AMETHYST: properties and meaning of the mythological stone

Amethyst is a variety of quartz in violet color. It is one of the most valued quartz for its tonality, and in classic jewelry, it is usually added to more valuable stones such as rubies or sapphires. Its purple color can be more or less intense depending on the amount of iron in its composition.

In this article, we reveal some of the properties, meanings, and origin of amethyst:

What is amethyst like?

Amethyst belongs to the quartz family; it is a mineral of magmatic origin. Its characteristic purple color is due to its high content of iron oxide. Its purple color can be more or less intense depending on the amount of iron in its composition. Lavender amethyst has a soft violet hue, while Chevron amethyst is usually a deep purple color.

Also, did you know that after 300o C, its hue changes color? The purple amethyst changes to yellow or orange and is called citrine quartz. There is also a variety of amethyst that is green in color, called prasiolite.

Amethyst deposits are found throughout the planet since they can be obtained in places as different as Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, or Argentina, among many others.

What are its origins?

Amethyst for centuries was one of the most prized minerals in jewelry. The monarchy, aristocracy, and even the clergy have surrendered to the beauty of this purple stone.

It is one of those stones that have a great history behind it. Its name comes from the Greek term amethystos, which means 'sober.' The origin of this union of concepts is that it was believed that amethyst was a powerful antidote to drunkenness in ancient Greece.

The fame of the amethyst began with a Greek legend, with a beautiful story of gods and mortals. Dionysus, the god of wine, fell in love with a maiden named Amethystos, who wished to remain chaste. The goddess Artemis heard the prayers of this woman, and to protect her, she turned her into a white rock. When he saw her, Dionysus burst into tears and poured a glass of wine on the rock, staining it the characteristic purple of amethyst stone.

Amethyst has always been a gem appreciated by many cultures. In ancient Egypt, it was used to create stamps, carvings, and jewelry, while in the Middle Ages, it became part of the jewelry of cardinals and bishops. Amethyst thus became a symbol of purity, divine wisdom, and renunciation of material goods.

What properties does amethyst have?

As with most gemstones, the value of amethyst will depend on its brilliance, purity, cut, and color.

Amethyst is a stone that transmits positive energy, is calming, and helps in meditation. It is considered as the stone that helps in problems related to headaches, headaches, and migraines. So if you are nervous or overwhelmed by something, you can wear amethyst jewelry to balance your mood and relax.

In this sense, amethyst is believed to be a stone that has to do with mood, tension, and headaches.

How and when to wear amethyst?

Amethyst is a jewel of high aesthetic value that can be worn on any occasion. The fact that it can be found in different shades of purple and even in other colors such as orange, red, or green makes it a precious stone with a lot of presence and easy to combine in any context and with any wardrobe.

Its purple color is easily combined with any item of clothing, but it is best to use neutral tones such as gray. Although if you want to wear a more daring outfit, you can also combine your amethyst jewelry with yellow garments to create contrast.