Amethyst

The word Amethyst comes from the Greek (not) and methuskein (to intoxicate), a reference to belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. It is a violet color quartz (common mineral found in earth's crust) used often as an ornament. On exposure to heat, amethyst becomes yellow in color; jewelry made by this kind of yellow quartz is often called 'burnt amethyst'. It was used as a gemstone by ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglios. Beads of amethyst are found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England. It is a widely distributed mineral, however fine, clear specimens that are suitable for cutting as ornamental stones are confined to comparatively few localities. There are several terms to describe this gemstone in the market, depending on the color; 'Rose de France' is usually used to describe a pale, pinkish, lavender or lilac shade.

'Siberian' is the most prized gem that has an intense violet with red flashes, which occurs in several locations other than Siberia, notably, Uruguay and Zambia. Gems that show alternate bands of amethyst purple with citrine orange have been given the name 'ametrine'.

Amethyst is a birthstone associated with the month February and constellations of Pisces, Aries, Aquarius and Sagittarius. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding and the pioneer in thought and action on philosophical, religious, spiritual and material planes. Ranking members of the Catholic Church traditionally wear rings set with a large amethyst as a part of their office.