Amethyst

Structure, Hue and Tone

• Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz.
• Its violet color is due to irradiation and impurities of iron.
• The complex crystal lattice substitutions result in the color center.
• Amethyst occurs in primary hues from light lavender to deep purple.
• It can exhibit secondary hues of red and blue.
• High-quality amethyst can be found in Siberia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Uruguay, and the Far East.
• Deep Siberian grade has a primary purple hue of around 75-80%.
• Rose de France is a light shade of purple that has become popular.

Geographic Distribution

• Amethyst is found in many locations around the world.
• Major production areas include Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Zambia, and Canada.
• Brazil is known for large geodes within volcanic rocks.
• South Korea and Russia also have significant amethyst production.
• Amethyst occurs in various locations in the United States.

History and Mythology

• Amethyst was used as a gemstone by ancient Egyptians.
• Greeks believed it could prevent intoxication.
• Medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets for protection in battle.
• Beads of amethyst were found in Anglo-Saxon graves.
• Amethyst has different meanings in different cultures and time periods.
• The Greek word 'amethystos' means 'not drunken' and was believed to be an antidote against drunkenness.
• In a French myth, Bacchus pursued a maiden named Amethyste, who was transformed into a white stone by the goddess Diana to protect her chastity.
• Another variation of the myth involves Dionysus sparing the life of a mortal woman named Amethystos by turning her into a statue of quartz.
• These myths are not found in classical sources, but historical texts mention the goddess Rhea presenting Dionysus with an amethyst stone.
• Amethyst has been associated with sobriety, protection, and spiritual growth in various cultures.

Synthetic Amethyst

• Synthetic amethyst is produced through hydrothermal growth.
• Its properties are identical to natural amethyst.
• Brazil law twinning can be used to identify most synthetic amethyst.
• Treated amethyst can be produced through irradiation and heat exposure.
• Burnt amethyst is often sold as citrine or yellow quartz.

Cultural Associations, Value, Handling and Care

• Tibetans consider amethyst sacred to the Buddha and use it to make prayer beads.
• Amethyst is the birthstone for February.
• In the Middle Ages, it was a symbol of royalty and used to decorate English regalia.
• Amethyst was one of the cardinal gems, along with diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald, until large deposits were found in Brazil.
• It has been highly valued throughout history for its beauty and symbolism.
• Amethyst was once considered one of the most valuable gemstones, but its value decreased after extensive deposits were found in Brazil.
• It is now considered a semiprecious stone.
• Collectors look for amethyst with deep color and possibly red flashes.
• Carat weight is not the primary factor in determining the value of amethyst; color is more important.
• The highest-grade amethyst, known as Deep Russian, is exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors.
• The most suitable settings for gem amethyst are prong or bezel settings, while the channel method should be used with caution.
• Amethyst has good hardness but is sensitive to strong heat and prolonged exposure to light, which can cause it to lose or change its color.
• Polishing or cleaning the stone should be done with caution, using ultrasonic or steamer methods.
• Proper care and handling will prevent damage to the stone and help maintain its beauty.
• Amethyst should be protected from excessive heat and light to preserve its color and clarity.

Amethyst Data Sources