals receive an amethyst ring from the Pope. Russian archbishops gave him preference.
The gem adorns the crown of English kings and the crowns of Russian emperors.
The general public began to purchase it from the 18th century.
Stone jewelry and how to wear it correctly
Amethyst is used to make all types of jewelry: from rings and rings to beads and necklaces. For women, delicate shades of gems are more suitable; for men, it is better to choose dark and cold tones.
The gem is framed in red, yellow, white gold, and silver. Transparent gems, such as diamonds, highlight the beauty of amethyst well.
For everyday wear, modest jewelry with a small stone, for example, a ring, pendant, or earrings, is suitable. For formal or evening looks at appropriate events, flashy jewelry with a large number of stones (bracelets, necklaces, large earrings) is suitable.
It is believed that amethyst can only be worn in pairs (for example, a ring plus earrings). Otherwise, from a magical point of view, loneliness threatens.
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Caring for stone and products
Amethyst must be protected from mechanical damage. Therefore, you need to store it separately from other jewelry, in a soft box, in a cool, dark place. Prolonged exposure to the sun is unacceptable, as this can discolor the stone, and it will not be possible to restore the color completely 100%.
Cleaning is carried out in warm soapy water using a soft cloth. Do not use chemicals or brushes. Before cleaning the house, all decorations should be removed so as not to be damaged by household chemicals.
Amethyst - properties of the stone
Classic amethyst is represented by an elongated translucent crystal of rich purple color.
Using a firing temperature of 320–750 °C, yellow citrine can be obtained from it. Irradiation produces crystals of brown and green shades.
The shades change depending on the lighting, even down to white. Recovery is slow, except under x-rays. Loses 1% of color density annually.
Physico-chemical characteristics of amethyst
The basis of the chemical structure of amethyst is silicon dioxide with an admixture of iron.
Inclusions in crystals are channels filled with gas or liquid, plates of gray hematite and needles of brown goethite. The stone is painted violet, purple-blue or reddish-violet, it is transparent, the luster is glassy or mother-of-pearl. Amethyst crystals are pyramidal, less often prismatic, without cleavage. Hardness is 7. Density is about 2.65. Refraction from 1.544 to 1.553. At the fracture they are conchoidal.
Colors and shades
The most popular color is purple on a greyish base, although there are many different shades from lilac to blackish. Rare - deep purple, faint pink, deep red.
Classic purple varies from pale lilac to violet. In bright sun, air, and cold it turns pale.
The green color is obtained by calcination at 500 °C. This is an inexpensive prasiolite - “onion stone”.
Rare pink may have inclusions. Inconspicuous in the light, although from the elite class.
Valuable black reigns.
Of interest are ametrine, a combination of amethyst and citrine, and amethyst quartz, a jewelry and decorative material of a natural tone with white lines.
How to spot a fake
It is not always possible to obtain documents confirming the authenticity of an amethyst, since this type of quartz is considered relatively inexpensive. It is even more difficult to verify the authenticity of a stone when purchasing a product secondhand.
Be sure to check out: Sapphire and ruby corundum: main differences from natural stones
Without the necessary tools, the buyer has to rely only on his own knowledge of the physical properties of the gem and the accuracy of the visual assessment.
Visually distinguishable parameters
The authenticity of a stone can be determined by the following parameters:
- Brightness. The color of the natural mineral is not as rich as that of its synthetic counterpart. The overall tone is slightly muted. The transparency of the crystal is affected by microcracks and bubbles in the structure.
- Uniformity of purple. The heterogeneity of the color of the gem is evidence of its natural origin.
- Color reverse. Indoors, the shade of the stone may differ from that shown in natural light, but the basic tone will remain the same. Simply put, real amethyst can exhibit soft pinkish highlights. A sharp change in shade is a sign of a synthetic material.
- Purity. Absolutely transparent natural amethysts are extremely rare. This property is inherent in artificial substitutes or glass.
- Treatment. The surface of the girdle of natural and synthetic crystal is different. In the former it is rough, in the latter it is polished.
Another verification method is formal. It consists of the seller providing documents confirming the authenticity and country of origin of the semi-precious stone.
Is an amethyst stone similar to a “stone violet”?
Not really
Physical properties
Knowing the basic physical properties of amethyst, identifying a natural stone is much easier.
Like most precious minerals, it has low thermal conductivity, which means that when picked up, the stone will heat up slowly. A rapid increase in the temperature of the crystal indicates its artificial nature.
Durability is an important factor to consider when evaluating. On the Moss scale, this figure reaches 7 points. Natural “stone violet” cannot be scratched or chipped. When running a stone over the surface of glass, porcelain or earthenware, it is the latter samples that will suffer. The exception is an artificial mineral that has similar characteristics.
At home, you can check the naturalness in a very simple way - using water. To do this, the amethyst is dipped in a container of water at room temperature and left for several minutes. Faded edges are a sign of natural origin.
The mineral heals
The main property is to prevent intoxication. Other medicinal qualities:
- By massaging your face, you can improve color, smooth out small wrinkles, remove welts, age spots, pimples, papillomas;
- placing it on the forehead, relieve migraine, pain in the head;
- under the pillow will ensure a restful sleep.
Put it in a glass of water at night and drink it in the morning. Goals:
- cleansing of toxins;
- relieving cold symptoms and swelling;
- stimulation of the endocrine system;
- normalization of pressure;
- calming effect on the psyche;
- improvement of the gastrointestinal tract, heart.
It gives the best results when worn in a silver frame: it wards off drugs and preserves youth.
Black quartz relieves stress and the effects of radiation.
Favorable time to buy
Esotericists advise purchasing amethyst on the 12th day of the lunar month. Such a stone has maximum energy and accumulates strength faster.
This is interesting!
The most famous piece of stone violet jewelry is Maria Theresa's bouquet, containing more than 1,500 crystals . The Empress ordered it in honor of her husband. It is exhibited in the Historical Museum in Vienna.
Stone bouquet of Maria Theresa
Magic of stone
The magical properties of amethyst concern various areas. Sometimes they depend on the color.
General indicators
The color violet acts against alcohol, ensures spirituality and virtue.
The remaining shades contribute to morning vigor, composure, and a surge of energy.
Amethyst jewelry saves you from worries, relieves anger, and imparts prudence and decency.
Controversial circumstances
The stone has a contradictory effect.
He can help the owner in extraordinary situations. It is better to participate in conflicts without it.
It is better for spouses to give gifts only to each other - it has the property of falling in love.
Widowers show with amethyst their unpreparedness for a new marriage. That's why it's called the stone of loneliness.
What do they offer instead of a gem?
Under the guise of a gem in jewelry they offer:
- glass;
- plastic;
- artificial material;
- natural cheap gems.
Artificial material is crystals grown on the basis of quartz. It forms the basis of natural amethyst, so the resulting gems cannot be distinguished by physical and aesthetic characteristics. A counterfeit is considered conditionally.
Artificial amethyst
Similar but cheap fluorite, burnt or painted quartz are sold as a precious lilac gem.
The meaning of the color palette
Each color has its own effect:
- black protects from negative influences;
- purple protects against drinking, reveals talents, and is necessary for meditation;
- pink affects the love sphere;
- green will help in business.
To reveal its magical properties, the jewelry is worn all the time. An uncut gem has the greatest power.
What color is amethyst?
Most people know what amethyst looks like, even among those who have never worn products with this amazing mineral. At the same time, few people realize that purple is far from the only one of its many shades. Depending on the geological environment in which the crystals grew, humidity and chemical reactions with neighboring rocks, they can change.
Amethyst color can be:
- Pale pink;
- Violet;
- Raspberry purple;
- Cherry;
- Dark purple;
- Pale light green.
Interesting fact: In medieval Europe, the stone was called lavendin, due to its similarity to lavender petals. Interestingly, the word migrated to Scandinavia, becoming the norm there.
Refined amethyst almost always turns out to be a wine-yellow hue. The only way to achieve this is to heat the crystal in a chamber with a stable pressure of +700 degrees Celsius. Ash-gray or smoky-purple stones, contrary to misconception, are natural - they are found in tiny rock tonsils in the deposits of Uruguay.
The most expensive color of amethyst received the international name Deep Russian Purple, or simply Deep Russian. A dark purple top with a crimson inner tint is formed in certain northern regions near the Arctic Circle. Its extraction is limited due to unfavorable conditions and the need to lay mines over 70 meters deep.
Charms
Magical power in jewelry:
- women wear rings on the ring finger of their left hand, men wear them on their right;
- black mineral is the best talisman for the stronger sex;
- a gold frame accumulates power, a silver frame serves for communication.
Amulets guarantee positivity at work, harmony in the family, and external luck.
Properties and Application
Amethyst products are not limited to jewelry. They also make various crafts, souvenirs, amethyst vases, boxes, figurines, etc. For this, they use low-quality ornamental stone. High-quality samples are used to produce jewelry.
Physicochemical characteristics
The chemical formula of amethyst is SiO2, silica (silicon dioxide). The color is given by impurities of iron, manganese and some other elements.
Physical properties:
- Color: from pink to deep purple.
- Shape: rhombus, scepter.
- Transparency: transparent (semi-precious), opaque (ornamental).
- Gloss: glassy, pearlescent.
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale.
- Density: 2.65 g/cm3.
- Cleavage: absent.
- Fracture: conchoidal.
When the stone is heated to 200 degrees, it loses its color, but it is possible to partially return it. But when heated above 250 degrees, the color disappears irrevocably. When the gem is immersed in water, the edges turn pale. The stone becomes faded from prolonged exposure to sunlight; the color can be restored using X-rays.
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Medicinal properties
Amethyst is believed to help treat many diseases. Healing properties of the stone:
- normalizes the functioning of the nervous system (relieves anxiety, equalizes mood, relieves nightmares and insomnia);
- helps with diseases of the joints, skin, cardiovascular system, and digestive organs;
- rejuvenates if you massage your face with a stone;
- stabilizes hormonal levels;
- improves hearing;
- accelerates recovery from colds;
- improves thought processes;
- discourages the attraction to alcohol and drugs.
If you put the stone under your pillow at night, you will stop having nightmares. And if you infuse water with the stone and then drink it, the functioning of the heart, kidneys, and liver will improve.
Amateur video review about the healing and other properties of the stone:
Magic properties
The mineral protects family ties: strengthens relationships between spouses, protects against infidelity and betrayal. To do this, the talisman must be placed in a visible place in the apartment. Amethyst is sometimes called the "widow's stone." This is due to the fact that it eases the grief of loss due to the premature death of a husband.
And because of the ancient Greek legend about the nymph Amethys and the god Dionysus, amethyst is considered a stone of loneliness. As if if a stone is given as a gift, then one can put an end to the possibility of finding a spouse. But that's not true. The stone only guides you on the path of solitude in order to master meditation to cleanse your mind and soul.
The gem is a talisman against drunkenness. To achieve protection for the stone, you need to place it in all rooms of the house where the alcoholic lives.
An amethyst amulet is able to smooth out conflict situations, extinguish anger and negativity. Therefore, it is useful for lawyers, doctors, and psychologists to have it in their office. In addition, such an amulet at work will protect against the manager’s dissatisfaction and will help in business negotiations.
A gemstone amulet also helps sailors, protecting them from storms, bad weather, and shipwrecks.
For women, a talisman with amethyst helps with infertility, increasing the likelihood of conception. For married men, the talisman helps improve relationships with their spouse. You can use a ring as a talisman. Women should wear it on the ring finger of their left hand, and men on their right hand.
Mystical Amethyst is capable of:
- protect from the effects of black magic;
- cleanse the host’s energy biofield;
- rid the house of negative energy;
- protect yourself from quarrels and disagreements with others;
- develop intuition;
- discover new talents.
Regularly wearing a gem will help you find peace of mind and get rid of unnecessary worries and bad habits.
The stone accumulates negative energy, so after negative situations it is recommended to clean the mineral under running water.
The mineral does not like the proximity of other stones. But if you still want to, then it is better to choose gems from the quartz group. The combination of amethyst with emerald and garnet is not allowed.
In addition to the topic of the magical properties of the stone, watch the video review:
Who is the stone suitable for according to their zodiac sign and name?
Amethyst is considered to be an air element. According to astrologers:
- The gem will help Aries smooth out their emotional outbursts, find balance, and help them make the right decision in serious matters. Purple samples are ideal.
- Pink stones will help Libra, Gemini, Aquarius, Capricorn stabilize neuro-emotionally and normalize heart function. Amethyst will help children of these signs to reveal their creative abilities.
- Virgos and Scorpios should give preference to black specimens. This will humble their selfishness, dispel negative thoughts, give peace of mind, and attract good luck and financial well-being.
- Lilac minerals are suitable for Pisces and Cancers. They will extinguish anger, envy, and give peace. They will help in running a business and establishing partnerships.
- Sagittarius will be able to move up the career ladder and gain confidence in their abilities.
- Virgos will be able to cope with any crisis and survive the dark streak in life with dignity.
- Taurus should give up the stone.
- The stone is indifferent to Leos.
Maximum compatibility with Virgo, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Capricorn, Pisces, especially with those who have the number 3 or a multiple of this number in their date of birth (12, 21, 30).
Magical properties in women are more associated with the love sphere, and in men - with career, success and achievements.
The mineral favors people with names: Alexey, Alexander, Daria, Elena, Ivan, Taisiya.
Also watch an amateur video review about the stone, what kind of energy it carries and who it is suitable for:
Why do you dream about amethyst?
A dream about amethyst is a good sign.
- Miller's dream book interprets such a dream as a harbinger of an imminent promotion and financial well-being.
- According to the modern dream book, this is a sign that you will receive satisfaction from a good deed. If a young girl loses a stone in a dream, then this threatens a broken engagement or being ignored by her lover.
- The American dream book associates sleep with liberation from grievances.
- Freud considers amethyst to be the personification of the feminine principle. Taking off and putting on a ring with a gem is a desire for intimacy. An amethyst gift from a stranger is a sign that there is a secret admirer nearby. Losing a stone means breaking up a relationship.
- According to Vanga’s dream book, amethyst is a symbol of devotion. If you put a ring on your lover, it speaks of your loyalty and sincerity. If the ring falls off your finger, it is a sign of imminent trials due to your dishonest behavior.
In addition, see what else Miller’s dream book says about the stone:
Combination with zodiac signs
Suitable for many signs, especially Aries and Aquarius.
Designations: “+++”—great, “+”—permissible, “+”—under no circumstances to wear.
Amethyst and zodiac signs: Aquarius, Aries - +++, Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Pisces -+, Taurus, Leo - -.
Amethyst in astrology
Of course, the mesmerizing amethyst color attracts the eye, but it is worth remembering that beauty is not the main thing. The zodiac sign should not conflict with the amulet. Otherwise, all his positive qualities will be useless. And perhaps they will even cause harm.
This stone suits almost all zodiac signs. The exceptions are Leo, Pisces and Capricorn. If for Leo and Pisces the talisman does not pose a threat and will only be a beautiful decoration, then for Capricorn it is dangerous. People born under this sign are prone to self-destruction; wearing amethyst enhances this character trait.
Other zodiac signs receive only positive effects when wearing amethyst. For example, an amulet pacifies the impulsiveness of Aries, which often interferes with completing a planned task.
The stone will support Taurus in difficult situations, and will also contribute to the development of his personality. Cancer will be able to achieve success in love; the amulet has a particularly strong effect on girls of this sign. Such talismans will become suitable companions for those born under the sign of Virgo. It enhances analytical abilities and helps to make friends with people around you.
Any negative impact directed at Scorpio will be neutralized by a talisman made of blue or purple amethyst. Sagittarius will be able to improve family relationships.
MASKOM gold earrings with amethyst and cubic zirconia (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)
Among all the signs, the stone highlights several favorites who can receive support and protection in any area of life. The mineral favors the signs of the air element: Libra, Aquarius and Gemini. The stone helps the owner focus on specific goals, fills him with energy, and clears thoughts and emotions from doubt and chaos. In addition, the stone, which by its nature brings people together, will help air signs to weed out unnecessary acquaintances, leaving surrounded only by those people who are able to help, support or teach.
Behavior with other gemstones
Air controls the energetic harmony of amethyst with sapphire, carnelian, hyacinth, rock crystal, topaz, tourmaline, lapis lazuli, smoky and rose quartz, peridot, chrysoberyl, citrine.
They have unfavorable combinations with the element of Water. Astrologer Globa proved the incompatibility of the mineral with emerald.
In the field of beauty, amethyst is irreplaceable.
Mining and stone processing
The main mining of the mineral is carried out in the following countries:
- Russia (in the Urals, Yakutia, Murmansk region);
- Brazil;
- Zimbabwe;
- Mexico;
- Uruguay;
- Armenia;
- Azerbaijan;
- USA;
- India;
- Australia.
The highest quality is found in Ural amethysts, called “deep Siberian”.
The raw stone is faceted and caboched. They are cut in the form of an oval, pear, bead, heart, square, trillion. Then polished. They also use heat treatment and irradiation methods to obtain the desired color.
How is amethyst mined?
Amethyst is mined in 3 main ways.
- From geodes - rock formations. Gem crystals accumulate in them, forming amethyst druses that look like a hairbrush. Geodes are mined using quarries or underground workings.
- A simpler and less expensive mining option is to collect the mineral from the surface of the earth. To do this, use a crowbar, a hammer, and sometimes explosives.
- On the shores of the White Sea (Cape Korabl in the Murmansk region), amethysts are mined by washing the soil from dry rivers near the surf or in rock crevices.
To watch a program about the extraction of these stones:
Price
Most gemstones are valued by weight. Amethyst stone price consists of several characteristics:
- Color – the most valuable purple with a bluish, pinkish tint.
- The more transparent, the cheaper. Completely transparent are classified as semi-precious.
- High-quality ones have unequal or stepped cuts. Inexpensive varieties are not cut.
- Weight is not really taken into account.
The premium class consists of densely dark Ural, then “Uruguay”, “Bahia”.
A carat of medium-saturated purple stone costs $11-27. A gram of a deep purple specimen costs 2.4-2.6 thousand rubles.
Impeccable samples individually – from RUB thousand.
Artificial gem
With the development of science, people have learned to create various materials. Stones were no exception. Artificial amethyst is grown in special laboratories; the stone has the same physical properties, and the color of the mineral is determined in advance. Interesting fact: artificially created amethysts are not inferior in price to real ones.
The differences between natural and grown specimens are size, shape and color. The fact is that the amethyst color of natural crystals cannot be uniform. Some parts of the stone are always lighter or darker than the main mass. In the case of an artificial mineral, the color is always bright, rich and uniform.
Despite the fact that synthetic crystals were not created by nature, they do not belong to ornamental stones. In addition to similar chemical and physical properties, artificial amethyst has the same healing capabilities as a real stone.
What are the differences between fakes
The counterfeit is distinguished by its ideality: uniformity, absence of natural flaws - air bubbles, microcracks. Traces of growth inside the stone are also noticeable.
By turning in the light and in the shadow, they determine the fake specimen by color - the real one does not change it.
The fake does not leave scratches on the glass. In your hands, natural stone does not heat up immediately.
In water, the natural mineral appears as pale edges after 2 minutes. Ultraviolet radiation and bright sun give it complete pallor, synthetics - partly.
Spectral analysis and x-rays will give you complete confidence.
What are analogues made from?
Amethyst is a special, valuable variety of quartz. Most of the fakes passed off as quartz are grown artificially, using the same quartz as a basis. It is very difficult to recognize such patterns. The synthetic specimen is similar in physical characteristics to the real one.
Beautiful analogues are also made from materials such as:
- plastic;
- glass;
- artificial minerals;
- cheap natural stones.
Fluorite is often offered under the name amethyst; this crystal is similar to amethyst only in appearance. The hydrothermal method of growing stone analogues allows them to have some of the healing properties of the originals. There is nothing wrong with this method, but it is impossible to replace all the properties of a natural sample.
Mineral care
Despite its strength, it is vulnerable and requires careful care. Do not hit or drop. It is advisable to wear it at night. Avoid contact with water.
Clean with soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse under running water and wipe with a napkin. No acids or alkalis should be used.
Once a month, to cleanse it of negativity, immerse it in water for 10 minutes.
Use in alternative medicine
The healing properties of amethyst are extensive. According to lithotherapists, the stone promotes the production of hormones and normalizes the functioning of the endocrine and nervous systems. In addition, the mineral saturates the blood with oxygen.
It is simply impossible to overestimate the importance of amethyst. It helps treat disorders such as:
- stress;
- depression;
- headache;
- skin diseases;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- insomnia.
Green amethyst is a stone that strengthens the immune system. In addition, it relieves chronic fatigue. It is used for facial massage, it helps get rid of wrinkles and restore the natural shade of the skin.
Treatment with the mineral is also suitable for those who want to cleanse the liver, kidneys and vascular system. To do this, just put the stone in a carafe with water overnight.
Amethyst talisman will help overcome tissue swelling and remove bruises. Jewelry with the mineral is recommended to be worn if you have joint disease.
The importance of the amethyst stone is confirmed by the fact that its ability to relieve nervous tension is used in the treatment of psychological disorders.
