Properties, cost and distinctive features of amethyst

Unique colors in jewelry are purple quartz or amethyst. It is difficult to confuse it with other stones; it has characteristics that could make it one of the most valuable stones. But its cost is actually not that great. How much does amethyst cost?

Amethyst is a type of quartz. The name comes from Greek and means “not drunk”, perhaps this is due to the magical abilities of this stone to cleanse the mind, or perhaps with its use in the fight against alcohol addiction.

Natural stone amethyst

Amethyst stone is the first mineral in the world to be processed for use in jewelry. The stone was mentioned in the manuscripts of Ancient Egypt. Later it was widely used by clergy to decorate icons, altars, and church utensils.

Such popularity of the stone has given rise to many legends. The most famous of them explains the origin of the stone and its name. The ancient Greek goddess Amethys fell in love with Dionysus, the god of wine, but she did not share his feelings. Dionysus was so inflamed by the object of his admiration that passion overshadowed his head, and he tried to use force. The goddess was saved from the hands of Dionysus by Artemis, turning her into a luxurious white stone. An annoyed Dionysus poured wine on the stone, which is why it acquired such a rare shade.

Characteristics and location of production

What does untreated amethyst look like? These are crystals of different sizes, having an elongated shape with six sides. The most common mineral is purple, the shade of which can be completely different. The stones can be slightly blue, or they can sparkle with a deep dark, almost black color. Whatever the color of amethyst, it is distinguished by a special brilliance that appears in sunlight; in this regard, a quartz crystal can compete even with a diamond.

Scientists to this day argue about where the mineral gets its unique color. Some believe that this is the result of the presence of elements such as iron, cobalt and manganese. Others argue that the color is due to the presence of organic pigments.

Quartz minerals change color depending on environmental conditions. Amethyst crystal does not like high temperatures. At temperatures above 200°C it changes color to a lighter color. The stone can turn yellow, green, or even white (colorless). It is worth noting that after cooling, the jewel, although not fully, still restores its original shade.

The mineral also burns out when exposed to the sun for a long time. So, over the course of a century it can fade by as much as 80%. It is worth remembering that the lavender pebble should be stored in a box protected from light, this is the key to the durability of the jewelry.

The amethyst gemstone is mined from rocks. The most extensive deposits of the mineral are located in South America, Asia, Russia and the African continent.

The depth of the mineral is always different. The deeper the deposit is located, the higher the quality of the gem. The most expensive and most amazingly beautiful specimens are mined in the Urals. They were called “Siberian amethyst”. There are high quality gems in Asia, but samples from Brazil are of the least quality, and, as a result, have a low price compared to other types.

Physicochemical characteristics

Description of the classic amethyst: a type of quartz, an oblong translucent crystal of a deep purple hue.

Amethyst Crystals

The stone changes color when fired (320–750 °C). Thanks to this feature, plain quartz turns into yellow citrine. This is how rare citrine geodes are produced. Irradiation produces brown or green crystals.

Under different lighting, amethyst changes hue, and under ultraviolet light it quickly fades to white. It recovers slowly on its own, immediately under X-rays.

The color saturation of amethyst decreases by a percentage every year.

Varieties of mineral

The variety of colors and purity of the stone (without foreign inclusions) is the reason for such a high popularity of the mineral among jewelers. Semi-precious stones of such high quality are rarely found in nature.

Despite the fact that purple is the most common color, there are gems of other colors in nature, for example, green amethyst. These jewelry are very rare and are used mainly for making collectibles. When making jewelry, the cut of the stone is important; the correct choice of material makes the finished product truly fabulous; as a rule, white and yellow gold are used. Green amethyst has a delicate, but at the same time deep color, thanks to which the stone was called proselyte.

Gold ring with amethyst and cubic zirconia (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)

An equally rare shade is pink amethyst color. It may or may not be transparent. Pink stone is rarely monochromatic, but admixtures of other shades do not make it less valuable. On the contrary, they give the finished product a special charm. The pink gem is collected only with the most precious metals (gold and platinum).

It takes several million years for a new deposit of black stone to form. This is the rarest of all gem varieties. For its uniqueness, black amethyst was nicknamed royal. Expensive jewelry is made from it, including many items cut in silver. As a rule, these are amulets and talismans, since it is silver that fully reveals the healing and magical properties of amethyst.

Gold earrings with amethyst and cubic zirconia (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)

Stone of the Gods

The mineral appeared on earth a long time ago; an interesting legend was written about it back in ancient Greece. She talked about how the god of wine Dionysus fell in love with a nymph named Amethyst. But the girl already had a lover, so the goddess Artemis gave her a stone of an unusual purple color, which was supposed to protect the nymph from intoxication with wine.

In those days, wine cups were decorated with amethyst, and jewelry with stones was worn at festivals. People believed that this way they could protect themselves from excessive alcohol consumption and the consequences of feasting. It’s not for nothing that the name of the gem means “not drunk” when translated from ancient Greek.

Not only in Greece, but also in other ancient states this mineral was revered. In China, it was used to make containers for aromatic oils; in Rome, it was used to decorate things belonging to the nobility; in Egypt, amethyst was considered one of the strongest amulets.

In Rus', archbishops and princes owned the stone; it could often be seen on the crowns of queens. The special shine and unique color, reminiscent of lilac, could not leave a single person indifferent.

How to spot a fake

Amethyst is the most valuable variety of quartz and is counterfeited.

Glass, plastic, artificial crystals or natural cheap stones, such as fluorite, are passed off as minerals.

You can distinguish a natural stone from a fake by yourself:

• A real amethyst with a dull shade, it has uneven coloring and incomplete transparency.
• Air bubbles, water bubbles or microcracks are common in natural stone. Synthetics are homogeneous: it is easier to obtain a perfect crystal that imitates natural flaws. But inside, traces of crystal growth are visible, which the natural mineral lacks.
• The sample is evaluated in the shade and in the light. If the shade remains the same, the gem is real.
• Amethyst scratches glass, but it cannot be damaged with a needle or knife. This is how glass or plastic is identified, but not grown stones.
• The natural mineral in your hands heats up gradually.
• The sample is immersed in water. With natural stone, after a couple of minutes the edges will turn slightly pale. This is inaccessible to artificial ones.
• Under ultraviolet light or in the sun, a natural crystal will fade completely and equally, while synthetics will fade partially.
• X-ray spectrum and structure analysis. It is expensive, carried out in a laboratory, but provides a guarantee.

A stone in a setting is assessed by shining a light on it. If the frame is solid, it is impossible to conduct such an experiment.

Magic crystal

Of course, many different powers were attributed to the gem, which was considered a gift from the gods. The main property of the stone is protection against the effects of alcohol. Amethyst not only reduces cravings for alcohol, but also alleviates hangover symptoms.

However, the magical properties of the stone are much broader. It helps you achieve success in business, sports and love.

Gold ring with amethyst (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)

Amethyst imparts energy to its owner. Churchmen revere the mineral for its ability to purify thoughts, bestow prudence and direct thoughts in the right direction. The talisman promotes spiritual development and self-knowledge.

A talisman that can engender love is a pink pebble. If you present such a decoration to your loved one, then soon he (she) will reciprocate the love. The impact of the mineral is so strong that it can break previous attachments. However, when destroying someone else's love with the help of an amethyst talisman, the giver must be prepared for the fact that he will never be completely happy again. The object of desire, although he will love and be near, will forever remain a stranger.

Gold pendant with black diamonds, amethyst and diamonds (go to SUNLIGHT catalogue)

Sometimes they say that amethyst is a stone of loneliness. The fact is that, having generated true love, the talisman will nourish it forever. Therefore, even after the death of one of the lovers, the feelings will not disappear, the person will not be able to give his heart to someone else and will remain lonely for the rest of his life. It’s not for nothing that the stone is called the keeper of eternal love.

You can give amethyst not only to your loved one. A talisman can reconcile people, putting an end to even a very long feud. If you need to improve relations with a business partner, it is recommended to give him a stone in the shade of blooming lavender.

Gold jewelry SL with amethyst and diamonds (go to the SUNLIGHT catalog)

Black, purple or green amethyst can protect its owner from the anger and anger of others. Of all the jewelry, it is best to choose rings with this gem. Such rings are worn exclusively on the ring finger: women's rings are on the left hand, and men's rings are on the right.

After the stone has been processed, it is set with metal. Amulets with gold bring success in business. But amethyst in silver promotes family happiness. It has long been believed that such a talisman helps a woman become pregnant. Magicians and healers believe that the magical and healing properties of the stone are so great that it cures female infertility.

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.

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.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

Amethyst suits almost everyone's zodiac sign, but its favorites are Aquarius and Aries.

(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)

Compatibility with other stones

Amethyst is a stone of Air. Gems of this element are translucent, with impurities or haze. The most famous: sapphire, hyacinth, rock crystal, smoky and rose quartz, peridot, chrysoprase, chrysoberyl, tourmaline, topaz, citrine, carnelian, lapis lazuli. Amethyst harmonizes with them energetically.

Pendant with amethyst

Astrology is against the duet of air minerals with water ones: they create uncomfortable vibrations.

As Pavel Globa found out, amethyst is incompatible with emerald according to the horoscope.

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.

Rules of care

The stone has some features, they are dictated by its nature, because amethyst is quartz and the same is characteristic of it. Rules for caring for products containing this stone:

• During storage, avoid exposure to sunlight.
• High temperatures can change the color of quartz.
• Tarnished stone should be washed with a solution of soap and water and wiped with a cloth. You can take it to a jewelry workshop for cleaning.
• It is better to avoid contact of the mineral with household chemicals, alkalis and acids.