Amethyst, the Gorgeous Healing Stone of Nature
If you have amethyst on your mind for your next jewelry, you have chosen a potent and prophylactic stone. A sparkling purple gem, amethyst is full of romantic and spiritual energies. The birthstone of Pisces, this is the gem of those born in the month of February. That is not to say that people under different zodiacs cannot own or sport an amethyst. An amethyst makes a pluperfect anniversary gift for the 6th marriage year. That says that amethyst can be anybody’s gem, whether or not they were born in February. What’s more, it’s nowhere as expensive as colored gems in its category like rubies and emeralds. All said, it’s no surprise that amethyst is the new trailblazer in the terrain of fashion jewelry.
History
Although not talked enough about, Amethysts have been around for many years now. Amethyst has been a part of the most iconic royal gem collections that we know of. It was there during ancient Egyptian civilization, as it was during the British raj. Amethyst is one of the British crown jewels, others being famous diamonds, rubies and emeralds worth millions.
While all that’s pretty interesting, if you backup a little, there are still more spectacular stories about this magnificent stone that emerge from the pages of the history. According to historians, Amethyst was used by the people of ancient Egypt, often for making engravings. The Greeks too were well familiar with the stone. But what they used it for was very different from the Egyptians. The Greeks used amethysts to prevent intoxication.
Many believed in the protective powers of Amethyst and evidence indicating that soldiers all over Europe wore amethyst amulets to wars stands to testify that. Aside from shielding them from harm, wearers believed that the stone also kept their head cool in demanding situations.
Amethyst beads also have religious connections in England during the Anglo-Saxon era. Amethyst beads found in Anglo-Saxon graves and in episcopal rings of Anglican bishops establish the stone’s religious connotations.
Back in the 19th century, when scientists had a close encounter with this stone, they studied it closely to find the source of its remarkable color. They arrived at the conclusion that its dazzling purple color comes from manganese present in the crystals. But later, upon discovering that the color responds in intensity to heat treatment, they concurred that the source of the color must be organic. As of today, studies have shown that the presence of a substance called ferric thiocyanate makes the stone purple, although trace amounts of sulfur too have been detected in the crystals.
Myths and Legends
Historically, this stone has great cultural importance. As said before, Greeks used it to prevent intoxication. They called it “amethystos” which when translated in English says “not drunken”.
Holding on to the stone’s connection with Bacchus, the Greek god of intoxication, Remy Belleau, the celebrated French poet wrote a myth in which the Greek God woos a damsel by the name of Amethyste. In keeping with the lack of chemistry between wine and amethyst, in the myth, this maiden declines Bacchus’s advances. Amethyste, determined to renege Bacchus, prays to goddess Diana to protect her chastity. The goddess grants her wish and turns her into a beautiful white stone. In awe and admiration of her determination, Bacchus dyed the stone purple by pouring wine on it, thus giving it its signature purple hue. While this myth was the original story, variations of it resonate through European mythologies.
There is also a Tibetan myth in which the stone had holy connections with the Buddha. In tribute to that connection, the Tibetans make prayer beads with amethyst.
Varieties
Amethyst does not occur in nature in just one form. Being made of a mix of minerals, it can be categorized into several varieties. Below are some of the most known types of Amethysts found around the world.
Brandberg: An extraordinary variety of amethyst, the Brandberg amethyst gets it rare aesthetics from quartz which makes a significant part of its composition. The Brandberg Amethyst is found in Africa, in the country of Namibia where it is believed to be talismanic in its healing potency.
Chevron: This variety features a signature chevron pattern all over its geometry. The ‘V’ patterns appear in white and purple layers on the crystal giving it a beautiful stimulating look. The Chevron amethyst is believed to be a vision stone that can arouse one’s consciousness and channel life force through their wearers.
Ametrine: The Ametrine is part Amethyst and part Citrine. Made from variable combinations of these two stones, the Ametrine is believed to embody a balance of energies of two kinds. Wearers of this stone experiences spiritual awakening and harmony over time. It also stimulates the flow of creativity and intellect.
Cacoxenite: Cacoxenite is not essentially a variety of Amethyst but an element present in amethysts that gives rise to a new kind of amethyst. This element melds the yellow with the dark brown. This stone aids its wearers to conceive new ideas and thoughts. It calms the brain and awakens spirituality in the users.
Rutilated: The rarest variety of Amethyst, this type contains Rutile in them. Rutile in Amethyst helps awaken the deep self and find back the connection between one’s self and the Earth. In their wearers, this stone clears up the chakras and bring about the ascension of the mind to a higher level.
Uses
Amethyst is historically believed to be a protective gemstone. Famously known as the “all-healer”, this crystal is believed to heal all living beings. The stone can heal humans, it can heal animals and even plants. This is why in some cultures, uncut amethysts are kept close to house plants for quick growing and fruits bearing. Pet or farm animals that avoid a certain part of the house or barn can be made to stop if an amethyst stone is kept in close proximity to the area. It is said that the stone clears all negative energies from spaces and fill them up with positive earth energies.
The healing properties of amethyst transcend the physical. In some cultures, the stone is believed to wield psychic powers. It can prevent possession and other paranormal things from happening. The protective quality of the stone keeps evil eyes and bad wishes from coming to pass. It reverts all negative energies and shield the wearers from all kinds of harm. The stone wields positive energies from the nature and douses the wearers with them so that they only feel love and positivity.
Today it serves as a talisman for many of its wearers. The stone is believed to stir creative thoughts and inspire art. Amethysts of the darkest shades are found especially helpful in assisting wearers in new endeavors and reaping great results from such pursuits. That is no surprise, knowing that Amethyst have always been believed to be the muse gem of poets, inventors, painters, etc., and even called the Artist’s stones and similar things. The stone enhances creativity in the wearers helping them focus better in creative things.
Amethysts are also “nature’s tranquilizers”. The stone keeps you calm by soothing the nerves. It aids in the transmission of brain signals which keep the mind agile and active always. The stones make all kinds of obsessive compulsive disorders go away. That’s why astrologers often recommend amethysts for restless and truant children.
Occasions
One of the two gemstones in the breastplate worn by Aaron, the Amethyst was the stone from which the Holy City was built. Thus, good amethysts are believed to be worth the same as diamonds. An amethyst can be worn on any occasion. Feeling like a bit of color in you? Put on your amethysts ear studs and they will pop. Looking for ways to stylize your attire and make it stand out? Take out your amethyst jewelry for they can make worlds of difference to any look. It’s your anniversary and you can’t seem to make up your mind about the gemstone to pick out for your lovely wife? Choose an amethyst for it’s a stone that fits all styles and tastes. It’s the season of tulips? Commemorate it with your amethyst jewelry. Wear it on Valentine’s Day or Christmas Day, an amethyst piece will always rock.
Engagement Rings
In engagement rings, amethysts, hold a central place in the fancy side of the gallery. Although unknown even up until a few years, as of this moment, amethyst is a coveted gemstone in the engagement ring genre. The best thing about this shimmering purple stone is that it comes in all cuts of a diamond. Round, princess, Marquise, the crystal is cut in all shapes and sizes.
Amethyst engagement rings come in all popular styles. They come in solitaire, halo, three-stone, accented, paved and all beloved styles. If you are partial to the more decorative and ornate designs, then consider pairing your amethyst with diamonds. Being bright and intense in color, this stone works best with neutral colors. White diamonds are believed to be the best match for amethyst center stones. Smaller size diamonds best accent big amethyst rock cranking up the shimmer without shoring up the price by far.
However, you may notice sparse options of amethyst engagement rings in the gallery. There is no need to despair over the relatively low count of rings on display, because thanks to customization, you can now design your own ring. So pick any design that catches your eye from the gallery and get it mounted with an amethyst of your choice. Accent your amethyst with the gems of your choosing and viola, you have the ring of your dreams with your favorite stone on it.
