About the Stone
Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs scale of
hardness. The only difference between regular clear quartz and amethyst is the
color, which is caused by iron and aluminum that were present while the stone
was forming. Amethyst is always a shade of purple, sometimes very light, other
times very dark, and occasionally you will find red dots or red or blue hues in
the stone.
The typical color of an amethyst boasts the
color of royalty, a rich violet-purple. It comes in all shades of purple, lilac
and mauve. It is a variety of quartz, the most highly prized variety. The
natural abundance and infinite variety of quartz have made it the most widely
used of all gem minerals. It is often found in the form of six sided crystals.
It occurs in many igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly granite and
gneiss. The physical properties of amethyst vary greatly from one location to
another. Experts can tell where an amethyst is from just by looking at it.
Amethyst and citrine are closely related:
citrine is formed when amethyst is exposed to heat when forming. Some people
even call citrine “burnt amethyst”. When citrine and amethyst are found
together in one piece, it is called ametrine and is very sought after.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and
is mentioned under the astrological signs Pisces, Aries, Aquarius, and
Sagittarius. Should also be worn on Thursdays, “Thor’s Day.” It is considered a
Gem of Spring, and though historically given as a gift on the seventeenth
wedding anniversary. It is now the gemstone for ones sixth year wedding
anniversary.
Amethyst is the traditional birthstone of
those born in the month of February.
Amethyst Natural Birthstone: Amethyst is
one of the natural birthstones of those born as the old year wanes and the new
is about to arrive at the winter solstice (November 21 - December 20). Amethyst
crystals bring you creativity, perception, self knowledge, and insight.
Amethyst - Zodiac Stone of Pisces: Amethyst
is the zodiac stone for those born under the sign of Pisces as winter makes way
for spring, from February 19 to March 20. Pisces’ symbol is two fish swimming
in the opposite directions of each other, and illustrates the problem of
dealing with conflicting emotions and goals. Pisceans love making friends and
being around them, and often put their friends’ interests and needs before
their own. They are very empathetic and enjoy giving gifts. They are quite
resilient in life, and are successful in the businesses of art, music,
marketing and drama.
Chakras are the Third Eye Chakra, Crown
Chakra, its planet is Jupiter and elements are air and water.
Amethyst is found in Russia, India, Brazil,
US, Canada, Australia, and South Korea.
Amethyst has been a prized gem for
centuries. The use of amethyst dates back to Neolithic times. It has often been
associated with royalty, and used in crowns and royal rings from Egypt to
Britain. In the Smithsonian there is an amethyst weighing four hundred pounds.
Amethysts from Veracruz, Eastern Mexico,
tend to be very pale, while specimen from Guerrero, Southwest-Central Mexico,
tends to be very brightly colored. The color of an amethyst is very unstable
and can diminish with protracted exposure to sunlight. Pale stones may be set
in a closed setting with a backing of foil to enhance the color. The purple
color of the stone actually comes from iron impurities within. Deep rich purple
colors are the most valuable kind. Amethysts are graded, with the best-quality,
darkest specimens called “Siberian,” regardless of where they are from. Mid
quality stones are “Uruguayan” and lesser quality specimens are “Bahain.” Pale
stones are called “Rose of France.”
Amethysts are found mostly in Western
India, Southern Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, the United States, Soviet Union,
Australia, South Africa, Southwestern Sri Lanka, South America and Africa.
Ancient civilizations prized the stone more
than many gems, which today, enjoy more recognition and value, including the
sapphire and the ruby. In olden times, Amethyst saw its place in the Christian
church, worn on Bishops’ rings. The royal purple color used to symbolize
Christ. Saint Valentine was thought to wear a ring set with an antique Amethyst
carved with an image of Cupid. The stone is also a symbol of Saint Matthias.
There are a number of Biblical references to the amethyst. It was also one of
the twelve precious stones in the high priest Aaron’s breastplate. The twelfth
foundation of the Holy City was built of amethyst. For some time, true amethyst
was valued equally with the diamond. Then great finds in South America and
elsewhere made it more plentiful. As its rarity decreased, so did its
price. The amethyst symbolizes piety,
humility, sincerity and spiritual wisdom. It is thought the amethyst is the
perfect stone to symbolize The Age of Aquarius.
In Fenf Shui, Amethyst utilizes Fire
Energy. Fiire energy is the energy of enthusiasm, warmth, brightness,
illumination and activity. It is Yang in nature. It is the energy of heat,
action, emotion and passion - of ideas, of concepts, and sex. It is traditionally
associated with the south area of a home or room, and with the fame and
reputation area of your dwelling. Use its energy to give your life the boost it
needs to enhance your standing in the community and within your family.
Amethyst
Spiritual Energy
Amethyst carries a high spiritual vibration
of humility and devotion to the Divine. It is highly conducive to stilling
one’s thoughts in prayer and meditation, and surrendering to that which is
greater than the self. Amethyst also stimulates the higher mind to receive
one’s spiritual power as a creation of the Divine being and to open to the
insights, wisdom and guidance that is offered.
Amethyst is a stone of spiritual protection
and purification, cleansing one’s energy field of negative influences and
attachments, and creating a resonant shield of spiritual Light around the body.
It acts as a barrier against lower energies, psychic attack, geopathic stress
and unhealthy environments. It is a valuable protection for those doing psychic
or intuitive work, and enhances personal environments with a healing and
protective circle of Light.
Geologic
Occurrence of Amethyst
Small amounts of amethyst are found at many
locations throughout the world in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Faceting, cabbing and ornamental grade amethyst can be found in all of these
locations; however, the amount is usually insufficient to support an ongoing
mining operation.
The world’s most important amethyst
deposits are usually found in the fractures and cavities of igneous rocks. In
Brazil and Uruguay large amounts of amethyst are found in the cavities of
basalt flows. Large cavities can contain hundreds of pounds to several tons of
amethyst crystals.
Smaller cavities, known as geodes, are
often opened in a way that displays the crystals inside and then fitted with a
base that allows them to be used as home or office decor. They are popular
sales items at rock shops and mineral shows.
Other productive amethyst deposits are
located in Canada, France, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar,
Namibia, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and the United States.
Amethyst has been produced at many
locations in the United States. Much of it has been as a byproduct of other
mining operations. Today, the only commercially run amethyst mine in the United
States is the Four Peaks Mine in Arizona. The mine is well known for producing
amethyst with a reddish purple color. The deposit was also known by Native
Americans because a few amethyst arrowheads have been found nearby. Some of the
amethyst in the Spanish crown jewels may be from this deposit, brought back to
Spain by Spanish explorers.
Amethyst
Goddess Crystals
Amethyst honors Artemis, the Greek Goddess
of the Hunt, and Childbirth. She represents the love of the mountains and the
forests where she chooses to spend her life. Her comfort is sought by women in
labor.
Amethyst also honors Diana, the Roman
Goddess of the Moon, and Protector of Animals.
Lore
The word amethyst comes from Greek, and
means “to not intoxicate”. It was traditionally used by Greeks and Romans as a
way to keep themselves sober. It was said that an amethyst could prevent the
bearer from becoming excessively drunk and also instills a sober and serious
mind. It was believed that if a person drank from a cup or goblet made entirely
of amethyst, he or she would not get drunk at all. Amethyst has also been used
to deal with insomnia, grief, and addictions.
According to Greek mythology, Amethyst was
a young virgin who became the object of wrath of the Greek God Dionysus after
he became intoxicated with red wine. When Amethyst cried out to Goddess Diana
for help, she immediately turned the girl into a white, shimmering stone. When
Dionysus realized what had happened and felt remorse for his actions, his tears
dripped into his goblet of red wine. The goblet overturned, and the red wine
spilled all over the white rock, saturating it until it became the purple
quartz that is now known as Amethyst.
Ancient Egyptians used the stone as the
representative of the zodiac sign of the goat. The goat was considered the
enemy of vines and vineyards, and therefore the antidote of wine. Ancient
Egyptians used the amethyst guard against guilty and fearful feelings. It has
been worn as protection from self-deception, as well as a protection against
witchcraft. The amethyst has long been used to open the spiritual and psychic
centers, making it one of the power stones. It is also used as a meditation aid
when worn as a necklace.
Amethyst has been thought to have many
attributes throughout history, and all of them are good. The stone was thought
to control evil thoughts, quicken intelligence, make a shrewd man in business,
preserve soldiers from battle wounds, aid the warrior to victory, help the
hunter in search of his game, protect the wearer from contagious diseases, and
put demons to flight if the figure of a bear is inscribed on the jewel.
Amethyst was known as a gem that would bring forth the highest, purest
aspirations of human kind. Chastity, sobriety, and control over one’s thoughts
were all attributes heightened by wearing the stone. The gem would guard
against the anger of passion, and the violent or base nature of its wearer. The
stone encouraged calm, bravery, and contemplation.
Amethyst has religious connotations, as
well. It was one of the twelve stones that adorned the breastplate of the high
priest Aaron (Exodus 39). Amethyst later has stood for the tribe of Dan, one of
the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The Apostle Matthias and the Guardian Angel
Adnachiel spirit are associated with Amethyst, as well. During the Middle Ages,
Amethyst stood for piety and celibacy and was therefore worn by members of the
Catholic Church clergy and was used to adorn crosses.
During the Renaissance, Amethyst has stood for humility and modesty.
Throughout the ages, powerful and rich monarchs have used Amethyst as a symbol
of royalty, and some Amethysts even decorate the British Crown Jewels. Rumor
has it that Amethyst was a personal favorite of Queen Catherine the Great of
Russia.
Historically, the stone was believed to assist prophecy and visions
and to bring riches and powers to its owners. It has always been associated
with the civil and religious classes that have ruled human cultures. In the
Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, the amethyst enhances the wealth corner
focusing on the giving and receiving of material wealth. At the highest level,
amethyst bestows the spiritual understanding required to reach the state of
bliss. It is associated with the crown chakra at the top of the head where
divine essence enters. It is a good stone to solve discord, suggested for
children and warring relatives. In Renaissance magic, an amethyst engraved with
the image of a bear was worn as a protective amulet. In Graeco-Roman times,
rings of amethyst set in bronze were worn as charms against evil, and magical
cups carved from amethyst banished sorrow and evil from all who drank.
Healing
Properties of Amethyst
Amethyst is a powerhouse stone. It vibrates
at a high frequency, creating a bubble of spiritual protection against negative
energy. It awakens higher consciousness, assists in wise decision-making free
of emotional confusion, and facilitates meditation and intuition.
For centuries, amethysts have been thought
to be an excellent remedial for many ailments. Hundreds of years ago, the
amethyst was moistened with saliva and rubbed on the face to banish pimples and
rough skin. Today it is used in spells designed to magnify beauty. In
traditional Chinese medicine, amethyst is prescribed for stomach pains and bad
dreams. It may also be used for the healing of illnesses of the lungs. It is
believed to help detoxify the body and can be most useful in cleansing the
pectoral region. Amethysts are valuable in treating the central nervous system
as well as the brain. When worn close to the head, as in a pair of amethyst
earrings, not only are they said they alleviate a headache, but they will also
help clear one’s thinking process, allowing one to process information more
efficiently. It is believed to loosen blocks in the mind where mental
functioning has become confused and undirected, and frees the way to clearer
thinking. They are also believed to help people who suffer from a faulty
memory.
Amethysts are recommended to those who deal with stress a lot, such
as people with an excessive work ethic who are unable to enjoy relaxation. This
quality is also believed useful when treating insomnia too. Amethysts also help
those who are prone to depression and an overall melancholy feeling. Many also
believe that amethysts are useful for those working to transcend chemical
dependence. The stones may work as talismans to provide inner strength when
battling dependency. Amethyst is believed to target the pituitary gland, which
directs the endocrine system, the pineal gland, where altered states of
consciousness and psychic skills are thought to be triggered, and the entire
cerebral cortex in the brain. It is therefore felt to be a tonic for headaches,
mental illness, anxiety, concussions, and depression.
Amethysts are also used for natural healing. It is a stone steeped
in ancient magic and is as popular today as it was two thousand years ago. If
placed beneath a pillow or worn to bed, it supposedly drives off insomnia and
nightmares. It also produces a peaceful sleep with pleasant, healing, and often
prophetic dreams. However it will also ensure that its wearer doesn’t
oversleep. It is a spiritual stone, with no negative side effects or
associations with violence, anger or passion. It is a stone of peace. It calms
fears, raises hopes, lifts the spirits, and promotes thoughts of the spiritual
reality behind our lives. It wards off guilt and self deception, curbs
overindulgence, and bestows good judgment. It calms emotional storms and in
situations of potential danger, it will come to your aid. It also lends courage
and is a powerful amulet for travelers. Worn, it protects against thieves,
harm, sickness, and danger.
Amethyst is cleansing, both physically and psychologically. It
promotes internal balance and harmony and brings stability to the individual.
Amethysts are capable of raising ones spirits, promoting self assurance and
confidence. They brighten the outlook on life and enhance the sense of humor.
The virtues of amethyst include beauty, calm, fulfillment, humility, a loving
demeanor, perfection, piety, sincerity, spiritual balance, tranquility and
wisdom. Amethyst is often worn during contemplation or placed on simple
meditation altars. It is worn during psychic acts and since it is a stone of
wisdom, it allows the information received through the psychic mind to be
appropriately utilized. The stone also helps sharpen the conscious mind and
enhances the mental powers. It is used to improve memory and keeps thoughts in
line with life goals. It is a stone of pure, true, emotional love. It is often
exchanged between two lovers to strengthen their commitment. It is also one of
the few stones specifically prescribed for men to use for attracting women. It
supposedly draws “good women” to love him. The stone is also used by those
involved in lawsuits to ensure that right is done. It has been long thought to
bring success to businesses.
Amethyst is a powerful and protective
stone. It guards against psychic attack, transmuting the energy into love and
protecting the wearer from all types of harm, including geopathic or
electromagnetic stress and ill wishes from others. Amethyst is a natural
tranquiliser, it relieves stress and strain, soothes irritability, balances
mood swings, dispels anger, rage, fear and anxiety. Alleviates sadness and grief,
and dissolves negativity. Amethyst activates spiritual awareness, opens
intuition and enhances psychic abilities. It has strong healing and cleansing
powers. Amethyst encourages sobriety, having a sobering effect on
overindulgence of alcohol, drugs or other addictions. It calms and stimulates
the mind, helping you become more focused, enhancing memory and improving
motivation. Amethyst assists in remembering and understanding dreams. It
relieves insomnia. Encourages selflessness and spiritual wisdom.
Amethyst boosts hormone production, tunes
the endocrine system and metabolism. It strengthens the immune system, reduces
pain and strengthens the body to fight against cancer. It destroys malignant
tumours and aids in tissue regeneration. Cleanses the blood. Relieves physical,
emotional and psychological pain or stress. Amethyst eases headaches and
releases tension. It reduces bruising, swellings, injuries, and treats hearing
disorders. Amethyst heals diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract, skin
conditions, cellular disorders and diseases of the digestive tract.
Amethyst is a gemstone often worn by
healers, as it has the power to focus energy. A healer will usually wear
several pieces of jewelry with amethysts set in silver, especially an amethyst
necklace. The person to be healed will have an Amethyst to hold while the
healing is being done. The healer will place another piece of Amethyst on the
area of the body in need of healing, the heart or lungs usually.
Amethyst is used for problems in the blood
and in breathing problems. Amethyst crystal clusters are used to keep the air
and life force in the home clean and positive.
Amethyst clusters, points or several
tumbled Amethysts placed in a window that receives sun most of the day are very
beneficial to use in healing and to heal negativity in the home. Place Amethyst
clusters, points or several tumbled Amethysts in moonlight and everyone in the
home will be feeling calmer. Using an Amethyst as a meditation focus will
increase the positive spiritual feelings. Amethyst helps overcome fears and
cravings. It also helps relieve headaches
Amethyst as a
Gemstone
A purple translucent semi-precious stone.
Like all quartz, amethyst is a commonly used stone in metaphysical work.
Amethyst is found in many parts of the world, but only a few countries provide
the dark, high quality color.
Amethyst in
Jewelry
Amethyst, because of its hardness and
beautiful color is very popular in jewelry. It is readily available at
relatively low prices, even for high grade material, and is available in a huge
range of sizes and shapes.
Sunlight and exposure to heat causes the
color of amethysts to deteriorate. Avoid any contact with chemicals such as
household cleaners or hairspray. To clean, use a soft toothbrush or cloth and a
solution of mild dish soap and warm water to gently scrub the stone. You may
also clean it with an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Amethyst is a durable gemstone, but some
care is needed to maintain its polish and natural color. However, with a
hardness of 7, it can come in contact with a variety of common objects that can
produce a scratch on its surface. Accidental scrapes on hard objects or
abrasion with other gems of equal or greater hardness in a jewelry box can
cause damage. Amethyst is also a brittle material that can be chipped or
scratched by impact. It is best not to wear amethyst jewelry during an activity
or at a location where this might occur.
Long-term storage of amethyst and amethyst
jewelry is best done in a jewelry box or other dark location. The color of some
amethyst can be subject to fading by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or
bright display lights.
Virtually everyone can benefit from wearing
amethyst. We are in constant contact with other people and their energies,
especially in the workplace, and the protective properties of amethyst do
wonders in keeping you in harmony and free from picking up negative or unwanted
energies from the environment.
Amethyst is a must-have for anyone working
in healing professions. Those working with sick or mentally ill people will
benefit as these people literally “suck” energy from you if you are not
protected. The high vibration of amethyst will protect your energy field.
Synthetic
Amethyst
Even though amethyst is not an extremely
costly material, synthetic amethyst has been manufactured at least as far back
as 1970. Since then an enormous number of items have been produced from
synthetic amethyst by faceting, cabbing and carving. These have entered all
levels of the jewelry trade. This has disappointed many jewelry consumers and
made them hesitant to purchase amethyst.
Experienced gemologists can identify some
natural amethyst with a microscope if it exhibits color zoning and contains
characteristic mineral inclusions. However, much of the natural amethyst is of
a very high clarity grade, and finding identifying inclusions can be difficult
or impossible.
In the early days of synthetic amethyst,
most synthetic material did not exhibit Brazil law twinning, which is almost
always present in natural amethyst. This could be used to identify some
synthetic material, but when synthetic amethyst manufacturers learned of this,
they began using twinned amethyst slices as seed crystals. Now almost all
synthetic amethyst is coming out of the lab with Brazil law twinning.
Amethyst
imitations: A variety of man-made materials are
used to simulate amethyst. Shown here are a faceted stone and a piece of rough.
These are a Russian glass-ceramic material known as Nanosital.
Color in
Amethyst
Amethyst is an extremely popular gem
because of its attractive purple color. Like the word "turquoise,"
the word "amethyst" is now the name of a color as well as the name of
a gem material.
While the word "amethyst" makes
most people think of a dark purple gem, amethyst actually occurs in many purple
colors. The purple color can be so light that it is barely perceptible or so
dark that it is nearly opaque. It can be reddish purple, purple, or violetish
purple. Amethyst exists in this wide range of colors.
Today much of the light amethyst is used to
cut small calibrated stones for use in mass-market jewelry. Most of the premium
reddish purple color amethyst is being used in high-end or designer jewelry.
Creative people have come up with a variety
of adjectives to describe shades of amethyst. These include: orchid and
lavender for lighter colors; grape, indigo or royal for darker colors; and
raspberry or plum for reddish colors. While these names can be useful in
conveying a generalized color, they are by no means precise or clearly
understood by everyone.
With a combination of attractive colors,
good durability, and affordability, it is no wonder that amethyst is a favorite
gem of artisans, jewelers, craftspeople, and consumers.
How to Use
Amethyst for Healing
1.
Wear Amethyst as a necklace or
jewelry for ongoing, every day support.
2.
Place Amethyst in your
enviornment, to support specific activities, like work.
3.
Meditate while holding Amethyst
to receive deep insight, guidance, and healing.
4.
Assists in meditation and dream
work
5.
Enhances psychic abilities and
intuition
6.
Helps in breaking free from bad
habits and limiting behaviors
7.
Protects the physical
environment from negative energies
8.
Blocks geopathic stress
9.
Brings peace and tranquility in
the home
10. Calms the mind
11. Helps bring clarity in decision making
12. Reduces stress, anxiety, fear, and grief
13. Works with the third eye, crown, and upper chakras
Amethyst and
the Angelic Realm
The beautiful purple Light of Amethyst is
particularly conducive to communion with angels. It ranges in color from pale
red-violet (amethyst color) to deep violet. If your birthday falls in any of
the following periods, an Amethyst of the color listed can be a valuable
conduit to your Guardian Angel. The table also provides the name of the
Guardian Angel of those born in the time period.
|
Date
|
Crystal Color
|
Name of Guardian Angel
|
|
January 16 - Jan 20
|
Dark Amethyst
|
Mitzrael
|
|
February 15 - February 19
|
Amethyst
|
Manake
|
|
February 25 - February 29
|
Amethyst
|
Habuhian
|
|
April 26 - April 30
|
Amethyst
|
Cahatel
|
|
July 17 - July 22
|
Dark Amethyst
|
Hahaiah
|
|
Sept 18 - Sept 23
|
Violet
|
Menadel
|
|
Oct 29 - Nov 2
|
Lt Amethyst
|
Ielahiah
|
|
Nov 23 - Nov 27
|
Amethyst
|
Vahuel
|
There are other Angels that are partial to
Amethyst. The table below gives you the information about them.
|
Purpose
|
Crystal Color
|
Name of Angel
|
|
Guardian of the Twenty-Sixth Mansion of
the Moon
|
Amethyst
|
Tagriel
|
|
Master of the 3rd Tarot Card "The
Empress"
|
Dark Amethyst
|
Hagiel
|
|
Guardian of the Thirteenth Mansion of the
Moon
|
Dark Amethyst
|
Jazeriel
|
|
Master of the 6th Tarot Card "The
Lovers"
|
Light Amethyst
|
Ambriel
|
|
Guardian of the Twenty-Seventh Mansion of
the Moon
|
Light Amethyst
|
Atheniel
|
|
Guardian of the Twenty-Fifth Mansion of
the Moon
|
Light Amethyst
|
Aziel
|
|
Angel of Saturday and Ruler of Saturn.
Cassiel is the Master of the 21st Tarot Card "The World". Cassiel
is also the Angel of Temperence, the Angel of Solitude, and the Angel of
Tears
|
Light Amethyst
|
Cassiel
|
|
Master of the 20th Tarot Card
"Judgment"
|
Light Amethyst
|
Nuriel
|
|
Master of the 21st Tarot Card "The
World"
|
Light Amethyst
|
Phorlach
|
|
Guardian of the Twenty-Eighth Mansion of
the Moon
|
Violet
|
Amnixiel
|
|
Healing Emotions
|
Violet
|
Jeremiel
|
|
Dealing with Adversity
|
Violet
|
Mastema
|
|
Michael is the Beauty Angel, Tree of
Life. He is the Ruler of Sunday and the Sun. Michael is also the Master of
the 19th Tarot Card "The Sun" and the 20th Tarot Card
"Judgement". He also helps you Heal Fear and Nervousness as well as
being the ,aster of the East wind and the Angel of Sound Sleep, Repentance,
and Truth
|
Violet
|
Michael
|
|
Guardian of the Seventh Mansion of the
Moon
|
Violet
|
Scheliel
|
|
Master of the 8th Tarot Card
"Strength"
|
Violet
|
Sheratiel
|
|
Master of the 13th Tarot Card
"Death"
|
Light Violet
|
Barachiel
|
|
Master of the 12th Tarot Card "The
Hanged Man"
|
Light Violet
|
Taliahad
|
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