Amethyst

Amethyst is a form of quartz that is violet in colour due to traces of ferric iron. The quartz mineral group is the second-most abundant mineral source in the world. Amethyst is commonly found in the cooled, gas bubbles of volcanic rock, where iron-containing silicic acid solutions are present. It forms large, visible crystals with a glossy lustre. Combined with a suitable hardness of 7 on the Moh’s scale, amethyst is a common sight in gemstone jewellry.

When amethyst is heated at 500°C, its colour changes from violet or purple to golden-yellow or brown, making it look like yellow quartz or Citrine. This is usually done to improve the value of the crystal rock as Citrine often fetches a higher price on the market than amethyst. Some amethyst are even synthetically made to imitate the most pure specimens of the crystal that contains no outside impurities that might dull its colour (Darling, 99).

Amethyst with traces of Citrine is referred to as Ametrine.

Amethyst specimens from Uruguay are especially deeper in colour.

Large amethyst druses and geodes (smaller versions of druses) are abundantly found, which are hollows in the earth’s crust near volcanic areas lined with the crystal.

History

The word “amethyst” is derived from the Greek word for “non-inebriated” (amethustos) or “not drunk”. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that amethyst helps to prevent the intoxication effects of alcohol, often wearing or carrying the crystal with them.

The properties of amethyst also made an appearance in the writings of the Middle Ages. Hildegard Von Bingen (1098 – 1179), a German Chrtistian mystic and polymath, wrote that amethyst was able to heal skin diseases and swelling. Later, the German Catholic scholar Konrad von Megenberg (1309–1374) also wrote that the crystal “makes a person better, disperses bad thoughts, brings good commonsense and makes one mild and gentle” (Gienger, 214).

In Arabic countries, amethyst was put under the pillow to prevent the sleeper from nightmares.

Because of these beliefs, amethyst was a highly prized and valuable stone in antiquity and was considered an object of wealth. It was also named as a precious gemstone until the 1900s when its value fell due to the discovery of large deposits of amethyst in Brazil.

Healing Properties

Today, amethyst is believed to have many health benefits, such as easing pain and tension in headaches, bruises, and swelling. It is also believed to help with lung and respiratory diseases, skin blemishes such as verrucas, regulating the flora of the large intestine, and the bodily absorption of water.

Mentally, the stone encourages awareness in all our everyday experiences. Even unpleasant events will be encouraged to be viewed consciously, with concentration, which will clear the mind to think and act effectively. This includes the overcoming of emotional blocks and addictive behaviours.

Amethyst also helps one in coming to terms with loss. By putting the stone under the pillow at night, one will experience many strong dreams that addresses those unprocessed thoughts. Ultimately, one would have dreamt enough to clarify their inner mind of all images of grief or sadness, replacing them instead with thoughts with intuition and renewed inspiration.

Spiritually, it is believed the stone stimulates insight into the reality of one’s spirit. It also aligns the spirit with a sense of justice, honesty, and righteousness. When used to meditate, amethyst helps to find inner peace and wisdom (Gienger, 214).

Scientific info

References

Michael Gienger, Crystal Power, Crystal Healing (London: Cassell & Co., 2000), 214-217.
Peter Darling, Crystal Identifier (New York: Shooting Star Press, Inc., 1996), 99.
Mindat.org. “Amethyst.” Accessed September 16, 2010 <http://www.mindat.org/min-198.html>