Amethyst- Meaning, Mythology, Uses, Deposits, treatments, Gemology and Color

Amethyst- Meaning, Mythology, Uses, Deposits, treatments, Gemology and Color

Natural Untreated Amethyst

Amethyst Meaning

The most precious member of the quartz family is the amethyst. The word amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethystos that literally translates into “Not Drunk”. All over the world as well in India it has been believed through the ages that the Amethyst is a strong antidote against intoxication and alcohol addiction.

Amethyst Mythology

Dionysus-Greek God of Wine

Legend has it that Dionysius, The Greek God of wine was one insulted by a Human being. He swore that he would curse the next mortal who would cross his path. Tigers would be let lose on that human being. It so happened that a young lady by the name of Amethyst happened to be that human being on her way  of making a pilgrimage to Goddess Diana. Diana transformed Amethyst into a figurine made of pure crystal quartz so that she may be protected from the claws of the tiger.

Dionysius wept tears of wine at seeing this beautiful statute and his tears stained the quartz crustal creating this famous gem.

Amethyst

Amethyst Uses

Amethyst has a respect worldwide as a powerful healing crystal and as a gemstone to break negative life patterns. Generally considered as a February Birthstone its most famous use is to overcome alcohol addiction. It is a very good crystal for detoxifying the body and ancient Chinese medicine recommends using this crystal for stomach pains and back ailments. It helps in sharpening the memory and also increases love between two lovers. It is a spiritual gemstone that awakens the Chakras-Energy centres of the body.

Amethyst Deposits

Even though Amethysts Deposits are found in many regions principle deposits are found in

Brazil

Canada

Tanzania

Mexico

Burma/ Myanmar

USA-Arizons

Zambia

Sri Lanka

Uruguay

Amethyst Treatments

To produce Amethysts of different color other than the purple/ violet and mauve shades Amethysts are heated at a temperature of 878-1382 degrees F (470-750 degrees C) resulting in colorless, light green, light yellow and reddish brown varieties of Amethysts.

Amethyst Gemology

Species: Quartz

Color: Purple, violet, pale red-violet

Chemical composition: SiO, silicon dioxide

Crystal system: (Trigonal), hexagonal prisms

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)

Specific gravity: 2.65

Refractive index: 1.544 – 1.553

Birefringence: +0.009

Optical character:

Color of streak: White

Absorption spectrum: 550 – 520

Fluorescence: Weak, bluish

Amethyst Color

The most attractive color is a distinct extravagant and deep purple/ mauve color- this color is also referred to as the Siberian Deep Purple that sometimes exhibits flashes of red and blue. It is also found in other shades of purple, mauve and violet

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Gemstoneuniverse.com Table Natural Amethyst Gemstone Facts

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