Amethyst: description of the stone, magical properties, who it suits by zodiac sign

Amethyst is a type of quartz and the most expensive stone of this rock. The name of the stone is translated from ancient Greek as “not drunk.”

There is even a wonderful legend about amethyst. Dionysus, the god of winemaking and fun, fell in love with a beautiful nymph who bore the wonderful name Amethys. However, she did not reciprocate with God because her heart was not free. The stubborn Dionysus tried in vain over and over again to achieve the beauty's favor. The goddess Artemis helped to cope with what was happening, who decided to turn the nymph into a purple stone, which became a symbol and memory of Dionysus’ unrequited love. In addition, the stone has the ability to maintain a sober mind when drinking alcohol. Residents of Ancient Greece often placed amethyst decorations on wine goblets. During celebrations, they wore rings with this stone so as not to get drunk.

History and origin

Science has established that the properties of amethyst were studied by the Sumerians. In Egypt, the stone was considered blessed; the Romans used it as decoration for small items, gems, and seals. The Chinese still make bowls and vessels from amethyst for storing valuable aromatic oils.

The generally accepted name for the stone was given by the ancient Greeks. It means “not drunk”, “sober”.

The Greeks came up with an instructive myth on this topic. Their god of wine and fun, Dionysus, fell passionately in love with the nymph Ametis. But she preferred the shepherd, which God could not accept. The nymph asked the goddess Artemis for help, who turned the beauty into a transparent stone. To revive it, Dionysus tipped a cup of wine onto the faded statue. This is how people got the most beautiful type of quartz, named in memory of the nymph.

Rings with amethyst are worn at feasts (corporate parties) so as not to get drunk and not say too much.

The mineral is also known as “lilac stone nobility”, “stone violet”, apostolic or bishop’s stone.

This is one of the 12 gems on the robe of the high priest of Ancient Judea. The Pope presents an amethyst ring to incoming cardinals. In Rus', this stone was especially revered by archbishops. Amethyst adorns the crown of the British Empire and the crowns of Russian autocrats.

Only from the 18th century did the mineral become available to everyone who could afford it.

The Legend of Dionysus and Amethys

The main color of amethyst is violet, which is distinguished by its richness and depth. Gems of such shades were highly valued by people at any time. The name of the mineral is translated from Greek as “not drunk.”

There is an ancient Greek legend about how this stone appeared. It tells the story of the forest nymph Ametis, with whom the god of wine Dionysus fell in love. But the beautiful girl did not reciprocate, because she loved another. The annoying god pursued the poor nymph for a long time until she reached the temple of Artemis, in which she found salvation.

Amethys asked the goddess to protect her from Dionysus. Artemis took pity on the unfortunate nymph and turned her into stone. When the god of wine entered the temple, he saw his beloved in the form of a transparent statue. He tried to revive Amethys, but he was unable to do so. Dionysus doused the stone with a wine drink, which caused the statue to turn purple. But this action also did not revive the nymph. The angry god broke the statue, which shattered into small crystals. This is how a beautiful purple mineral appeared, which was called amethyst.

Mineralogical description and properties

Amethyst druse
The amethyst stone, the properties of which scientists have studied for a long time, is a quartz variety. This is silica, the most expensive type of quartz, which occurs in nature in the form of crystals with different levels of transparency. The most popular color of the stone is bright purple, which is often the “calling card” of amethyst in all photos and videos on the Internet.

You should be aware that intense ultraviolet radiation from the sun is detrimental to the mineral: its color fades and becomes faded. The stone should be stored in a cool and dark place. Then its original color is restored. However, it is important to keep in mind that a natural gemstone will still lose color intensity every year.

Property	Description
Formula	SiO2
Color	Violet to pale reddish-violet.
Shine	Glass, mother-of-pearl.
Transparency	Transparent
Hardness	7
Cleavage	Absent
Kink	Conchoidal; quite fragile.
Density	2.63-2.65 g/cm³

Mineral deposits

Amethyst mining
Amethyst deposits are located in South America, on the African continent, in Asia and in Russia. The characteristics of the mined stones differ depending on the depth of the deposit. In Asia, very high-quality nuggets are being developed, but their quantity is small.

There is a large deposit in Brazil, but the stones from it are of poor quality. The most valuable stones in terms of beauty and cost are mined in a deposit developed in the Urals. The rating of Ural amethysts is the highest. Based on the name of the development site, they were called “deep Siberian”.

Types and colors

The color of the stone depends on the place of its extraction and composition (impurities).

Types of amethyst depending on deposit and color:

1. Brandberg is a gem mixed with smoky quartz, which is mined in Namibia. Inside the crystals you can see insects that have frozen. It is believed that such a crystal can heal.
2. Chevron is a V-shaped amethyst that has a layered structure: dark and light purple layers alternate with white quartz. Mexican amethyst is rarely used by jewelers, but it is widely used among healers and psychics.
3. Ametrine combines lilac, dark purple and golden shades. The stone owes its unusual color scheme to the admixture of citrine. This gem looks luxurious, which is why it is often used in jewelry.
4. Rutile amethyst is a clear crystal with lavender and brown tints. The stone contains an admixture of rutile quartz, as well as goethite. It helps improve your mood and make your cherished dreams come true.
5. Lavender amethyst is the most sought after among jewelers. It is this crystal that turns pale under the sun. It is a stone of youth and health.
6. The pale pink gem loses color when exposed to sunlight, and UV radiation changes its hue to gray. This stone of love and family is suitable for creating an amulet.
7. Proselytes are luxurious and unique green amethysts, but are rarely used by jewelers because they have needle-like inclusions that reduce the price of the gems. As a rule, they are used to create single jewelry for a private collection.
8. Black is a rare type of mineral that nature has created over millions of years. Jewelers use them infrequently, but to emphasize their uniqueness, they use complex cuts. Mages and sorcerers respect this stone, as it is a strong amulet and develops supernatural abilities. In addition, the crystal neutralizes the effect of radiation on humans.

Stones with a high degree of transparency are precious, while translucent stones are ornamental.

Color range and varieties

In nature, a purple mineral on a grayish base is common. However, the gem is distinguished by a variety of shades of the main color and others. There is no single point of view on the reasons for this.

Dark purple, delicate rose and rich red are rare.

Mineral colors

The color of amethysts ranges from young lilac to deep violet, with bluishness, purple, lavender, and even almost black.

• Violet. Amethyst classic. The colors of such amethyst range from the most delicate lilac to violet luxury. In the sun or near an open fire, the depth of the shade is lost. The cooled crystal looks like a pale copy of the original material, so there is no point in experimenting.

Purple Amethyst

• Green. Nature does not create green gems, these are ennobled stones. They are obtained by calcining light quartz from the Brazilian Montezuma deposit and the American deposit (Arizona). At 500 °C the crystals become onion green. This mineral is called prasiolite, which is translated from Greek as “onion stone.” Material used for single items or private collections. The color of the amethyst is emphasized by a special cut. A dual effect is produced by needle inclusions. They devalue most green amethysts. But lovers do not skimp, considering such an addition as a guarantee of the uniqueness of the stone.

Green amethyst Prasiolite is synthesized, it is cheap, and has almost ousted its refined “competitor” from the market. When buying green amethysts, they carefully study the certificate - the countries of origin of the crystals can only be Brazil or the USA.

• Pink. Rare specimens framed with elite frames. There are inclusion points that do not reduce the value. In the light they instantly discolor, turning into a white or grayish pebble. An elite gem worthy of a personal luxury box.

Pink amethyst

• Black. Amethyst King. Expensive, awarded with a high-quality cut. The special significance of an amethyst of this color is recognized in the occult community.

Black amethyst

Varieties of mineral

Interesting types of stone are ametrine and amethyst quartz. The first is a hybrid of amethyst and citrine, combining violet with yellowness. The second is a violet agglomerate with white stripes, which are created by interspersed ribbons of milky quartz. Used as jewelry or decorative material.

Scope of application of the gem

Amethyst attracts with its incredibly beautiful color. Today, the most popular variety of quartz can rival even diamond. The mineral is an expensive and sought-after material, which was one of the first to be used in the manufacture of jewelry.

For many centuries, monarchs were served cups and wine bowls decorated with amethysts. They believed that the stone could prevent trouble. The gem was an indicator of poisons. If a crystal immersed in liquid changed color, it meant that the wine was poisoned.

In Russia, amethyst was called “dumpling” . The mineral was used to decorate the crowns of rulers, the vestments of icons, crosses and altars. Christians considered the mineral a symbol of modesty and humility. The gem received the names “bishop’s stone” and “stone of the Apostle Matthew.” Europeans called him "apostolic." Church ministers used rings with the mineral because they believed in its power. In European and Eastern countries, amethyst was used as decoration for clothing and various accessories. In the 18th century, jewelry began to be made from lavender stone.

Purple stone fits perfectly into any design product. Amethyst is used in the production of rings, pendants, necklaces, and earrings. The regal amethyst shade is suitable not only for the fair sex, but also for men.

Amethyst is easy to process, which is why jewelers love it. Craftsmen often combine gemstones with emeralds or diamonds. For such combinations, a gold frame is used. If amethyst is the only stone for decoration, then you can choose silver for it. With the gentle coolness of silver patterns, the gem will attract with its romantic shimmer.

Magical properties of amethyst

Ring with black amethyst
Of course, the magical properties of the stone extend not only to the rare black gem. The magic of other amethysts is no less powerful. Especially if a person has the natural ability to feel the energy emanating from various objects or living beings. Sometimes the decisive factor is not so much the color as the history of the mineral and the purpose for which it is acquired.

Since in the Western Christian tradition its properties were and remain closely associated with the institution of the priesthood, amethyst will have a beneficial effect on its owner in terms of spiritual cleansing. It symbolizes moral purity and will certainly help a person in achieving it. Considering the ancient Greek myth about the confrontation between the nymph Amethys and the dissolute god Dionysus, it is not surprising that this particular stone is the best talisman that will protect a person from alcohol and drug addiction. It will make a wonderful amulet that will protect you from being in bad company and getting into trouble.

When wearing jewelry with this gem and setting off on a long journey, a person can be sure that the magical properties of amethyst will protect him from troubles and will have a beneficial effect on all circumstances that arise during the journey. It is not for nothing that sailors from ancient times wore amulets made of amethyst. This helped them overcome the hardships of the water elements and survive after severe shipwrecks.

Amethyst is a stone of love, unconditional and sublime, which ennobles the human soul and contributes to its purification. Traditionally, the purple mineral is considered to be associated with the “third eye” and higher abilities. Of course, the legend about the ancient Greek nymph and her sad fate gave rise to the superstition that amethyst is a stone of loneliness.

It is believed that if you receive it as a gift, you may never find a worthy life partner. However, this is not the case. The mineral will not make anyone lonely and unhappy. He will cultivate in a person a desire to find solitude for the purpose of meditative reflection, which will later become a valuable guide to action.

The nature of the material or everything about the amethyst stone

Amethyst is a representative of the quartz rock, which is rightfully considered the most expensive of all the silica family existing in nature. In nature, amethyst is a diamond-shaped rock formation that cannot be missed. As a rule, the mineral has a purple color that stands out against the background of the gray mountain substrate.

By the way, when amethyst is heated to 200 degrees, the nugget changes color: as a result of the thermal reaction, the stone becomes colorless, and as it cools, it returns to its natural color.

The answer to the question why a mineral changes color lies in its composition. In its structure, this mineral contains impurities that, when heated, change their valency and become colorless. After cooling, everything returns to normal.

The main deposits of the stone are the territories of South America, Africa, Asia, Germany, Armenia, and Ceylon. In some countries, the extraction of precious nuggets is carried out at different depths. In Russia, amethyst is found in the Urals, and also occasionally in the spurs of the mountainous Crimea.

However, the quality of the Crimean stone allows it to be used exclusively for collection purposes. It is not suitable for the jewelry industry, which cannot be ignored for the luxury gems of the Middle Urals.

As a rule, the thickness of amethyst crystals ranges from 5 mm to 10 cm. Individual crystals can reach up to 1 meter in girth and the height of an adult. The mass of such a crystal can reach half a ton.

The color of the stone varies from violet shades of varying saturation to blood red, blue and green. This color variation is determined by the percentage of iron, manganese, cobalt and nickel in it.

It is worth noting that cobalt and nickel are only rarely found in amethysts, which is why their color is predominantly purple.

Interesting information: in the National Collection of America there is a Brazilian amethyst weighing 1362 carats, which in everyday language is 272.4 g. Of course, you can say that the weight is small. However, it is worth taking into account the fact that only stones suitable for jewelry processing are measured in carats. Brazilian amethyst:

• transparent;
• evenly colored;
• does not contain any foreign inclusions;
• has no chips or cracks.

In a word - an ideal stone for the jewelry industry.

However, none of us will ever wear earrings with inserts made of this amethyst. And not because its carats are not enough for all the fair sex of our planet. The reason is that such crystals are extremely rare and must remain untouched for future generations.

Today, the most precious and high-quality amethyst is mined in the Urals, which is known throughout the world as “Ural” or “deep Siberian”. Minerologists claim that this stone has high hardness (7 points according to the Mohs table) and density (2.6 g per cm3).

By the way, the weight of one carat is 0.2 g. Therefore, the next time you go to a jewelry store, you will have something to start with when considering the numbers: 2, 3, 5 or more carats. In the meantime, let’s continue our acquaintance with amethyst.

Amulets and talismans

As an amulet or talisman, Amethyst can be worn by those people who need protection from the dislike of their superiors, the anger of others, or those who have the vices of alcoholism or drug addiction.

If a person wears a ring with Amethyst as a talisman, then it is best to put it on the ring finger of the left hand for women and the right for men.

The setting for the stone is also of great importance. Amethyst in silver preserves friendship and promotes a positive decision in business negotiations. For women suffering from infertility, an amulet with Amethyst can give them a long-awaited child, and for men it can improve family relationships.

If the mineral is set in gold, then such an amulet is able to restore and maintain human energy.

How to wear a gem correctly

What stones are combined with this wonderful mineral and how to wear this miracle of nature? Everything is very simple. Since it itself has a wide range of colors, you can combine pebbles of different colors in jewelry. Amethyst belongs to quartz and goes well with any quartz “relative”.

For example, a soft purple gem will harmonize perfectly with rose quartz, and green stones can create a wonderful ensemble with yellow citrines of different shades. In any case, how to choose combinations of stones with each other and how to wear them will be decided by the owner himself, while intuition and a more experienced jewelry lover will suggest the optimal solution.

Regardless of which zodiac sign the stone is chosen for, rings are usually worn on the ring fingers. Women are recommended to wear it on their left hand, and men - on their right hand. The gold frame of the jewelry will restore the emotional background, and silver will strengthen business and friendly ties.

We advise amethyst lovers to wear them, protecting them from sunlight. As for caring for the gem and cleaning it, if there is dirt, you can soak the jewelry in a soapy solution, then wash it and wipe it with a soft cloth.

So, who is the amethyst stone suitable for? Of course, everyone, regardless of horoscope, gender and age. In order to purchase a natural mineral, it is better to contact trusted sellers and ask for advice from those who are well versed in jewelry.

The healing properties of the mineral

Green amethyst ring
Lithotherapists, specialists in treatment with minerals, claim that Amethyst enhances the production of various hormones, helps normalize the functioning of the endocrine glands and strengthens the nervous system. The mineral makes it possible to saturate the blood more with oxygen. Amethyst helps patients with diseases of the stomach and intestines, heart disease, and is used for skin diseases. It is believed that if you massage the skin on your face with the mineral, you can reduce the severity of wrinkles and improve your complexion.

Water with Amethyst placed in it overnight is drunk to cleanse the vascular system, liver and kidneys, and to get rid of colds. The stone helps relieve swelling and bruising. It also helps with joint diseases.

Experts use the mineral for hearing impairment. The stone is good for treating nighttime insomnia, migraines and various headaches. To do this, just warm the Amethyst in your palms and apply it to the forehead or temples. If you put a stone under your pillow, you will sleep soundly and without nightmares.

The mineral has properties to reduce nervous tension and stress arousal. In some cases, it is used to treat some mental disorders, but not paranoia or schizophrenia.

A person who carries Amethyst with him can overcome drug addiction and drunkenness, and subsequently completely lose interest in alcohol. To enhance the healing properties of the stone, it must have direct contact with the skin, and the best setting for it can be silver.

Amethyst stone: who is suitable according to the horoscope

Of all the signs of the Zodiac for whom this stone is suitable, the signs of the air trine stand out especially.

For Libra, Gemini and Aquarius, amethyst serves as a talisman that filters their countless contacts (the stone helps to realize a positive and fruitful connection, but eliminates those that mean nothing).

In addition, this stone helps air signs to focus on the desired goal, concentrate energy, and clear their minds from the chaos of unnecessary thoughts and emotions.

Thanks to amethyst, the Gemini zodiac sign will be able to strengthen the nervous system and get rid of the insomnia that always torments him; for Libra, this stone will help strengthen intuition, and for Aquarius - the ability to make the right decisions.

Some astrologers do not recommend wearing a stone to people whose zodiac sign according to the horoscope is Leo, Capricorn or Pisces.

For pronounced Leo and Pisces, it gives practically nothing, but for a typical Capricorn it can increase the craving for “self-examination.”

But a person of a different sign will definitely gain something useful from wearing this mineral:

1. The stone will somewhat neutralize the impulsiveness of Aries and will help him do everything he plans faster and with less effort;
2. Taurus will have the opportunity to put their mental abilities into practice and persevere through difficult times;
3. For Cancer, the mineral will become a catalyst for progress, and girls of this sign will strengthen their “lunar” attractiveness and gain new fans;
4. With its help, Virgo will further strengthen her analytical abilities and establish contacts with the outside world;
5. For Scorpio, a purple stone will be an excellent talisman that neutralizes the negative impact (no matter who has it - sorcerers or envious colleagues);
6. It will help Sagittarius create strong relationships with loved ones, built on love and mutual trust.

Artificial amethyst

In recent decades, technology has been mastered (for the first time at the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow) of artificially growing large (up to 20-30 cm) amethyst crystals. They are processed in large quantities, mainly in the form of cut stones for inserts into jewelry, are supplied to the retail chain and, in some cases, are passed off as natural. It can be difficult even for a sophisticated connoisseur or specialist to distinguish them from natural ones only by appearance, and their real cost is much lower.

Jewelry with amethyst

Pink amethyst in silver
The purple gem looks great in various jewelry - bracelets, rings, pendants, jewelry sets, and earrings with such stones framed in silver will be a great gift for your beloved.

Rings and rings with amethyst will bring charm, charm and mystery to women. Wearing such jewelry, you can feel beautiful and confident. Rings for the stronger half are larger and more massive than ladies' ones. They will emphasize the status of the owner and add masculine attractiveness to him.

Jewelry made from pink stone is well suited for young girls, adding tenderness and romance to them. Beads, bracelets and rings with pink amethyst are simply stunning.

For evening dresses, lilac amethyst jewelry will become indispensable, adding luxury and splendor to them.

Behavior with other gemstones

Air controls the energetic harmony of amethyst with sapphire, carnelian, hyacinth, rock crystal, topaz, tourmaline, lapis lazuli, smoky and rose quartz, peridot, chrysoberyl, citrine.

They have unfavorable combinations with the element of Water. Astrologer Globa proved the incompatibility of the mineral with emerald.

In the field of beauty, amethyst is irreplaceable.

Jewelry stone evaluation

Faceted amethyst
The evaluation characteristics of the stone differ from most gems, where the weight of the stone is first taken into account. The price of amethyst crystals depends on several characteristics, which are located in the following hierarchy:

1. Color. Has the greatest influence on the price of the stone. The most expensive specimens are dark purple with a bluish or pink tint.
2. Transparency. Compared to other “brothers”, with amethyst, on the contrary, the more transparent the stone, the cheaper. The most expensive ones are translucent. Crystals of absolute transparency are considered semi-precious.
3. Cut. Elite stones have a mixed or stepped cut.
4. Weight. Has little effect on the price of the stone.

Only the best varieties are cut, others become cabochons or are used for small decorative items.

Premium quality material - deep dark “Siberians”, then “Uruguay” and “Bahia” stones.

The meaning of the color palette

Each color has its own effect:

• black protects from negative influences;
• purple protects against drinking, reveals talents, and is necessary for meditation;
• pink affects the love sphere;
• green will help in business.

To reveal its magical properties, the jewelry is worn all the time. An uncut gem has the greatest power.

How to spot a fake

There are several simple effective ways:

• Run a knife over the stone. The hardness of the gem is greater than that of steel, so scratches will not appear. However, the artificially grown analogue will not be detected this way, only glass.
• Heat. Amethyst, like other natural stones, does not conduct heat well. Consequently, the palms will not immediately heat up, unlike artificial ones.
• UV lamp. When illuminated, natural ones become completely discolored, while grown ones only partially discolor.
• Glass of water. When a real crystal is immersed in water, it will turn pale at the edges.
• Magnifier. No matter how attractive a crystal may be, a perfectly homogeneous specimen is rare in nature: foreign inclusions are almost always present. And vice versa: it is much easier to grow an absolutely pure sample than with inclusions.

Those who are suitable for an amethyst of exclusively natural origin will be able to identify it by these signs.

Amethyst and zodiac signs: compatibility

The stone is useful for almost all zodiac signs, but is ideal for Aquarius and Aries.

• For Aries it means gaining worldly wisdom, softening one’s character, protecting oneself from spontaneous conflicts, maintaining optimism and harmony.
• The zodiac Aquarius has a complete idyll with him, because amethyst embodies everything that was originally inherent in the sign: calmness, honesty, intuition, moderation. The stone will protect you from the machinations of ill-wishers, make you wiser, more compliant, and help you overcome a bad streak in life.

• For Pisces, amethyst beads or earrings will bring happiness and prosperity to all areas of life, sharpen intuition, and if a breakup occurs with a loved one, they will help to survive it.
• Among those for whom the pebble is suitable are Sagittarius: the talisman will add optimism and success to them.
• Cancers will show in an enhanced form all the best that is inherent in them. This is the best option for a talisman: the healing properties are fully realized.
• The positive energy of the amethyst stone will bring good luck, peace, family happiness, and much-needed prudence to Libra.
• For Gemini, it will remove excessive nervousness and improve sleep.
• Virgo - this is the sign of the Zodiac that the stone will help at the most opportune moment to gather strength and overcome the black streak.
• A silver ring with an amethyst will be a powerful amulet for Scorpio: financial well-being and good luck in business are guaranteed. This is especially true for women.

A trail of humility or spirituality does not suit charismatic Leos and ambitious, stubborn Taurus. According to the horoscope, it is better for them not to have anything to do with amethyst. However, the pebble will help the Lioness take the decisive step when she needs it, and not when she wants it.

Zodiac sign	Compatibility (“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – strictly contraindicated)
Aries	+++
Taurus	—
Twins	+
Cancer	+
a lion	—
Virgo	+
Scales	+
Scorpion	+
Sagittarius	+
Capricorn	+
Aquarius	+++
Fish	+

Stone care and storage

Amethyst is a durable stone, but can be scratched or damaged by strong impacts. It fades in light and direct sun, and becomes discolored in water. Therefore, they store it in a box, in a soft wrapper. Jewelry should be removed when washing dishes or doing other housework.

Those who want or need to have it with them at all times should consider the following. The stone becomes dirty, absorbs negative energy, and therefore needs to be cleaned. It is dipped in a soapy solution, if necessary, gently cleaned with a soft toothbrush, then washed under running water and blotted with a napkin.

To remove mental negativity and preserve the properties of amethyst as a stone of amulet, it is enough to wash it with water every month for five/ten minutes.

How to care for amethyst

• Like many other minerals, amethysts do not like frequent exposure to direct sunlight, so the stone should be stored in a dark place, preferably wrapped in a soft cloth;
• Also, caring for amethyst involves protecting it from exposure to high temperatures - under their influence, the mineral loses its color and its aesthetic qualities;
• Protect the stone from contact with various types of chemicals, including household detergents;
• Once or twice a month, the stone should be kept under running water so that it gets rid of the negative energy with which it is charged;
• If the amethyst becomes cloudy, it needs to be cleaned. Of course, it is better to rely on professionals in this matter. In jewelry workshops, amethyst is cleaned using ultraviolet light.
• However, there are ways to clean amethyst yourself at home. To do this, you need to make a soap solution and rinse the stone thoroughly in it. You can also use a soft brush (for example, a toothbrush) and gently clean the mineral with it. There may be other ways to cleanse amethyst, but this is the most common.