“Amethyt” name derived from the Greek “amethystos” which means “not drunken”.

Composition – Silicon dioxide. Its purple coloring is usually caused by impurities of iron or manganese compounds.

Color – Purple, rose, lavender and mauve.

If heated, amethyst turns yellow-orange, yellow-brown or a dark-brownish, and thus resembles the quartz variety citrine and may also change to a light green color, which is given the trade name “Prasiolite” or “Green Amethyst”.

Forms – Stalactite Slice, Crystal Cluster, Egg, Sphere, Crystal Point, Pyramid, Window Quartz & Polished Slice

Birthstone – February.

Zodiac – Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius, Aquarius and Capricorn.

Streak – White.

Hardness – 7 on the Mohs scale.

Luster – Vitreous.

Synonyms – Amethystine Agate, Bishops Stone, Lavendine, Spirit Quartz.

Occurrence – Zambia, Brazil and Argentina in South America, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vera Cruz and Guerrero in Mexico, Thunder Bay in Canada, Uruguay, Africa, Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania in USA, Colorado, Italy, Germany, Ural Mountains in Russia and Australia.

Metaphysical properties

• Used as a dream stone and to help insomnia, blood and  in breathing problems.
• It has been worn as protection from self-deception, as well as protection against witchcraft.
• Symbolizes piety, humility, sincerity and spiritual wisdom.
• It is thought that the amethyst is the perfect stone to symbolise The Age of Aquarius.
• Amethyst helps overcome fears and cravings and relieves headaches.

Health warning – Quartz is usually quite harmless unless broken or powdered. Broken crystals and masses may have razor-sharp edges that can easily cut and flesh. Handle with care. Do not grind dry since long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis.

Note – Synthetic amethyst is produced by gamma-ray, x-ray or electron beam irradiation of clear quartz. It can be differentiated by advanced gemological testing “Brazil law twinning”.