Amethyst

Often found in the form of six sided crystals, Amethyst is a purple form of Quartz mined primarily in South America and Africa. Its rich coloration, good durability, and relative affordability make Amethyst a popular choice for all types of jewelry.

Amethyst is a stone that was well known to the Ancients, being at the time more highly prized than many gems which today enjoy more recognition and value, including Sapphire and Ruby. The rich purple gemstone enjoys a wealth of legends and folklore from throughout history. The ancient Greek word Amethystos, from whence the name amethyst arises, means 'without wine.' The stone was thought to be an amulet against excessive drunkenness. Later legends say that a goblet or cup fashioned entirely from Amethyst allows the drinker to consume wine from it without feeling intoxicated.

Amethyst was known as a gem which would bring forth the highest, purest aspirations of humankind. Chastity, sobriety, and the control over one's thoughts were all attributes heightened by wearing Amethyst. The gem would guard against the anger of passion, and the violent or base nature of its wearer. Instead the stone encouraged calm, bravery and contemplation. One legend says that the gemstone comes from the beautiful maiden Amethyst, a devotee of the goddess Diana. Diana turned the girl to clear stone to protect her from tigers conjured up by an angry Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. When Bacchus saw what he had caused, he was remorseful and poured his wine over the stone, staining it purple.

Amethyst has had its place in the Christian church, worn on Bishops' rings, the royal purple color used to symbolize Christ. Saint Valentine was thought to wear a ring set with an antique Amethyst carved with an image of Cupid. The stone also is a symbol of Saint Matthias. Hardness: 7 Toughness: Good Birthstone: February