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Amethyst, a striking member of the quartz family, comes in shades of purple. The purple color of amethyst has been endorsed by royalty since ages. Amethyst gets its name from the Greek word "amethystos" meaning “not drunken”. Traditionally amethyst has been considered as the sobriety stone. In ancient times amethyst was believed to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the wine goblets were often carved from amethyst crystal. The story behind the origin of amethyst explains why amethyst was considered the sobriety stone. According to the story, Dionysus, the Greek God of intoxication, was insulted by an earthly being. Enraged, He swore revenge and decided to destroy the first earthly being that crossed his way. He created ferocious tigers to carry his wish. A young maiden, Amethystos, who was on her way to pay tribute to goddess Artemis, became the unsuspected victim. The Goddess transformed Amethystos into a crystal statue to protect her. When Dionysus learned this, he wept tears of wine on the pillar in remorse of the incident. The wine tears turned the crystal purple, and so amethyst was created. In ancient Roman times, crushed amethyst was mixed in wine to prevent drunkenness. These gemstones are still believed to heal alcoholism, compulsive behaviors, and addictions of all kinds. It is also considered to bring mental and emotional peace in the wearer’s life. On the spiritual level, the amethyst brings chasteness and thus has been endorsed by the Catholic priests and clergymen. Even today, Bishops and other clergymen continue to wear amethyst rings. The rosaries of Tibet are fashioned with amethysts, as they were sacred to Buddha. Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the astrological stone for the Pisces and Aquarius zodiac signs. Amethyst is the anniversary gemstone for the 6th and 17th year of marriage. Treatment- Darker shades of amethyst are rarely enhanced, but sometimes if they are too dark, they are heated to lighten the color. There are some gemstones that would not even exist if it were not for treatments. The ample availability of citrine, the sister stone of amethyst, in different colors and hues is the result of heat treating amethyst. Naturally occurring citrine is quite rare in nature and if not for treatments, this gemstone would be a lot more expensive. The heat treatment is an accepted industry norm and is permanent in nature. Heating the amethyst also results in a beautiful yellowish green hue, which is fast catching-up in the fashion circles of the jewelry industry.
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Aquamarine Jewelry, Gemstone Engagement Rings, Gemstone Jewelry, Diamonds Jewelry
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