Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz. The name comes from the Koine Greek ἀμέθυστος amethystos from ἀ- a-, "not" and μεθύσκω methysko / μεθύω methyo, "intoxicate", a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. The ancient Greeks wore amethyst and carved drinking vessels from it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

HISTORY

Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglio engraved gems. The Greeks believed amethyst gems could prevent intoxication, while medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle in the belief that amethysts heal people and keep them cool-headed. Beads of amethyst were found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a symbol of royalty and used to decorate English regalia. Anglican bishops wear an episcopal ring often set with an amethyst, an allusion to the description of the Apostles as "not drunk" at Pentecost in Acts 2:15. Tibetans consider amethyst sacred to the Buddha and make prayer beads from it.

In the Old World, amethyst was considered one of the Cardinal gems. It was one of the five gemstones considered precious above all others, until large deposits were found in Brazil.

COMPOSITION

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz (SiO2) and owes its violet color to irradiation, impurities of iron and in some cases other transition metals, and the presence of other trace elements, which result in complex crystal lattice substitutions.The hardness of the mineral is the same as quartz.

HARDNESS

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Amethyst boosts hormone production, tunes the endocrine system and metabolism. It heals diseases of the lungs, respiratory tract, digestive tract, and skin conditions. Amethyst strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight against cancer. It destroys malignant tumors, heals cellular disorders, aids in tissue regeneration, and cleanses the blood. Amethyst eases headaches, releases tension, and treats hearing disorders. It reduces pain, bruising, swelling and injuries. Amethyst relieves physical, emotional and psychological pain or stress.

Amethyst boosts the production of hormones, and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine glands to optimum performance. It supports oxygenation in the blood, and aids in treatments of the digestive tract, heart, stomach, and skin. Amethyst also strengthens the immune system and reduces bruising, pain and swellings. It has been used with excellent results as an elixir in the treatment of arthritis. [Melody, 111][Hall, 55][Gienger, 13]

Amethyst is thought to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus and other hearing disorders, and is highly beneficial in treating insomnia, especially when caused by an overactive mind. It is calming and soothing to the neural impulses in the brain. Its energy ameliorates the pain of headaches and migraines, and reduces stress and nervous tension. It may be used to treat psychic disturbances and to stabilize brain imbalances, but should not be used in cases of paranoia or schizophrenia. [Hall, 54-55][Melody, 111][Megemont, 25][Ahsian, 30]