February Birthstone--Amethyst
Published On: 02-08-2012 09:00am
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Category: Birthstones
Amethyst is associated with spirituality, wisdom, sobriety, and security. Amethyst is the purple variety of the mineral quartz; it must always be purple to be called amethyst, though amethyst comes in many shades of purple. It is believed amethyst will ward off drunkenness; the word amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos", meaning sober.
In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and wine was commonly served in amethyst goblets, in the belief that it would prevent drunkenness and over indulgence. Even today, amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors.
The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers. The intense violet hue of amethyst appealed to early monarchs, who often wore this color. Purple dye was expensive and rare, and reserved for the clothing of kings and queens. Amethyst has been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning crowns, scepters, jewelry, and even breastplates worn into battle. A large amethyst is among the closely guarded gemstones in the British Crown Jewels.
Amethyst is also symbolic of spirituality and piety. It has been used to ornament churches and crosses used in religious ceremony. It was also often worn in rings and on rosaries by bishops and priests.
Amethyst comes from a wide variety of mines, including Mexico, Brazil, the US, Italy, Germany, Russia, Africa and Uruguay, to name a few. Each location holds different shades and shapes of amethyst.
Prasiolite is a green form of quartz, and is often--and mistakenly--called green amethyst. Amethyst is only amethyst if it is a shade of purple. Don't be fooled by other colored amethyst, such as green or pink. Amethyst is the purple form of quartz, and purple only.
In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and wine was commonly served in amethyst goblets, in the belief that it would prevent drunkenness and over indulgence. Even today, amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors.
The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers. The intense violet hue of amethyst appealed to early monarchs, who often wore this color. Purple dye was expensive and rare, and reserved for the clothing of kings and queens. Amethyst has been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning crowns, scepters, jewelry, and even breastplates worn into battle. A large amethyst is among the closely guarded gemstones in the British Crown Jewels.
Amethyst is also symbolic of spirituality and piety. It has been used to ornament churches and crosses used in religious ceremony. It was also often worn in rings and on rosaries by bishops and priests.
Amethyst comes from a wide variety of mines, including Mexico, Brazil, the US, Italy, Germany, Russia, Africa and Uruguay, to name a few. Each location holds different shades and shapes of amethyst.
Prasiolite is a green form of quartz, and is often--and mistakenly--called green amethyst. Amethyst is only amethyst if it is a shade of purple. Don't be fooled by other colored amethyst, such as green or pink. Amethyst is the purple form of quartz, and purple only.
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