Amethyst

 

Amethyst

Category – Mineral

Color – Violet, Purple

Crystal System – Rhombohedral

Moh’s Scale 7 – lower in impure varieties

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz owing its violet color to irradiation, iron impurities and the presence of trace elements, which result in complex crystal lattice substitutions. The hardness of the mineral is the same as quartz, thus it is suitable for use in jewelry.

 

Amethyst occurs in primary hues from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple. Amethyst may exhibit one or both secondary hues, red and blue. The ideal grade is called ‘Deep Siberian’ and has a primary purple hue of around 75-80%, with 15-20% blue and depending on the light source, red secondary hues. 

 

Another typical and large form of amethyst occurs inside pockets (vugs) within volcanic rock, where an enclosed space has been created as the rock cooled. These formations have a greenish encrustation on the outside and when split open reveal hundreds of amethyst crystals growing toward the center of the space. Amethyst can fade in tone if over exposed to light sources and can be artificially darkened with adequate irradiation. 

 

 

Interesting Tid Bits - 

 

The Greeks believed amethyst gems could prevent intoxication, while Medieval  European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle – the reason for this being that amethyst are believed to heal people and keep them cool headed. Beads of amethyst were found in Angle Saxon graves in England. 

 

A Large geode or amethyst  - grotto, from near Santa Cruz in southern Brazil was presented at the 1902 exhibition in Dusseldorf, Germany

 

In the 19^th century, the color amethyst was attributed to the presence of manganese. However, since it is capable of being greatly altered and even discharged by heat, the color was believed by some authorities to be from an organic source. Sulfur was said to have been detected in the mineral. 

 

Mythology

 

The Greek word ‘amethystos’ may be translated as ‘not drunken’, from Greek. Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it. 

 

In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of intoxication and of wine was pursuing a maiden names Amethystos, who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the goddess Artemis answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dying the crystals purple. 

 

Geographical Distribution – 

 

Minas Gerais in Brazil, large geodes within volcanic rock

Southwestern Brazil and Uruguay contain amethyst crystals in the interior

 

Artigas, Uruguay, Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul are large world producers of amethyst. Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Espiritu Santo, Bahia and Ceara States. 

 

South Korea

The largest open cast amethyst wein in the world is in Maissau. Lower Austria

Russia, Mursink in the Ekaterinburg district

South India

Zambia

 

United States, Mazatzal Mountain Range in Gila and Maricopa counties. Arizona, Red Feather Lakes, Fort Collins, Colorado, Amethyst Mountain, Texas. Yellowstone National Park. Delaware County Pennsylvania, Haywood County, North Carolina, Deer Hill and Stow, Maine and in the Lake Superior region of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario in Canada. Amethyst is relatively common in Ontario and in various locations throughout Nova Scotia. The largest amethyst mine in North America is located in Thunder Bay Ontario.

 

Metaphysical Virtues

 

Amethyst assists as a purifying crystal, helping to ward off negative influences and protect from environmental stress. This stone assists in calming the nervous system and the brain, easing headaches and migraines.

 

Amethyst assists with balancing the energies of the intellectual, emotional and physical bodies and provides a clear connection between the Earth and other dimensions. 

 

This stone assists with balancing the third eye chakra to expand consciousness. Place eight pieces around the physical body to create a protective field. 

 

Personal uses

Wear or carry amethyst to help calm mental stress. 

Place under the pillow or on a bedside table to improve the quality of sleep.

Books to check out - 

Jennifer Harding – Crystals

Barnes & Noble Thesaurus of Geology

Rockes and Minerals Michael O’Donoghue

Rocks and Minerals – Fredrick H. Pough

Have a wonderful week!

Keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE!

Auriel Grace