Birthstone for February, the amethyst is the most highly valued member of the quartz family. With a hardness of 7 and its unique transparent light to dark hues of purple, lilac, and mauve, amethyst makes beautiful, affordable jewelry—but for those relatively rare intensely purple, transparent, and clean specimens which are always in high demand and consequently very expensive. But for its widespread availability, amethysts of every purple color variation would be expensive. In fact, the color of amethyst is remarkably unique and desirable and it is used as a ‘beauty barometer’ that other purple gemstones are measured against.

For jewelry applications, amethyst, in both rough unpolished shapes, highly polished smooth cabochons, or faceted beads and briolettes makes for stunning necklaces, earrings, rings, and other jewelry and accessories. Purple has long been considered a royal color so it is not surprising that amethyst jewelry has been in great demand throughout history, treasured by kings and queens for centuries as far back as Ancient Egyptian royalty. They were known to be a favorite of Catherine the Great and fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels.

Where Are Amethysts Found
Amethysts are unique to their locality and experts can often identify the source mine of a specimen. Deep, dark purple amethysts are found in Guerrero, Mexico and the Ural Mountains of Russia. Thunder Bay, Ontario in Canada produces a distinct red hematite inclusion just below the surface of the crystals which is unique to this locality. The finest richly colored amethysts usually come from the Elahara mines in Sri Lanka, and the Pay d’Arco mines in Brazil. Vera Cruz, Mexico mines produce pale, clear, prismatic crystals. Dark to medium crystals found in Uruguay form in druzy crusts that line the inside of volcanic vugs that >have a gray or brown exterior. The crystals are usually colored right through and form with a multicolored agate that often contains reds, yellows, and oranges. African amethysts are usually large but not very attractive specimens; however, the interior color and clarity are excellent and when sliced and polished create highly prized gemstones. Other noteworthy occurrences are Bolivia, Zambia, Madagascar, and the USA.

Folklore, Legend, Healing, and Life-Enhancing Properties
From a healing standpoint, amethyst has traditionally been worn to guard against drunkenness. The word ‘amethyst’ comes from the Greek and means “not drunken”. Renowned for a plethora of healing and life-enhancing properties from the power to overcome fear and cravings, bring about pleasant dreams and help insomnia, and protect the wearer from feelings of guilt or self-deception and even witchcraft, amethyst is considered an exceptionally strong power stone. Leonardo DaVinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken one’s intelligence. Also known as the Bishop’s Stone, it has been worn for years by Catholic Bishops and symbolizes spiritual wisdom as well as piety, humility, and sincerity.

Healers usually wear several pieces of amethyst jewelry, particularly necklaces set in silver. The person to be healed holds an amethyst during the healing process. Another amethyst is placed on the ailing body part. Amethyst is traditionally used for problems originating in the blood or for breathing problems. It is also known to relieve headaches. To heal negativity and for general healing, amethyst clusters, points, or several tumbled amethysts are placed in a sunny window of the home. To calm the household, amethyst should be placed in moonlight.

More Facts About Amethyst Gemstones & Amethyst Jewelry

One of the largest cut amethysts in the world is 343 carats and is housed at the Natural History Museum in London, England.

Amethysts are in the Hexagonal crystal group, with a refractive index of 1.544 – 1.553, density of 2.66, and hardness on the MOHS Hardness Scale of 7—diamonds are 10.

Very dark stones are sometimes heated to enhance their color.

Most amethysts on the market are relatively free of inclusions.

Amethysts are heat sensitive which means that excessive heat could render the stone colorless or produce a Yellow Citrine or Madeira Citrine.

Recommended cleaning of amethyst jewelry is in an ionic cleaner or warm, soapy water using a soft brush.

If you are a jewelry designer/artisan or like designing your own jewelry and purchase gemstones for your jeweler to incorporate into your designs, there are about 450 quality amethysts available at Multicolour.com, a few of which are featured in this article.