Precious stones: Amethysts
By zteve t evans
Amethysts are a purple type of quartz and regarded as the most valuable member of the quartz family of precious stones. The color must be purple though it can vary in hue and shade from mauve, lavender, light lilac, to a deep purple. The finest quality amethysts are a medium deep purple with flashes of rose color.
The color of amethysts
Amethysts can be found in geodes and in areas of alluvial deposits. Amethysts are formed in clear quartz where manganese is present. The depth of purple color results from how much iron is present. The Mohs scale of hardness scales the hardness of precious stone and amethyst is classed as 7 on this scale.
They are quite common gems and found all around the world. Their characteristics vary from location to location. In South America they tend to come in larger sizes while in Africa they tend to be smaller but have a deeper color which makes it more desirable to many people. Most of the world’s amethysts are mined in South America especially Uruguay and Brazil.
Green amethyst
There is a gem wrongly referred to as ‘green amethyst’ but in reality there is no such thing. What is called green amethyst is actually prasiolite which is a quartz, but of a gold to green color. It is not found naturally but is produced by heating yellow quartz. The name ‘prasiolite’ means ‘leek-green’ in Greek.
Amethysts can be found in geodes and in areas of alluvial deposits. Amethysts are formed in clear quartz where manganese is present. The depth of purple color results from how much iron is present. The Mohs scale of hardness scales the hardness of precious stone and amethyst is classed as 7 on this scale.
They are quite common gems and found all around the world. Their characteristics vary from location to location. In South America they tend to come in larger sizes while in Africa they tend to be smaller but have a deeper color which makes it more desirable to many people. Most of the world’s amethysts are mined in South America especially Uruguay and Brazil.
Green amethyst
There is a gem wrongly referred to as ‘green amethyst’ but in reality there is no such thing. What is called green amethyst is actually prasiolite which is a quartz, but of a gold to green color. It is not found naturally but is produced by heating yellow quartz. The name ‘prasiolite’ means ‘leek-green’ in Greek.
Heat treating amethysts
Amethysts can be heated treated which can result in a permanent color that is richer and deeper and does not fade with time. Most at are sold today have undergone this process.
Amethyst as a birthstone
In 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers chose amethyst as the birthstone of February. In the Zodiac it is the birthstone of those born under the sign of Pisces.
Royalty
For many centuries the color purple has been coveted by Royalty around the world and because of it color amethyst features in many important items of Royal jewelry. They are included in the British Crown Jewels and part of Catherine the Great of Russia’s collection. It was also known as ‘the stone of bishops’ and was greatly favored among the higher echelons of the Christian church.
Amethyst Folklore
When worn, amethyst is believed to endow the wearer with an amiable and gentle spirit. It is also believed to have powers to increase happiness, love, peace, healing and dreams as well as enhancing spirituality and psychic abilities and giving courage and give protection against thieves.
The Greeks in antiquity believed that amethyst guarded against drunkenness and intoxication and was the gem of sobriety. The ancient Egyptians used amethyst as a gemstone. It has been decorated in history using intaglio engraving techniques. During medieval time knights and soldiers wore amulets carrying amethyst to protect them in war, help heal wounds and keep them from rash action. It was also believed to be beneficial in alleviating headaches, insomnia, hearing disorders and other ailments.
© 06/10/2013 zteve t evans
Amethysts can be heated treated which can result in a permanent color that is richer and deeper and does not fade with time. Most at are sold today have undergone this process.
Amethyst as a birthstone
In 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers chose amethyst as the birthstone of February. In the Zodiac it is the birthstone of those born under the sign of Pisces.
Royalty
For many centuries the color purple has been coveted by Royalty around the world and because of it color amethyst features in many important items of Royal jewelry. They are included in the British Crown Jewels and part of Catherine the Great of Russia’s collection. It was also known as ‘the stone of bishops’ and was greatly favored among the higher echelons of the Christian church.
Amethyst Folklore
When worn, amethyst is believed to endow the wearer with an amiable and gentle spirit. It is also believed to have powers to increase happiness, love, peace, healing and dreams as well as enhancing spirituality and psychic abilities and giving courage and give protection against thieves.
The Greeks in antiquity believed that amethyst guarded against drunkenness and intoxication and was the gem of sobriety. The ancient Egyptians used amethyst as a gemstone. It has been decorated in history using intaglio engraving techniques. During medieval time knights and soldiers wore amulets carrying amethyst to protect them in war, help heal wounds and keep them from rash action. It was also believed to be beneficial in alleviating headaches, insomnia, hearing disorders and other ailments.
© 06/10/2013 zteve t evans
References and Attributions
Copyright zteve t evans October 06, 2013
Copyright zteve t evans October 06, 2013
- Amethyst close cropped CC BY-SA 3.0 - Pithecanthropus4152
- Amethyst Square Cushion Cut - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Gemstones
- GemSelect - Amethyst Deposits
- Stones Agates & Amethysts - Big Pieces
- GemSelect - Green Amethyst