Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and is a popular gemstone. If it were not for its widespread availability, amethyst would be very expensive. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek and means "not drunken." This was maybe due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol. Its color is unparalleled, and even other, more expensive purple gemstones are often compared to its color and beauty. Although it must always be purple to be amethyst, it can and does have a wide range of purple shades.

Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show the pointed terminations. As a mineral specimen, amethyst is popular for its color and nice crystal shapes that produce a handsome, purple, sparkling cluster.
However, amethyst is not the same everywhere. Different localities can produce a unique amethyst to that particular region or even to that particular mine. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from. The key to this is the specimen's color, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and character of formation.

Amethyst is the birth stone of the February born.
Wine and the colour purple are associated with Royalty, Dignity and Justice. Hence, they are the reasons why crowns and sceptres, indicators of Royalty are adorned with amethyst. The other gems of the quartz family include citrine, smoky quartz and tiger's eye. Amethysts often display a subtle but alluring shift of hue under different illumination.

The amethyst is a gem which is in fashion forever. Transparent gems are faceted in all the popular shapes and styles and are usually called 'Fantasy Cuts.' They are further fashioned into a dome form known as 'Cabochons.' Amethyst is often cut as brilliant round cuts to maximize the color. Other cuts can be used when the color is better distributed.

In many amethysts minor inclusions are noticeable but they have no major effect on either beauty or durability and they help to prove the stone natural.
Gentle heat is occasionally used to lighten dark stones and make the colour more even. The effect is permanent as it replicates the process that occurs naturally but is undetectable. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe for amethysts but steam cleaning is risky - warm soapy water and a soft brush should do the trick. Direct contact with sunlight or interior spot lights fades amethysts. It is suggested that amethyst not be worn during outdoor activities.

It is a fantastic 'All Purpose' jewellery that is reasonable tough and hard. Today, amethyst is a lovely and affordable gemstone that is fortunately available in a wide variety of cut and uncut stones that we can all possess and admire.

Once upon a time, Bacchus the Roman God of Food and Wine was in a particularly foul mood and decided to vent his anger by letting his pet tiger lose on the first person he encountered. This happened to be a young girl who was on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana, the Goddess of the Forest. As the snarling beast lunged for the maiden, she cried out for help. Diana responded by transforming her into a sparkling pure crystal. Shamed by the miracle, Bacchus repented and poured an offering of wine over the crystal, staining it a deep purple. The name of the maiden and the gem created by her metamorphosis is Amethyst.

The story indicates the ancient association between the seductive colour of wine and the gem known as Amethyst. Greek word 'Amethystos' refers to a remedy against drunkenness literally. Drinking wine from an amethyst cup was believed to sober one, especially somebody who was 'Intoxicated by Love.'

Amethyst is the birth stone of those born in February.

Of all the gems belonging to the quartz family, amethysts are loved the most
and are considered most valuable, though it is remarkably less expensive when compared to the other gems.

Wine and the colour purple are associated with Royalty, Dignity and Justice. Hence, they are the reasons why crowns and sceptres, indicators of Royalty are adorned with amethyst. The other gems of the quartz family include citrine, smoky quartz and tiger's eye. Amethysts often display a subtle but alluring shift of hue under different illumination.

The amethyst is a gem which is in fashion forever. Transparent gems are faceted in all the popular shapes and styles and are usually called [sqote]Fantasy Cuts.' They are further fashioned into a dome form known as 'Cabochons.'

In many amethysts minor inclusions are noticeable but they have no major effect on either beauty or durability and they help to prove the stone natural.

Gentle heat is occasionally used to lighten dark stones and make the colour more even. The effect is permanent as it replicates the process that occurs naturally but is undetectable.

Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe for amethysts but steam cleaning is risky - warm soapy water and a soft brush should do the trick. Direct contact with sunlight or interior spot lights fades amethysts. It is suggested that amethyst not be worn during outdoor activities.

It is a fantastic 'All Purpose' jewellery that is reasonable tough and hard.

A little care goes a long way in preserving your amethyst - just like the story of Bacchus and the maiden.