Amethyst - an unusual crystal, which is the most expensive type of quartz, valued since ancient times. For its special transparency and abundance of colors, it is recognized as a second-order gemstone. The purple mineral, due to its beauty and rarity, is generally classified as first order.
Amethyst is a stone accessible to almost everyone. Unlike many other precious stones, the main indicator that affects the cost is not the size and size, but the degree of transparency and color saturation.
Characteristics of Amethyst
It has the property of changing color depending on the lighting. Also, this gemstone changes color when heated (becomes transparent). It is interesting that if you heat it up to 500 degrees, it will turn yellow (now it will be citrine), and if the temperature is even higher, the amethyst will become cloudy and acquire a milky color.
In nature, amethyst is found in the form of crystals, druses, and geodes. The first ones are cut, the second and third ones are used for various crafts and decorations. It is believed that this mineral combines best with silver. Amethyst has always been loved by many religions, from the beliefs of the ancient Greeks to Christianity (in the past it was even called the “bishop’s stone”; icons, crosses, and altars were decorated with it).
There are also beliefs that amethyst is able to preserve the beauty and youth of its owner for many years. If you give a heart-shaped stone to a married couple, it can bring love, harmony and mutual understanding to the relationship. In addition to its beneficial effect on love relationships, the gem helps to reveal talents and creativity. Another interesting fact is that when the weather changes, amethyst changes its hue, which is why sailors took this gemstone with them on long voyages.
Growing stone
They learned to grow artificial amethysts back in the last century. In addition, today they can be painted in the desired color, setting not only the tonality, but also the saturation of the shade. In laboratory conditions, you can get a red stone.
By cultivation, any type, shape, or size of amethyst is created. At the same time, an artificial gem costs no less than a natural one. The undoubted advantage of such a creation is its jewelry value. Artificial amethysts grow without defects and are not subject to color loss like those mined in nature.
How to distinguish an original from a fake?
- Testing mineral hardness . Amethyst is a very hard stone. Therefore, it is quite difficult to scratch it, unlike low-quality fakes. To check the authenticity of a stone, you need to take a steel blade or knife and try to scratch the mineral. If there is a scratch, it is not natural. And if not - natural. But this method only works on fake glass, excluding synthetic stone. This is due to the fact that artificially grown stones have the same properties as natural ones. Therefore, the scratch method does not work on them.
- Determination by color . When purchasing jewelry, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the color and purity of the stone. The color of a mineral cannot be perfectly even and evenly saturated. And transparency cannot be deep. Such an ideal stone looks simply excellent in decoration, but is quite rare in nature.
- Water test . In this case, you just need to put the stone in a glass of water, wait 30 seconds and look at its edges. For a real mineral in water, the edges will appear discolored, but for a fake, on the contrary, the edges will be the same color as the color of the stone.
- Checking by stone temperature . Amethyst has poor thermal conductivity, so it will take a lot of effort and time to warm it in your hands.
Prices for amethysts. The cost depends on the color of the mineral. More expensive samples have a bright, rich color. Defects in the material also affect the value of this gemstone. Materials that come from volcanic rocks are more resistant to fading and discoloration and are therefore more valuable.
APPLICATION
A valuable semi-precious stone, widely used in jewelry and as a material for artistic carving. Beautifully colored violet-red and violet specimens are highly prized and are used in high-end jewelry in conjunction with diamonds and emeralds. During processing, the amethyst is given a diamond, step, fancy cut, and cabochonted. Beautiful natural specimens are popular among collectors.
Most often in Rus', amethyst was used to decorate religious paraphernalia (icons, books, crosses, etc.). Both crowns and expensive dresses were decorated with this stone. The amethyst stone became most widespread as a decoration for the insignia of monarchs and priests. Today, the most common use of amethyst is as amulets. The amulets themselves can have completely different shapes and appear before you, either in the form of a ring or pendant, or in the form of a figurine or rosary.
Amethyst – SiO2
| Molecular weight | 60.08 g/mol |
| origin of name | other Greek αμέθυστος, from α- “not” + μέθυστος “to be drunk” |
| IMA status | valid |
Amethyst mining sites
The largest amethyst deposits are located in Brazil. The gems of this country are often called Brazilian. In particular, palmeira amethysts are known; they are found in the southernmost Brazilian state, Rio Grande do Sul, which is famous for its large amethyst geodes. Other famous Brazilian amethysts are maraba. They are mined in the north of the country, in the state of Pará. The Brazilian state of Minas Gerais is rich in purple minerals. Sometimes all amethysts supplied from South Africa are called Brazilian. Beautiful and especially large elongated prismatic crystals are found in Mexico in the areas of Piedra Parada and Las Vigas de Ramirez (Veracruz state). The Mexican state of Guanajuato is famous for its amethysts. As for the actual qualities of Mexican stones, Veracruz amethysts often have a less intensely colored center. Sometimes this effect is so noticeable that they even talk about phantom crystals. This is the name given to a variety of crystals, inside of which their smaller twin is visible. This feature is explained by the stepwise, unstable growth of the crystal. It is believed that these are the most expensive stones in the world. Many purple crystals come to the world market from Uruguay. The north of the country, where the Artigas region is located, is especially rich in them. In terms of quality and cost, minerals from South America can be compared with minerals from the Urals. They are called Siberian. Other sources of amethysts in Russia are the shores of the White Sea, in particular the famous Cape Korabl. Russian amethysts are only slightly inferior to stones from Zambia. This country is one of the largest suppliers to the world market of precious stones. In addition to Zambia in Africa, purple stones are mined in Namibia and South Africa. US gems are neither intensely colored nor large in size. Colorado stones are small. Amethysts are also mined in other US states. Denver hosts its traditional annual mineral exhibition. Among the exhibits are samples of amethyst geodes. They are often so large that they are shipped to Denver in wooden frames that are easy to transport.
Horoscope
The ideal owners of this stone are Aries and Aquarius. The mineral helps the first to reveal supernatural abilities, while the second bestows wisdom and tranquility. But Leos and Taurus are unlikely to be able to make friends with a stone. A stone cannot change their wayward character. Only sometimes can he suggest the right way out of the situation. Aries should choose amethyst with a deep, rich purple color. Aquarius will be more suited to delicate, pink shades. But Scorpios and Virgos should choose the black mineral. For these representatives of the horoscope, it will pacify selfishness. A delicate lilac color will suit Cancers and Pisces. Especially if you have problems with anger management. This mineral will calm you down and give you self-confidence.
Magic properties
Amethyst is a stone of purity, purity and devotion. In Ancient Egypt, amethyst was a symbol of happiness and health, in Europe - sincerity and sincerity, in India - peace. An amethyst crystal placed between the eyebrows calms the mind, helping to achieve inner peace. It is believed that amethyst initiates the opening of the “third eye” and helps to immerse all visions in the subconscious area. Amethyst extinguishes mental pain and anxiety, calms and purifies thoughts, fills the aura with positive energy and good intentions. Amethyst is believed to give a person insight. It is believed that an amethyst ring brings good luck in sports. Jewelry with amethysts is placed under the pillow to ensure good dreams.
The crystal protects its owner and prolongs his youth.
Care
In order for an amethyst to please its owner for as long as possible, it must be stored in a dark velvet case. And once every few months, do a total cleaning with ammonia and soda. Once a month, jewelry should be washed in soapy water and running water. This is done to ensure that small dust particles do not settle in the frame of the stone, thereby not worsening its appearance. If you do not do this for a long time, the stone may fade from frequent contact with the skin and lose its former attractiveness. After such a bath, the jewelry will look like new.
PRICE
Amethyst is suitable for the production of any jewelry. Among these inexpensive stones, the most valuable are those that have a richer color and carat value. The best material is called “Siberian”, followed by “Uruguay” and “Bahia”.
Until about 100-150 years ago, amethyst was mined only in Russia, so the unique gemstone was equated in price to emeralds and rubies. But after the discovery of a large deposit in Brazil, the situation changed dramatically, and the gem became more accessible. However, its dark varieties are more valuable, such as dark violet and purple, the color of which is uniform and deep. An obvious characteristic of cost is also defectiveness. Richly colored minerals are derived from volcanic rocks and are more resistant to fading than pale purple sedimentary rocks.
Amethyst requires careful handling; you must try to avoid blows. Exposure to strong sunlight is also harmful, as it causes the stone to fade.
Compatibility with Zodiac signs and names
Mystics, telling who amethyst suits according to their horoscope, point to the versatility and safety of the breed. It is especially useful:
- Pisces;
- Cancer;
- Scorpios.
Decoration will make Aries restrained and reasonable. It will help implement a grandiose plan.
For Taurus, the stone violet is a symbol of happiness. Melancholy will go away, the mind will brighten.
For Gemini, the mineral will help with sleep disorders and anxiety. The symbol of purity helps improve relationships with your life partner.
For Cancers, the best talisman is an amethyst one. It makes life harmonious. Cancers feel the healing power of amulets more than others.
Amethyst jewelry will not help Leo, because those born under this constellation strive for success, and the mineral symbolizes calm. There will be no harm either.
Pendants and pendants with jewelry are recommended for Virgos. At the right time, they will help you concentrate on your work and overcome difficulties.
Amethyst jewelry suits all zodiac signs
For Libra, amethyst will help develop intuition. This zodiac sign is more sensitive than others to the magical properties of the breed.
For Scorpio, amethyst is a strong amulet. Decoration attracts good luck and prosperity.
Thanks to the stone violet, Sagittarius' peacefulness is more clearly expressed. The talisman supports the sincerity of the owner.
For Capricorns, amethyst is useful for its ability to calm the soul.
For Aquarius, he is a lucky breed. Decoration will relieve overexcitation and maintain health.
The bishop's stone will help Pisces survive a breakup. This is a symbol of good luck and peace.
Amethyst patronizes the names:
- Maksim;
- Lenya;
- Andrey;
- Zhenya;
- Roma;
- Tonya;
- Violet;
- Lisa;
- Marina.
Amethyst is a strong amulet
Deposits and processing
When describing a stone, it is necessary to mention the deposits. The rock is mined in Birkenfeld, Zillertal, and Chemnitz. Many rich seeps have been found in these regions. The highest quality stones:
- Ural;
- from Sri Lanka.
The richest deposits are found in Brazil.
Among the oldest developed sites is Cape Korabl on the Kola Peninsula. Purple quartz has been mined here since the 16th century. In the Urals, the best veins are located near Murzinka, Lipovaya, and Vatikha. Bishop's stone is mined in the quartz deposits of Vuorijärvi.
There are places where the rock is produced in Uruguay and Armenia. The stone violet is found in Madagascar, North America.
The quality of amethyst depends on the deposit
