A fun fact about Amethyst - The very oldest reference to Amethyst is found in the Egyptian Book of the Dead, a funerary text dating back to 3400 BCE. The Book of the Dead is a funerary text whose name may be more correctly translated as the Book of Emerging Forth Into The Light. It contains a series of magical spells which, if used correctly, were thought to help the souls of the dead travel safely through the Underworld. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, an Amethyst heart is described as the symbol for ‘wisdom in life’ and later as a symbol of ‘pure intellect'.
Pronunciation
Sounds like - am·uh·thist
Amethyst is the worlds most popular purple gemstone. It is the purple color variety of quartz that has been used in personal adornment for over 2000 years.
Amethyst is a type of Quartz and a Silicate mineral. Silicate minerals are the largest family of minerals, including more than 25% of all known minerals and 40% of all common minerals.
In addition to being a major part of the Earths crust, silicate minerals have also been found on the moon and in meteorites. Silicates are minerals which contain the elements silicon (a light gray shiny metal) and oxygen (a colorless gas). Together, these two elements form a tetrahedra – a shape similar to a pyramid – with a silicon atom in the center and oxygen atoms at each of the three corners. These tetrahedra connect with other chemical structures, in six different ways, to form a wide variety of minerals and rocks.
The first step in amethyst receiving its purple color begins during the growth of the crystal. This is when trace amounts of iron are incorporated into a growing quartz crystal. After crystallization, gamma rays, emitted by radioactive materials within the host rock, irradiate the iron to produce the purple color.
The intensity of an amethysts purple color can vary from one part of the crystal to another. These color variations, which are known as “color zoning,” are caused by varying amounts of iron being incorporated into the crystal during different stages of crystal growth.
Amethyst crystals grow slowly and the composition of the fluids delivering the iron and the silica needed for crystal growth can vary. The darkest color of amethyst forms when the largest amount of iron is incorporated into the growing crystal.
Amethyst is a durable gemstone, but some care is needed to maintain its polish and natural color. Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7, and that is generally considered hard enough for almost any jewelry use.
However, with a hardness of 7, it can come in contact with a variety of common objects that can produce a scratch on its surface. Accidental scrapes on hard objects or abrasion with other gems of equal or greater hardness in a jewelry box for example can cause damage.
Amethyst is also a brittle material that can be chipped or scratched by impact. It is best not to wear amethyst jewelry during an activity or at a location where this might occur.
Long-term storage of an amethyst crystal and amethyst jewelry is best done in a jewelry box or a darker location. The color of some amethyst is very likely to fade over time with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or bright display lights.
Metaphysical Properties
From a metaphysical perspective, Amethyst has been held in high regard throughout the ages for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to both stimulate and soothe the mind and emotions.
The French poet, Remy Belleau (1528-1577) was purported to have made up a tale of Bacchus (the God of wine) with the fair maiden Amethyste in his poem, ‘L’Amethyste, ou Les Amours de Bacchus et d’Amethyste’ . This means Amethyst or the loves of Bacchus and Amethyst.
In this tale, the powerful God pursued the maiden, Amethyste, who did not return these advances and rejected his propositions. Out of desperation, to ward off his persistence, Amethyst turned to prayer and made a plea to the Gods to remain chaste. Diana, the god of Chastity, heard the prayer and answered it by turning Amethyste into a pure white stone.
Feeling humbled, Bacchus chose to pour the rest of his red wine over the stone in an offering to her desire to remain chaste and thus turned the rock purple. That now signifies the Amethyst crystal we know today.
In todays world, Amethyst healing properties and meanings are similar to their historic roots. It is still a remarkable stone of spirituality and contentment; known for its metaphysical abilities to still the mind and inspire an enhanced meditative state.
Its inherent high frequency purifies the aura of any negative energy or attachments. It creates a protective shield of light around the body, allowing one to remain clear and centered while open to spiritual direction.
Amethyst stimulates the Third Eye and Crown chakras, enhancing cognitive perception as well as accelerating the development of intuitive and psychic ability. It initiates wisdom and greater understanding and is a stone of comfort for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Zodiac Birthstone
The purple Amethyst makes its connection with the zodiac sign Pisces. Associated with the month of February; Amethyst brings love and light.
The mellow energy of Amethyst is a dreamy match for the nature of the Pisces. Those with creative spirits, deep empathy and compassion - the healing powers of Amethyst tap into all of that and so much more.
Yet, sometimes the greatest strength of the self is also the greatest weakness. With high levels of empathy, Pisces can sometimes bite off more than they can chew and can make themselves sad and burnt out in the process. Having this precious stone at their side ensures that while lending a sympathetic ear is fine, they don’t lose themselves in the pitfalls of the problems of others but stay spiritually grounded to their own journey.
Use With
Amethyst energy works well within its family – other macrocrystalline Quartz minerals. Use it in combination with Ametrine, Citrine, Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz and Smoky Quartz.
To get the most from this beautiful crystal, cleansing is necessary.
Water is considered one of the best ways to clean amethyst, especially running water, as this helps to remove any negative energy by returning the stone back to the earths natural environment.
Natural water is best for cleansing amethyst – for example, a stream. But for those who don’t have regular access to nature and naturally running water, bottled spring water is the next best alternative.
When cleansing amethyst with running water, 1 minute per stone is ideal. In fact, this method of cleansing is ideal for all of the hard stones of the quartz family.
Another effective method to cleanse an amethyst crystal is bathing in moonlight. Place your stone outside or on a windowsill at nightfall and bring it back in the early morning. This will help your crystal to make the best of the cleansing powers offered by the moon.
Sage is another way of cleansing your amethyst crystal. This plant is regarded as sacred and possesses a world of healing properties. For this method, you will have to burn sage in a fire-safe bowl. Make sure that you are performing this method of cleansing near an open window. Allow the smoke of the sage to cover your crystal for at least 30 seconds.
There is a reason Amethyst has been used for centuries and centuries. Long has the Amethyst stone been linked with magic and mysticism. But aside from the fables, this stone is a gift from the earth to connect the mind with the heavens.
Amethyst is all about finding a serene spot within, to be able to stand with strength in this complicated world.
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