Further reading about Amethyst.

The intense violet hue of February’s birthstone appealed to early monarchs, perhaps because they often wore this colour as a symbol of their elevated position. Purple dye was once scarce and expensive, reserved only for the garments of royalty, so the colour came to symbolize power and status.

The Greeks believed that whoever wore an Amethyst or drank from an Amethyst cup would not become intoxicated. In fact, the word Amethyst is derived from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning sober. In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was common practice to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence. It was also claimed that amethyst had a sobering effect on those “drunk” on love’s passion.

Even today, amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. In general, the gemstone is believed to have a calming and tranquilizing influence, bestowing a sense of peace to the wearer, by calming and balancing the emotions.

Amethyst is a symbol of piety, spirituality and devotion. The rich purple gemstones are used to ornament costumes and crosses used in religious ceremony.

It is also believed that Amethysts encourage pleasant dreams because they allow you to “channel” positive universal energy. As a result many people place an amethyst under their pillow before going to sleep, so as to enjoy “sweet dreams” throughout the night

The Amethyst Angel Pendant showing colour of Amethyst Crystal.

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February, and the star sign Pisces. It is also the traditional anniversary gemstone for the sixth year of marriage.

Once considered more valuable than diamonds, this member of the quartz family occurs naturally as crystals within rocks. The stones are mined in America, Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Zambia, Australia and in the mountains of Russia

Amethyst can lighten if exposed to strong sunlight for a long time. When heated to 550-560 Centigrade, the colour changes to dark yellow or reddish brown. They are then called Citrines. These are more richly coloured and more expensive than natural Citrine.

Amethysts can range in colour from pale lilac to nearly black purple. Since purple has always been the colour of royalty, Amethysts abound in the ornaments of the British Crown Jewels and in the adornments of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians as well. They have been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning royal jewellery, sceptres, and crowns.