Gemstone Amethyst

Amethyst gemstone is one of the Earth Beautiful Stone. In the purest form, this stone is colorless. The finest quality is dark in tone. It is a clear purple stone with variety of quartz and is a popular gemstone. Purple color is said to be the color of royalty and nobility. It is one of the most beautiful of the colored gemstones. The rich deep violet color is generally the favorite and most expensive, but a stone of medium color intensity, with plenty of sparkle, can also be very attractive. Because of it widespread availability, it is available in a wide variety of cut and uncut stones that is admired. Amethyst is not very expensive, even in very high qualities, it is not expensive. It is a wonderful affordable gemstone. The hardness of amethyst is 7. It contains more iron oxide Fe₂O₃ than any other variety of quartz, and experts believe that its color arises from its iron content.

Amethyst word has been derived from its name from Middle English amatist, from Old French, from Latin amethystus, from Greek amethustos, not drunk or intoxicating. This was maybe due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, but most likely the Greeks were referring the almost wine-like color of some stones that they may have encountered. Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Siberia, Canada, India, Bolivia, and Argentina and some African countries. Amethyst from South America tends to be available in larger sizes than African amethyst but amethyst from Africa has the reputation for having better, more saturated, color in small sizes. Very dark amethyst, mostly in small sizes is mined in Australia.

Amethyst is wonderful in rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. It is given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind. Amethyst is associated with a number of superstitions, being regarded as a love charm, and as a protection against thieves. Amethyst magnifies psychic abilities and right-brain activity. It strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Amethyst relieves headaches, improves blood sugar imbalance Amethyst is the birthstone of Aquarius (Water Bearer): Jan. 20 - Feb. 18. Amethyst is anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 6th year of marriage.