Amethyst

Amethyst Stone Meaning and History

The name "amethyst" originates from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "a remedy against drunkenness," a quality long associated with the purple gemstone. Early Greek mythology linked amethyst with Bacchus, the god of wine, due to its wine-like color. It was believed to keep wearers clear-headed and quick-witted in battle and business, while Renaissance Europeans saw it as a calming influence for lovers overwhelmed by passion.

Amethyst holds significance as the gem traditionally given for the sixth wedding anniversary and is also the birthstone for February. Joining royal company, Empress Catherine II of Russia, known as Catherine the Great, adorned herself with amethyst necklaces, earrings, and other ornaments. Since ancient times, royals, including Alexander the Great, have admired the deep purple hue of amethyst, attributing mystical powers to it, such as conveying strength and wit to the wearer. For those celebrating a February birthday, wearing amethyst serves as a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength.

Where is Amethyst found?

Until the 19th century, Russia dominated as the primary source of amethyst until Brazil's discovery of large deposits transformed its rarity into abundance. Today, Africa and South America are the primary sources of amethyst, with Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul remaining a major supplier, though its rough amethyst tends to exhibit a lighter color compared to other regions. Notably, Brazilian amethyst occasionally forms in cavernous geodes, some of which are large enough for a person to stand inside.

Bolivia's Anahí mine, nestled in the Pantanal wetlands, adds to amethyst's allure with its captivating history. Discovered by a Spanish conquistador in the 1600s and named after his Ayoreo princess bride, Anahí, the mine lay forgotten for centuries until its rediscovery in the 1960s. It is renowned for producing unique bicolored amethyst-citrine crystals known as ametrine. In Africa, Zambia's Kariba mine stands as one of the world's largest amethyst producers, yielding specimens with exceptional color saturation.

Closer to home, the United States boasts the Four Peaks amethyst mine near Phoenix, Arizona. Situated in the rugged Mazatzal Mountains, this remote location poses challenges due to extreme temperatures and scarce resources, yet it yields high-quality dark purple and purplish-red amethyst crystals, adding to the diversity of this captivating gemstone's origins.

Amethyst Stone Care and Cleaning

Amethyst ranks 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it suitable for daily wear in rings and jewelry. However, over time, it may exhibit signs of wear and require repolishing due to its susceptibility to damage compared to harder gems like rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. Placing amethyst jewelry next to these harder stones can result in scratches on the amethyst surface.

Heat treatment is commonly used to enhance the color and marketability of natural amethyst. While it can't darken pale amethyst, it can lighten very dark amethyst and remove unwanted brownish inclusions. Some amethyst may even turn yellow (citrine) with heat treatment. This process results in a permanent color change, but it may render the stone slightly more brittle. Excessive heat can completely remove the color, and prolonged exposure to strong light may cause fading. Therefore, while the color remains stable with normal wear, it's advisable to avoid wearing amethyst jewelry to the beach every day.

Cleaning amethyst stone jewelry can be done with an ultrasonic cleaner, but steam cleaning is not recommended. Instead, use a soft brush with mild soap for the safest cleaning option.