Gemstones amethyst. Amethyst is the luxury of purple and its magical properties. Major stone deposits

03.03.2020

This article will focus on a purple crystal with unusual properties - amethyst. The main feature of this mineral is that, being in the light for a long time, its color fades, and in the shade it gradually returns to its rich purple color.

Amethyst is also known for its magical properties, the effects of which were noted many centuries ago. People who could afford jewelry with this amazing crystal noticed positive changes both in their talents and in their life situation in general.

When choosing a stone for decoration, it is worth focusing on amethyst. It looks spectacular with any outfit and accessories because of its unique color and properties among precious stones. From our article, you will learn many interesting facts about amethyst, as well as how to choose the right jewelry and how to distinguish fakes.

A bit of history

Amethyst has been known to mankind since ancient times. This is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds in the sites of the Neolithic tribes of Europe. Spiritual and magical properties have made the gem a popular material for beads and amulets in many cultures.
Later, the mineral became known as the "royal stone" - it was used to decorate crowns, scepters and jewelry. For example, the crown of Queen Irina Godunova was decorated with very large dark purple amethysts.

In Egypt, the so-called "heart scarabs" were carved from amethyst, which were inserted into the chest of the deceased before burial.
In addition, the Egyptians used amethyst as a healing stone to remove fear and guilt. It was also considered a powerful charm when traveling.
Translated from Greek, the word "amethystos" meant "not drunk."
Therefore, the ancient Romans and Greeks drank wine from amethyst goblets. It was believed that this would help avoid the harmful effects of alcohol on the body and mind. In the east, for the same purpose, the crystal was placed in a bowl of wine.
It was also believed that wearing amethyst in the navel area under clothes would not only protect against drunkenness, but also make a person a more ardent and passionate lover.
Tibetan monks considered amethyst to be the Buddha stone.
They believed that this crystal helps to achieve enlightenment, and they carved a rosary from it.

Amethyst is described in the Bible. There he is mentioned as the ninth stone in the efudah of the high priest Aaron. It was the amethyst that symbolized the Spirit of God in this breast shield, which was decorated with 12 stones. And also this very stone, according to Holy Scripture, is the twelfth stone at the base of Heavenly Jerusalem.

In Christianity, amethyst was of great importance. It has traditionally been considered an "episcopal" (in Catholicism) or "bishop" (in Orthodoxy) stone. The rings with him on the right hand on the fourth finger were worn by cardinals. Such a ring was handed over to the clergyman upon elevation to the rank.

It was believed that the gem would be able to save the priest from "intoxication" with power and would not allow him to cloud his mind with temptations. Also, this gem was widely used, and is still used today, when decorating accessories for church services.
In some historical periods, amethyst crystals were valued on a par with diamonds or rubies.

Varieties and colors

Amethyst is one of the most expensive and beautiful varieties of quartz. Its color can vary from pale purple to dark purple and even almost black. Amethyst crystals can be either completely transparent or practically not translucent in the sun.

Recently, the so-called "green amethysts" can be found on the gemstone market. These are crystals of a delicate golden-green color. Amethyst acquires a similar color as a result of baking a lilac crystal of a stone at a temperature of about 500 degrees. The fact is that the mineral changes its own color from the influence of sunlight or very high temperatures.

But not every amethyst can be exposed to this effect to obtain a green crystal. For this, only gems from the Montezuma deposit, located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, are suitable. The rest of the "green amethysts" are simply artificially grown crystals. They are much brighter and richer than those obtained in the traditional way.

How to check authenticity

Amethyst is a very popular stone, both for jewelry and for various crafts. Therefore, it is also popular with counterfeiters.

Determining whether you are offered a real stone or glass is quite easy. You will need a knife with a steel blade.
Natural crystals of amethyst have a higher hardness than this metal. This means that if you try to damage the stone with a knife, nothing will come of it. But on a glass fake, scratches will certainly be noticeable.
The situation with artificially grown stones is more complicated. Synthetic amethyst has characteristics that are identical to natural ones.
Therefore, it can be difficult to identify a fake. True, artificial amethyst, like most synthetic stones, looks much brighter and more transparent than the original.
In addition, all natural stones have an uneven color, as well as natural inclusions and cracks that can be seen through a magnifying glass.

If you put a real amethyst in water, then its edges will appear somewhat paler than the rest of the crystal. Artificial stone will not change its color. But under ultraviolet light, synthetic amethysts, on the contrary, will become "spotty", while natural crystals will brighten evenly.

Magical properties

The Peruvians were convinced that if the names of the sun and moon were engraved on an amethyst and worn around their necks along with baboon hair or swallow feathers, it would act as a witchcraft. The ancient philosopher Pliny the Elder claimed that this gemstone with the engraved figures of the Sun and the Moon gives a person immunity to poisons. And if you wear it on a dog hair cord, it will protect you from snake bites.

The bear, carved into the amethyst, had the ability to put demons to flight and protect the wearer from drunkenness.

This crystal was highly valued among travelers, because if it began to change its color, it foreshadowed a storm (this characteristic is due to the layered structure of the crystal). It was also believed that the mineral has power over the winds.

Amethyst is considered the ideal crystal for meditation. It easily helps to free the mind from unnecessary thoughts and achieve crystal clarity of consciousness. As a rule, during meditation, this stone is placed in the area of the "third eye" and lies on the back. The stone helps a person move to a higher stage of spiritual development. It gives the wearer wisdom and understanding.

Amethyst is a stone of spiritual protection and purification.

He is able to create an energy field around a person, which will reflect negative influences on both the physical and spiritual levels. It acts as a barrier against low energies, psychic attacks, geopathogenic factors and harmful living conditions. It is a valuable protection for people doing mental work. It is also a necessary talisman for those whose work requires a well-developed intuition.

But the most striking magical properties attributed to amethyst are certainly associated with love. This stone is considered to be the main love talisman.

There is a belief that if you tell an amethyst about your love for a person, and then give him this stone, then love will surely become mutual. Moreover, the stone will evoke a feeling of love, even if a person's heart is already occupied by someone else.
It is also useful to wear the gem for those who think that no one appreciates or loves them. Since the mineral gives its owner clarity of thoughts and protects against unnecessary disturbances, this sensation will pass.
Amethyst is considered the stone of eternal love.
If a person lost his soul mate, but wanted to preserve the memory of her, he put on a piece of jewelry with amethyst. Such jewelry was worn without removing, so that others could understand that nothing would make a person betray his love. For this, the crystal received its second name - "widow's stone".

True, in some ancient cultures it was believed that amethyst, on the contrary, can help open a person's heart to new feelings if his beloved is not alive.
The love that this crystal gives is pure and noble. This is a high and light feeling, full of sincerity, devotion, desire to improve for the sake of a loved one.
The magical properties of the stone manifest themselves only if it is worn from time to time. And to increase its strength, it is recommended to wear amethyst in pairs or combine it with rock crystal or rose quartz.

Medicinal properties

Amethyst promotes the production of hormones, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine glands. It saturates the blood with oxygen, and also helps in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, stomach and skin. It can be used to massage the face to smooth out wrinkles and improve skin tone.

The water in which the crystal lay overnight was drunk to cleanse the blood vessels, liver or kidneys. Colds were treated with the same water.

The mineral strengthens the immune system. Its properties include the ability to reduce bruising, pain and swelling. Good results in treating arthritis can also be achieved using this stone.
Amethyst is used to ease symptoms associated with hearing impairment. This crystal has been proven to be very useful in the treatment of insomnia, especially when it is caused by nervous overexcitation. Its energy reduces headaches and migraines. To do this, the stone must be warmed in the hands and placed on the forehead or temples.

Insomnia and nightmares

This crystal also helps with nightmares. In order for it to show its properties in this case, it is placed under the pillow.

In addition, it is able to reduce stress and nervous tension.
Sometimes this stone can be used to treat mental disorders and correct brain imbalances.
But it cannot be used and worn by people suffering from paranoia or schizophrenia.

Amethyst has proven to be excellent in overcoming drug addiction and the effects of the negative effects of drugs and alcohol on brain function. A person who wears amethyst begins to lose interest in alcohol and sooner or later stops drinking altogether.
In order for the stone to be of greatest benefit, it must be worn in direct contact with the skin. In jewelry, silver will be the best setting for amethyst.

Mineral and astrology

The horoscope claims that amethyst is the perfect talisman for those born in February. Therefore, it will be an excellent amulet for Aquarius and Pisces. Also, this crystal will bring good luck to Aries and Scorpio. He will save the latter from the excessive selfishness that is inherent in this sign.

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Properties:

Mohs hardness: 7. Trigonal crystal structure. Crystalline quartz, commonly referred to as amethyst, ranges in color from pale lilac to deep purple. The light colors are sometimes referred to as the Rosa de France and can be seen in Victorian inlaid jewelry. Deep colors are most valuable, especially rich purples with pink flares.

Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as in Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. Generally, amethyst from South America is larger than African amethyst, but crystals from Africa have a reputation for richer, better color, despite their small size. A very dark amethyst, also found in small sizes in Australia.

Amethyst stone, magical properties:

The stone of inspiration and contentment, has a calming and relaxing effect on people, promotes healthy sleep, which they place on the body or under a pillow.

Amethyst promotes discernment in business, bestows victory, and aids the mind in controlling negative thoughts.
Since the stone has transmutation energy, the intensity in the opening of portals and the transformation of spiritual experiences increases, and also protects the wearer from black magic.
Known as a crystal of change, amethyst can lead to all kinds of changes in life and our minds. It also interrupts old emotional thought processes and helps to find the psychological earthly path.

Amethyst was said to attract justice and protect against thieves and robbers. Also protects against danger and violent death.

Medicinal properties:

Amethyst is a crystal that is a must for almost all healers. A single one brings many benefits, but druses are even more powerful. So powerful that a group of amethysts are able to cleanse other stones. When worn, relieves migraines. Headaches caused by nerves can be cured by placing amethyst or drusen in the room. Also used and helps in improving concentration.

It soothes mental disorders, purifies the blood, strengthens the immune system and ensures that all chakras are balanced and cleaned. People who constantly wear amethyst necklaces supposedly fascinate others with their personality and charisma.

Amethyst increases the activity of the right hemisphere, passes through illusions and helps develop psychic abilities. It strengthens and develops intuition, inspiration.

Keep a small piece of amethyst in tarot cards or runes to keep your powers high, these are divination tools.

Who is suitable for the zodiac sign, horoscope:

Jupiter, Neptune. Traditionally, the birth of the stone is in the month of February. Stone of Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn. Amethyst brings clarity of mind and subconsciousness.

Chakra classification

Placed on the seventh chakra (or crown) during meditation, amethyst increases concentration and increases confidence in life. It is considered the 7th chakra (crown) stone. It has almost the same properties as pure quartz.

Many people keep amethyst with other stones and crystals to enhance their effectiveness. There is an opinion that it helps with insomnia if you put it under your pillow at night.

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Description of the stone

Amethyst is a type of quartz and belongs to silicas. It contains impurities of elements such as iron, manganese, cobalt.

Most often, the mineral grows in rocks on an opaque gray substrate. In nature, the stone is found in the form of separate crystalline transparent or translucent formations with an elongated diamond shape.

The main attraction of the stone is its vibrant purple color. In terms of color saturation, the mineral is found from very pale to dark, almost black. Color reveals most effectively in natural light, which emphasizes both the depth of the shade and the brilliance.
Mineralogists explain the origin of the unique purple color of Amethyst in different ways. It is believed that cobalt, manganese and iron contained in the stone give the violet.
Others see it as organic coloring pigments. Some are inclined that the reason for the color lies in violations of the crystal base of the gem and in the presence of iron ions.

Under the influence of the sun's color, the mineral burns out and loses its color intensity. If the stone is heated to 200 degrees, then it begins to change its color from yellow to greenish and completely colorless. As it cools, Amethyst regains its original color. During every 25 years of its life, the mineral loses about 20% in color intensity.
The mineral has a significant hardness, which is estimated at 7 units. according to the Mohs rating table and a density of 2.6 g per cubic centimeter.

Mineral deposits

Deposits of Amethyst are located in South America, on the African continent, in Asia and in Russia. According to their characteristics, the mined stones differ depending on the depth of the deposit. In Asia, very high quality nuggets are being developed, but their number is insignificant.

There is a large deposit in Brazil, but the stones from it do not differ in quality. The most valuable stones in terms of beauty and value are mined in a deposit developed in the Urals. The rating of the Ural amethysts is the highest. According to the name of the place of development, they were named "deep Siberian".

The healing properties of the stone

Lithotherapists, specialists in treatment with minerals, claim that Amethyst enhances the production of various hormones, helps to normalize the functioning of the endocrine glands and strengthens the nervous system. The mineral makes it possible to saturate the blood with oxygen more. Amethyst helps patients with diseases of the stomach and intestines, heart disease, it is used for skin diseases. It is believed that if you massage the skin on the face with the mineral, you can reduce the sharpness of wrinkles and improve the complexion.

Water with Amethyst placed in it at night is drunk to cleanse the vascular system, liver and kidneys, to get rid of colds. The stone helps to relieve puffiness and bruising. It also helps with joint diseases.
Specialists use the mineral for hearing impairments. The stone helps well for the treatment of night insomnia, migraines and various headaches.
To do this, it is enough to warm the Amethyst in your palms and apply it to the forehead or temples. If you put a stone under your pillow, your sleep will be strong even without nightmares.
The mineral has properties to reduce nervous tension and stress arousal. In some cases, it is used to treat some mental disorders, but not paranoia or schizophrenia.

A person who carries Amethyst with him can defeat drug addiction and drunkenness, and subsequently completely lose interest in alcohol. To enhance the healing properties of the stone, it must have direct contact with the skin, and silver can serve as the best frame for it.

The magical properties of Amethyst

The stone in its meaning embodies such concepts as spiritual purity, devotion to ideals and purity of thoughts. He is able to drive away bad feelings, strengthen sleep, preserve memory and protect from the vice of drunkenness and drug addiction. If the owner of the gem is honest and unselfish, then the stone will bring him health, a happy life, protect him from the evil eye, black magic.

It is believed that the stone is a symbol of harmony and relaxation, therefore it brings protection to its owner from conflicts and quarrels, evil thoughts. But in case of conflicts, the stone can readjust to negative energy. Therefore, at the time of quarrels, it is better to remove the jewelry with amethyst, and after the conflict, hold it for some time under a running stream of water.

Youth and beauty

The violet color personifies the "third eye", and the stone of this shade is able to give its owner the possibility of omniscience, open up to him the highest wisdom and understanding of other spheres.

The mineral will save the owner from the insincerity of the environment and promote peacefulness. In addition, it has long been believed that Amethyst is able to preserve youth and beauty for many years.
If you constantly carry a gem with you, then anxiety and mental pain, evil thoughts, aggression, hot temper will go away, calmness, prudence and kindness of mental impulses will come.
For the family, the stone has an ambiguous magical meaning. The presented Amethyst in the shape of a heart can bring love and understanding with the family.

However, the stone can also bring discord, parting, especially if it is presented as a gift to one of the family members for the purpose of reciprocity with the donor. The stone will probably destroy a strong marriage, but it will not bring happiness to the destroyer.

The gem not only affects love spheres. It helps its owner in revealing talents and creative possibilities.
It has been noticed that amethyst changes its color hue depending on changes in the weather. This was used by sailors and took him on long voyages.

Signs of the zodiac

The mineral belongs to the element of Air and personifies the planets Saturn and Neptune.

People born under the zodiac sign Aries and Leo are very fond of the attention of others, they always strive to be in the center of events. Amethyst, which has violet and lilac shades, is very suitable for them. The purple stone will help them make important decisions and help take into account the interests of those around them. Leos and Aries, having a heightened emotional background, are not always able to cope with their emotions. The stone will help calm down, relieve stress and ward off negativity.

Amethyst, which has a very rare pink color, suits Aquarius, Gemini, Libra and Capricorn.
The stone of this shade personifies tender and deep love feelings.
For these signs, the mineral will help improve heart function, strengthen nerves and relieve stress.
For children of these signs, pink amethyst activates additional energy centers and enhances opportunities for creative development.

Who suits

Black King - Amethyst of rare black color is suitable for people born under the sign of Virgo and Scorpio. This stone will bring peace of mind, good luck, drive away black thoughts, humble the selfishness inherent in these signs. The mineral will help its owner to deeper open the inner world and magical abilities given to these signs by nature.

For Cancers and Pisces, lilac Amethyst is very suitable. He will help in the development of business and partnerships. The stone will extinguish angry feelings, envy, help in internal transformations and bring peace of mind.

It is believed that Amethyst is the main stone for Aquarius, Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Pisces. The stone is a "trinity" mineral, that is, but it enhances its effect on those who have the numbers 3, 12, 21 and 30 in their date of birth. It is better for Taurus to refuse to own this gem.

Amethyst - talisman

As an amulet or talisman, Amethyst can be worn by those people who need protection from the dislike of their superiors, the anger of others, those who have the vices of alcoholism or drug addiction.

If a person wears a ring with Amethyst as a talisman, then it is best to put it on the ring finger of the left hand for women and the right one for men.
The setting for the stone is also of great importance. Amethyst in silver keeps friendship, contributes to a positive decision in business negotiations.
For women suffering from infertility, an amulet with Amethyst can give a long-awaited child, and for men, it can improve family relationships.

If the mineral is set in gold, then such an amulet is able to restore and maintain a person's energy.

Care and storage

In order for Amethyst to retain its brightness and shine for a long time, it should be protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight and overheating, the stone should be protected from scratches and impacts.

From time to time, the stone needs cleaning. To do this, briefly put Amethyst in a soapy water solution, then rinse thoroughly under running water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Amethyst is a very beautiful, expensive and spectacular stone. He is loved by jewelers. Jewelry with Amethyst can not only adorn its owner, but also serve as a talisman, amulet and magical protector.

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Features of amethyst

Until recently, it was a popular belief that, as a result of the presence of manganese in the chemical composition of amethyst, the stone has a purple color. But scientific research has determined that the stone contains iron which gives color. The color change of the mineral occurs under the influence of sunlight, which changes the reflection of the crystal lattice.

When heated to high temperatures, the stone completely loses its color. In order for it to recover over time, you need to cool the specimen. The most rapid appearance of the lost color occurs under the influence of X-rays.
Under water, the amethyst does not completely change color; the color disappears only along the contour of the stone.
The color of amethyst will look different in a dark room and in natural street lighting. If amethyst is mined in areas where there are deposits of crystal, then it will staunchly resist the discoloration of the sun's rays. Minerals collected in sedimentary rocks fade much faster.
Amethyst is formed on a quartz layer. Its crystals by nature have an elongated tetrahedral shape with the formation of a pyramid at the end. Some amethysts are found in groups.
Amethysts come in shades of blue and pink, some are colored crimson, sometimes almost black. The mineral can be of the original striped color, which is achieved by filling the longitudinal containers in the crystal with solidified liquids.

Mineral properties

Amethyst stone in magic

Therapeutic manifestation of abilities

In order for the mineral to be useful to a person in the fight against diseases, it is necessary to ensure contact with the body. As such an effect, infusions of a stone on water, constant wearing of pendants, beads, earrings are used. It is used as a treatment for long-term application of amethyst to sore spots.

Massage with amethyst crystals is very effective. To further enhance the effect on the body, use crystal, as its properties allow you to concentrate the flow of healing effects.

Amethyst and the signs of the zodiac

It is the signs of the element of air that will receive the greatest support from amethyst on the path of life, the stone will help make them successful and prosperous.

Aries, who like to pile up a large number of plans, will have opportunities for their early implementation. For women of this sign, help will come in finding the joy of motherhood.
The brilliant mind of Taurus will allow the stone to be applied in real life situations, will not allow a dull mood and discouragement. Taurus will receive substantial business assistance.
The Gemini, constantly changing attachments and the environment around them, will feel the onset of harmonization within their sharp mind, which will allow them to start and finish many things. Waves of inspiration will sweep over this sign.
Cancers will feel the healing effect of the stone and will be able to improve their failing health. Recommended for this sign for the appearance of new acquaintances and fans.
The Leo sign has such a strong energy that amethyst cannot bring practically any changes to the life of the people of this sign. It doesn't matter to Lviv.
Virgos, attached to traditional, well-established values, will receive strength of character with the help of the stone and increase their strength to overcome life's difficulties. They need to wear the stone on a chain in the form of a pendant.
Multilaterally developed Libra with the help of a stone will be able to strengthen abilities and develop themselves as a person, achieve many successes. Stone owners will get a lot of interest from the opposite sex in their direction.
For Scorpios, amethyst will give a softening of character traits, will serve as a reliable talisman against harmful magical effects.
Sagittarius will be able to improve relationships with family and friends, achieve harmony with loved ones. The stone will allow them to show peace and honesty.
Capricorns will be able to improve the course of their life by removing many of the obstacles that previously hindered it. This will help you devote more time to spiritual experiences and lofty thoughts. For women of this sign, wearing a stone will help make their appearance more harmonious.
Versatile Aquarius, with the help of enhanced intuition, will be able to find the most correct solutions for difficult life situations. This will allow them to make a brilliant career and get luck at all stages of their travel companions.
For Pisces, wearing a stone will help to endure difficulties from parting with a loved one, sharpen natural intuition, and help gain confidence in life's difficulties.

Magic stone in different countries

In Russia, since ancient times, the stone was highly valued for its purity, transparency and unusual shades. Famous royalty and their wives and children proudly wore amethyst-adorned clothing and crowns. Such naiads were considered expensive and majestic.

In ancient times, monks collected and mined amethyst crystals on the coast of the White Sea. Products and jewelry were successfully used in religion. Church utensils inlaid with amethyst are still present in the everyday life of some cathedrals. They used bright minerals to decorate the frames of the icons. The priests' clothes were adorned with purple and crimson amethysts. From such a wide use of minerals by religious leaders, amethyst received the name of the cardinal or episcopal stone.

Church speakers expressed the idea that the amethyst resembles the religious and devoted to the Lord Apostle Matthew, who became famous for fiery speeches for the glory of God and a desire to serve him forever.

In Greece, legends are made about a beautiful young nymph who was in love with a simple shepherd, asking for help from the goddess Artemis. But the god of winemaking Dionysus also wanted to conquer and subjugate the beautiful nymph. Artemis turned the young lady into a beautiful purple stone, forever saving her from the encroachments of Dionysus.

Since those events, the Greeks have presented the help of the stone in the form of a powerful remedy for the effects of intoxication. Greek healers successfully use the mineral to restore youth to their patients, reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is recommended that you place a stone under your pillow to enhance your night's sleep and get complete rest.

Italians' opinion

Italians also consider amethyst to be the times of drunkenness and intoxication. They often put a stone in a glass during a stormy feast, this allows a person to drink a lot and not get drunk.

In Egypt, the stone is considered a talisman of wisdom and peace. The owner of the stone is endowed with such qualities as: calmness, poise, observation, purity of thoughts. Egyptian weather forecasters use color change for their forecasts.

In China, a magical mineral is used as a talisman for the owner of war against injury and death. The purple color of the stone promotes serenity, peace of mind and pure thoughts.

Amethyst jewelry is available to a wide range of people, they are worn with pleasure, considering the stone to be a spectacular decoration, a high-quality amulet and a strong talisman.

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Properties of amethyst

"Blessed" or "apostolic" as it was called in the Middle Ages, the stone is silicon dioxide with iron impurities.

The characteristic properties of amethyst are its hardness, which corresponds to 7 on the Mohs scale, a violet hue in color and transparency with a glass or pearlescent sheen. Tubules with liquids or gases are found as inclusions in amethyst crystals, less often gray hematite plates or brownish goethite needles are found.

Amethyst color

The main color of amethyst is purple in many shades. Modern researchers believe that this wonderful color is a consequence of the action of organic substances, and not of ferrous impurities, as was previously thought. The shade range of natural amethysts has a wide range - from pale purple to deep blue-red colors.

The intensity of the color increases with short-term heating of the crystals. But prolonged calcination leads to a change in color towards green or complete discoloration. Green amethyst is called prasiolite and is extremely rare in nature.

The opportunity to obtain such a shade artificially enriches the world of jewelry with new images.

Jewelry with amethyst

Amethyst jewelry is said to help you fall asleep when placed under your pillow at night. But this fine piece of jewelry deserves a better lot. They must be worn to enjoy themselves and to allow others to enjoy their beauty. Earrings, rings or other jewelry with amethyst look decent with the most sophisticated outfits.

Amethyst price and storage conditions

The beautiful purple hue is the reason that the price of amethyst is higher than that of many other quartz. The level of color stability depends on the characteristics of the deposit.

Amethyst crystals that have been surrounded by crystal are very difficult to discolor.
Those that have formed among sedimentary rocks can become significantly paler when exposed to sunlight.
Therefore, the main condition for their storage is any dark place.

In this case, the color intensity is guaranteed to remain unchanged.

Deposits of amethyst

The most interesting deposit of amethysts is located on the Kola Peninsula. Crystals mined there have an even dark purple color. Brazil, North America and the Urals are rich in amethysts. There are small deposits of this mineral in Germany, Ceylon, Madagascar and Armenia.

Amethyst stone meaning

Amethyst is called the stone of harmony and relaxation, considering that it is of great importance for those who want to settle conflicts. Amethyst is also credited with the ability to free people from negative thoughts and generate omniscience. This is primarily due to the purple color, which is the symbol of the "third eye".

Whose zodiac stone is amethyst

The various lists of gems matching the zodiac signs differ slightly in opinion, but most of them believe that amethyst is perfect for Aquarius and is also supportive of all air signs.

Some horoscopes suggest that Leo, Pisces, Taurus and Capricorns, who have strong character traits related to their signs, should beware of wearing products with amethyst. But some lists compiled in ancient times by the astrologers of Europe, on the contrary, suggest that Capricorns wear this stone.

The healing properties of amethyst

Lithotherapists (those who treat stones) claim that one of the most valuable properties of amethyst is the regulation of metabolism in the body. It is also believed that, in addition to the ability to calm, this mineral facilitates the manifestation of diseases that have arisen on the nervous system, relieves migraine attacks.

The magical properties of amethyst

In cases where a combination of knowledge and intuition is important, the magical properties of amethyst will come in handy. For high-ranking people, it helps people go beyond standard thought patterns and encourages wide-ranging thinking in situations that go beyond normal.

The energy and violet color of the stone is also believed to be able to cleanse the space of accumulated negativity. It is worth considering that amethyst belongs to those stones that cannot be worn all the time, it must be taken off for a while.

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The magical power of the gem

The amethyst stone has extraordinary magical properties. It is a powerful accumulator of information and a transformer of space: "absorbing" the negative, it relieves of sadness, makes the atmosphere in the house more benevolent.

The Romans called amethyst "blessed." The ancients believed that a jewel brings good luck, is able to reconcile enemies, restores peace and calms the nerves. This is probably why the first Christians began to wear rings with this mineral, and later the higher clergy fell in love with the same jewelry, and the stone was called episcopal or pastoral in Catholic countries, and in Russia - bishop.

It has a beneficial effect on intellectual abilities, fully revealing the mental potential of the owner;
Invincible soldiers preferred to wear copies of dark tones for self-courage and prevention of rash actions;
The properties of the gem are also appreciated by merchants. The stone brings good luck in business and protects property;
The mineral is ideal for purifying the space and soul of a person: amethyst druse (pictured above) or untreated crystals can cleanse the aura of objects that are touched;
As a talisman, the gem helps to win the favor of the authorities, makes a person more prudent;
Images of the moon and sun, applied to the surface of the crystal, make it perhaps the most powerful amulet against black magic.

Love magic

The value of the amethyst stone for love magic can hardly be underestimated. It nourishes love, kindles passion, protects from evil fate, helps to forget unrequited love. Even the Sumerian sages warned that if a lover is given an amethyst, he will forget about his feelings and fall in love with the one who presented him with this extraordinary decoration.

Those who lost their spouses prematurely - both widows and widowers - wore jewelry made from this "widow's stone" as a symbol of eternal love for their deceased lovers. Therefore, its main meaning is a symbol of endless and devoted love. And to those who are in love, the pebble bestows the loyalty of the beloved.
Store it in your bedroom if you want:

return a spouse;
reach an understanding with a loved one;
loyalty;
revive old feelings.

Magic rituals for health

In ancient Greek, amethyst has a meaning - "drunk". The gem absorbs wine vapors, saving the owner from intoxication and preserving its color, remaining "sober", serene purple.

In order to direct the magical properties of this jewel to the fight against drunkenness, you need:

give the patient to drink water infused with it;
wear it at the level of the solar plexus.

For those who are on a diet, magical properties will help to cope with the feeling of hunger.

The water in which the gem lay at night, regardless of which zodiac sign the patient belongs to, is suitable for:

victory over colds;
liver and kidney treatment;
cleansing the capillaries;
information acne.

Magical properties contribute to:

strengthening memory;
fight against skin diseases;
getting rid of temptations and insomnia (you just need to put the jewel under your pillow all night long);
relief of headaches, if you put a stone on your forehead.

A cup inlaid with this purple crystal is able to neutralize the effects of poisons.

Jewel and zodiac signs

The magical properties of amethyst are so strong that the stone is able to "improve" any sign, enhancing its positive features. This gem is suitable for all representatives of the zodiacal circle, and for most of them it helps to strengthen and develop intuition. However, it is difficult to say which zodiac sign is most suitable for amethyst.

Aries from the gem will become more judicious and careful, even restrained.
If a Taurus is born before May 1, then quartz will help this sign overcome melancholy, activate intellectual abilities.
Gemini will relieve insomnia and nervousness, inspire and push towards self-improvement.
The zodiac sign Cancer is highly favored by the jewel. It helps to improve the lives of its wards, has a beneficial effect on diseases of the digestive system, impaired kidney function, and strengthens the immune system.
Quartz will give the sign of Lviv peace of mind.
Neat and accurate Virgo needs this mineral to concentrate mental and physical strength in the fight against troubles. It is desirable for this sign to wear a gem in the form of a pendant on a chain with small links.
For the zodiac sign Libra, quartz will help improve magical abilities and strengthen intuition. A Libra girl who will wear a green amethyst will be in demand among men.
Purple quartz is just perfect for the sign of Scorpio, moreover, it becomes a powerful talisman for this person, the magical properties of which create reliable protection against black magic.
Sincere and peaceful Sagittarius, under the auspices of this violet miracle, will find harmony and mutual understanding in life.
The jewel has a beneficial effect on the spiritual essence of Capricorns, helping them get rid of negative energy.
Zodiac sign Aquarius and quartz is one of the happiest combinations. If a person of this zodiac sign wears such a jewel, it will help relieve nervous overexcitement, strengthen intuition.
Zodiac sign Pisces quartz bestows good luck.

Determine the authenticity of the mineral

Amethyst has certain properties inherent only to it, which are used to determine its authenticity:

the main color is purple and all its shades (note how a real amethyst stone looks in the photo), the richer it is, the more expensive;
the hardness is higher than that of steel - if a steel knife is drawn over the surface of the test specimen, then there will be no scratches.

But this is true for both natural and artificially grown minerals. The differences between a synthetic sample and a natural one are presented in the table.

Dip the sample into a glass of water
It will seem that the edges of the stone have lost their color
The sample will render well around the edges.

How to wear this extraordinary mineral

You need to know how to wear amethyst correctly:

silver combines harmoniously with it - the metal enhances the magical properties of quartz;
gold neutralizes the supernatural capabilities of the gem, but if other jewelry is used in the jewelry (zircon, aquamarine, rock crystal, diamond or aventurine), then this effect is leveled, moreover, such a pendant will give peace of mind;
you cannot wear the stone constantly, as it accumulates the negative energy of the owner;
amethyst should be worn with clothes of cold colors, but not with bright things;
men wear rings with him on the ring finger of their right hand, women - on the same finger on their left. If you want to increase vital energy, put it on your middle finger, but this can only be done periodically.

In the photo there is a pendant and crystals of natural amethyst. Only natural minerals have real mystical qualities, which were mentioned above.

Gem care

Quartz is of natural origin therefore:

protect it from direct sunlight, store it wrapped in a soft cloth;
protect from high temperatures;
rinse it a couple of times a month under running water - you need to wash off the negative, which it easily absorbs.

If the stone has become tarnished, either contact a jeweler (they will clean it with ultraviolet light), or rinse it in soapy water using a soft brush.

Blue, bluish pink, or reddish purple quartz is called amethyst. Its transparent variety is a semi-precious collectible stone. Opaque samples are used as ornamental material.

Amethyst crystals are built from a combination of prisms and rhombohedrons, the facets of the latter prevail in them, which is a distinctive feature of the gem. There are also long-prismatic and scepter-shaped specimens.

Amethyst deposits are widespread in the Middle Urals, in the Subpolar region, as well as in Sri Lanka, North America and Brazil. Smaller deposits are known for Madagascar, Uruguay, Armenia. The famous "Cape Ship" amethyst deposit is located on the Kola Peninsula.

In addition, the gem is often found in large quartz deposits.

Amethyst is the most expensive type of quartz. It was also appreciated in ancient times, for example, in biblical descriptions, it was indicated that amethyst adorned the pectoral of the high priest Aaron among other 12 precious stones. In the Middle Ages, the gem was called "blessed" and "apostolic" stone.

There are two versions of the name of amethyst. According to the first of them, the ancient Greeks believed that the gem protects its owner from alcoholism, and if you drink from an amethyst cup, you will never get drunk. Therefore, they gave the stone a name, which is translated from ancient Greek as "intoxicating".

The second legend says that Ametis was the name of a beautiful nymph who chose to petrify rather than become a victim of Bacchus (aka Dionysus and Bacchus), who pursued her. Since Bacchus was the god of winemaking, both versions are similar, and they speak of protection from the effects of alcohol.

The basis of the chemical structure of amethyst is silicon dioxide with an admixture of iron. Inclusions in crystals are channels filled with gas or liquid, plates of gray hematite, and needles of brown goethite. The stone is painted in violet, purple-blue or reddish-violet colors, it is transparent, the luster is glass or mother-of-pearl.

Crystals of amethyst are pyramidal, less often prismatic, without cleavage. The hardness is 7. The density is about 2.65. Refraction from 1.544 to 1.553. At the break - conchayous.

There are the following varieties of jewelry amethysts:

Deep Siberian (rich Siberian) is the most expensive natural type of amethyst, with a dense purple color with blue and red highlights. The deposits are located in the Northern Urals, Sri Lanka, South America, Africa.
Rose de France (rose of France) - light lilac amethyst with a pink tint, less bright and saturated, but more common.

If the amethyst contains thin crystal plates of hematite or goethite needles, it is called “hairy”. The natural mixture of amethyst and citrine is called ametrine.

Amethyst has a "nurturing" effect on its owner. Thus, it minimizes the pleasure of drinking alcohol. The mineral also promotes the development of a peaceful state and insight. With constant contact with the gem, a person begins to think more clearly, draw the right conclusions and make deliberate decisions.

A heart-shaped amethyst talisman is a good talisman of family happiness. The decoration should be for both the wife and the husband. A small, silver-framed amethyst heart will be an excellent adornment for a woman, and a man is recommended to put it in a pocket closer to his heart.

In ancient times, amethysts were dipped in glasses of wine, as they believed that the gem protects against drunkenness and is able to neutralize poison. In addition, jewelry with this mineral was used during epidemics as protection against infection. It was either worn as a decoration, or a special drink was prepared: they dipped a couple of stones into a vessel of water overnight, and then patients with high fever were treated with this water.

Now amethysts are used to improve cerebral circulation, with their help they treat insomnia, anxiety, and nervous breakdowns. If you wear a ring with an amethyst on the ring finger of your right hand, your immunity will be strengthened, and earrings with a gem will improve your eyesight.

Amethyst is the most widely used in jewelry. In Ancient Russia, the stone served as an ornament for icons, altars, crosses. This mineral has always been appreciated by the nobility, and it was used even in the manufacture of crowns. Nowadays, jewelry with amethysts remains popular.

The primary color for amethyst is purple. The color palette starts from a light lilac and continues to a deep red-violet hue. This color is due to the content of specific organic substances, and not iron compounds.

The most valuable in color are Ural amethysts, which in artificial light become saturated violet-red, under the same conditions amethysts from Brazil turn gray.

Interestingly, the color of amethyst changes when exposed to high temperatures. When heated to 250 ° C, purple amethyst gradually turns into yellow or green. The last variety is called "prasiolite" and is used in jewelry. Upon further heating, the stone completely loses its natural color. Such discolored amethysts are often passed off as and.

It is artificially possible to grow amethyst crystals ranging in size from 20 to 30 cm. Outwardly, they practically do not differ from natural stones, only a specialist can distinguish them in a laboratory, which is why synthetic stones are often passed off as natural, although their cost is much lower.

Natural amethyst has the following properties:

It has a deep purple color;
Its hardness is very high; the steel knife does not leave scratches on the surface of the stone.

In addition, its color tone should be uneven, the stone may be a little cloudy, with inclusions. In the hands, it will heat up slowly, and when irradiated with ultraviolet light, it will lose color evenly.

Artificial stones are distinguished by their even color, high transparency, and quickly become warm in the hands. They are homogeneous, and in the ultraviolet they discolor in places.

Amethyst and jewelry with it must be protected from exposure to the sun and high temperatures. They are stored by wrapping them in a soft cloth.

The gem is washed several times a month with running water or soapy water with a soft brush.

Jewelers clean tarnished stone with ultraviolet light.

Best of all, amethysts get along with Aquarius, they are also advised to representatives of the element of Air. Amethyst jewelry is not recommended for Leo, Pisces, Taurus and Capricorn.

Prices for amethyst products

The cost of natural amethyst determines the color and size of the stone. For example, the average cost of jewelry samples is:

3 carats - from $ 55;
14 kara - from $ 65;
50 carats - from $ 110.

The ancient Romans believed that amethyst is a source of good luck, peace and goodness, soothes and removes from quarrels, and also protects the owner from intoxication. It was believed that the amethyst talisman protects against the wrath of those in power.

Amethyst is often found in Christian symbolism, where it is a symbol of modesty and humility.

Is a unique variety of purple quartz. The unearthly beauty of this miracle of nature has won him centuries of popularity. The name itself attracts attention, because from the Greek “amethystos” means “not drunk”. This suggests that this semi-precious stone sober up the mind and protects from harmful influences from the outside. In ancient times, noble people preferred to drink wine from cups made of beautiful stone, since it was believed that in this case alcohol would not cloud the mind and would not loosen the drinker's tongue.

But this is not the only name for amethyst. Earlier in Russia it was called the bishop's stone to show luxury and magical power, Christian teaching spoke of it as the stone of the Apostle Matthew, and in Europe it was called the stone of Bacchus. Amethyst had every chance of becoming the most expensive jewel, if not for its wide distribution in nature. In addition, the industry now supplies synthetic violet crystals.

In history, this wonderful gem is known as the first stone that began to be processed for the purpose of creating jewelry, which speaks of its unearthly beauty. Ancient manuscripts of Ancient Egypt contain a mention of amethyst as a beautiful gem.

The purple gift of nature was especially honored by church ministers, therefore, the most expensive icons, altars, utensils were adorned with it, and when Christians were ordained to the highest spiritual ranks, they always wore a ring with a purple stone on their finger.

The variability of color was used for foresight, it was believed that amethyst faded or darkened before the onset of destructive cataclysms of nature. In ancient civilizations, amethyst was considered a symbol of peacefulness, sincerity and virtue.

The fact that amethyst belongs to the family of ordinary quartz in no way begs for its attractive beauty. Bright Gems difficult to confuse with other stones, since the unusual lilac or purple color is their distinctive feature. Collectors are attracted by beautiful shades, unusual crystal shapes and unique optical properties - the ability to change their color depending on the angle of refraction of light. But, nevertheless, under artificial lighting, the stone does not look as attractive as under sunlight.

Like everything beautiful in the world amethyst gave rise to many legends and beliefs... At all times, it was considered an emblem of endless love and passion. The beautiful goddess Ametis conquered the ardent heart of the god of wine Dionysus, but did not seek to reciprocate, because she was in love with another. Passion overshadowed the mind of the courageous admirer, so he decided to use force. When the beautiful nymph was in the hands of an intoxicated Dionysus, the judicious Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, came to her aid. Her touch was enough for the beauty to turn into a luxurious white stone. Dionysus, in turn, poured a glass of wine on the sparkling creature out of annoyance, from which it acquired a light purple hue. Therefore, a beautiful gem is called amethyst. At all times, he was considered the personification of spiritual and physical restraint.

Properties of natural amethyst

Quartz- a fairly dense mineral. The Mohs scale of amethyst is 7 and its density reaches 2.6. Such a value of hardness exceeds the indicator for glass and even steel, therefore, this property is used to distinguish a gem from ordinary purple glass. A real natural stone cannot be scratched with a knife or glass shard. The color of a natural stone is never perfectly even, unlike a synthetic product, this is also a criterion for recognizing a fake.

Beautiful amethyst stones have a glass luster and beautifully reflect the sun glare, this is possible due to the fact that the crystal lattice has a pyramidal shape. With prolonged heating, amethyst acquires a yellow-green hue and a transition to citrine.

The thermal conductivity of amethysts is very low, so it stays cold for a long time if you hold it in your hands. Unlike artificially grown stones, natural amethysts become slightly discolored at the edges when immersed in water. This property is often used by experts when determining the origin of amethyst.

What color can amethyst be?

Purple variety of the quartz family can have shades of varying intensity: from delicate lilac to rich violet. And the reason for such an exquisite coloring of the mineral is only the dissemination of iron or manganese ions, which enter the crystal structure and violate its ideality. Amethysts can lose their color brightness under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, as well as during short-term heating to a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius. But when cooled, the color is partially restored.

Sometimes there are unique varieties of pale pink, dark purple, deep red color. But purple stones are considered the most beautiful, it is not for nothing that the poets called them "stone violets."

It is simply amazing, but there is in nature and green amethysts... These stones are also called prasolites. This gem is very rare and is only found in Brazil. Goldsmiths adore prazolite, and the cutting of these amazing green amethysts is sometimes amazing.

Despite its rarity, green amethyst is not that expensive. Needle-like inclusions are sometimes found in green amethyst, which only adds piquancy to the precious stone. Shades of green amethyst can be very varied.

Even rarer amethysts - black... They form in the bowels of the earth for millions of years, and are found only in the Uruguayan field. Of course, a stone so rare cannot cost little, it is expensive. In addition, black amethyst has an amazing ability to remove radiation and stress. It is believed that black amethyst helps in development, opening the third eye. Note that the black growths on the black amethyst are only on top.

Deposits of amethyst in the world

In nature, amethyst occurs in the form of crystals, druses and brushes. Mineral deposits are found in South America, Russia, Europe, Asia and Africa. But the quality of the stones differs depending on the location. In Africa, high-quality nuggets are mined, but their number is insignificant; in Brazil, the situation is exactly the opposite. Samples suitable for creating jewelry are not mined in all deposits. The most expensive gemstones are Ural gems, which have a persistent purple hue. The commercial name of this variety is "Deep Siberian".

Extraction of unique nuggets is also carried out on the Kola Peninsula and in Mexico, where beautiful prismatic crystals of a deep dark purple color are mined. One of the oldest mined deposits of amethyst is located on the island of Sri Lanka.

How much does amethyst cost or what determines the price of amethyst?

About 100-150 years ago, amethyst was mined only in Russia, so a unique gem was equated in price to emeralds and rubies. But after the discovery of a large deposit in Brazil, the situation changed dramatically, the gem became more accessible. However, its darker varieties are more valuable, such as dark purple, purple, which are uniform and deep in color. Defectiveness is also a clear characteristic of cost. The rich-colored minerals are derived from volcanic rocks and are more resistant to fading than the pale purple sedimentary rocks.

What is the cut of amethyst?

The handsome gem has a suitable hardness in order to give in to processing, it is perfectly polished. Cutting stones allows you to enhance their natural beauty, they acquire ideal proportions and precise symmetry. An oval can be considered the standard shape of the stone. In rings, earrings and pendants, there are also stones in the form of a triangle, square, pear or heart. The most expensive amethysts are cut with a step or mixed brilliant cut, and the cabochon method is used for inexpensive varieties.

The most expensive amethysts in the world

The size of crystals created by nature usually does not exceed 100 mm, so not so many large exhibits were found. One of them is a faceted Brazilian amethyst, weighing more than 1,300 carats, which is included in the US National Collection. In the entire history of mineral mining, the largest nugget was found in the North of Finland, it weighed 65 kg. Purple quartz was found in Malaysia, which weighed 6.6 kg. Large stones usually lose their value, since they contain all kinds of mineral, liquid and gas-liquid inclusions.

In Ancient Greece and Egypt gems were carved on beautiful deep purple stones, such emblems adorned the faces of mythical characters, influential people, rulers. Today, many similar specimens have been found, which replenish the ranks of museum exhibits and are considered priceless.

The oldest antique gems on amethyst are kept in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. One of the works dates back to the 2nd century A.D., despite its small size, the emblem fascinates with its mystery. Historians speculate that it depicts the traitor Marcus Junius Brutus Caesar, who played a central role in the conspiracy against Julius Caesar. The famous gem of ancient times on amethyst with a portrait of the Roman emperor Lucius Vera is also kept here. The head of Arsinoe is another outstanding product made of amethyst, it was made in Ancient Greece long before the beginning of our era.

Druses of amethyst

Is the kind of quartz that forms unique aggregates called druses. Graceful rhombohedral crystals grow together with edges or faces on a common base. They are so tightly pressed against each other that only their surface peaks are visible. Amethyst aggregates can become friends of the owner, since this decor item in the house carries a positive energy and harmonizes the space. In no case should beautiful sprouts be stored in a drawer, cabinet or box; they need an open space that they will gladly cleanse of negativity.

Amethyst drusen can be positioned in front of a computer monitor to protect themselves from the harmful effects of radiation. In addition, it is the conglomerates of this mineral that can be used to purify the energy of other precious stones and metals. It is enough just to leave the jewelry on the druze overnight and its unhealthy aura will be completely healed.

Amethyst as a magic stone

The semi-precious stone amethyst is the best option for proper meditation, it helps to control negative emotions and extinguishes mental anguish. But its energy is changeable, like a chameleon, amethyst is a stone of Air. It was customary to give jewelry with amethyst to free girls, since it was believed that he was able to awaken love in their souls for the donor. For the same reason, married women categorically refused such gifts.

At all times, amethyst was considered a talisman that awakened the gift of clairvoyance from its owner. In addition, he helped to correct the path of life and divert trouble from the owner and his loved ones. A gem is a purifier of the spiritual nature of a person and all objects that surround him. Most likely, the reason for worshiping the stone at all times was its unique color, because it is the violet hue that is the final link of the visible spectrum and borders on invisible ultraviolet light. Philosophers and poets treated it as a gateway to the otherworldly world, not subject to human perception.

Druse of Crystals

Amethyst has been known since ancient times. Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle, in his work "On Stones", written in the IV century. BC e., mentions rock crystal and amethyst and writes that these substances, together with sardion (sardonyx brownish-red chalcedony), were found on sections of some rocks. Perhaps this description refers to the find of amethyst-quartz crystals with an amethyst top, which lie in the central cavities of chalcedony geodes. Amethyst was used to make engraved seals during the Hellenistic era and the first centuries of the Roman state, but more often red and brownish-red varieties of chalcedony were used for these purposes. The name comes from the Greek word for non-alcoholic, and, according to Pliny, at that time it was believed that the owner of the amethyst was protected from wine intoxication or from the harmful effects of drugs that are almost the same color as red wines. The ancient name amethyst referred not only to true amethysts, now also called western amethysts, but also to purple or violet corundums, or oriental amethysts, as well as purple garnets. Amethystus is one of the twelve gemstones mentioned in the Bible that were used to decorate linen garments by the high priest in Jehovah's service; the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were engraved on each of the stones. Among these stones were also varieties of quartz - agate, sardonyx and jasper. In ancient times, amethyst and other colored stones were given a rounded shape, after which they were polished or used to make engraved seals and other carvings, and special cutting of precious stones, which improves the play of colors and brilliance, was developed only a few centuries ago. For the most part, a stepped (emerald) cut is used for amethyst; Stones with a good and uniform color weighing more than 20 carats are rare. Previously highly valued amethysts at the beginning of the 19th century. became significantly cheaper due to the export of large quantities of this mineral from Uruguay and Brazil. Pliny and others before Agricola claimed that the best quality amethysts came from India.

The Swiss naturalist J. J. Schutzer (J. J. Scheuchzer, 1672-1733) in 1708 established that amethyst is a type of common quartz; later this question was studied in detail by Rome de Lisle and R. J. Gayuy. The priority of this discovery was attributed by van Cobel to Schutzer, but Agricola, in his work "De natura fossilium", published in 1546, wrote that amethyst forms large crystals with a hexagonal cross-section and a head similar to quartz. Only in 1817 James Sauverby wrote in his work "British Mineralogy, or Colored Figures Intended to Elucidate the Mineralogy of Great Britain": crystal colored with manganese oxide ”. Anomalous dichroism in the basal sections of amethyst suggested that the symmetry of this mineral is lower than that of quartz, possibly monoclinic; however, the Laue pattern of non-twinned amethyst turned out to be identical to the Laue pattern of colorless quartz. It was also assumed, for the first time by Brewster (1819), that it can be considered as a kind of quartz, differing from it in the way of twinning.
The nature of amethyst coloration has generated great interest for many years. J. F. Henkel wrote in 1725 that the color of amethyst may be due to an admixture of colloidal gold: “Especially because of the violet hue of amethyst and the red color of jasper, as a result of which it looks like coral, one could assume whether their hue by the metal they contain. I am not aware that amethyst does not contain gold, since at present there are no other artificial methods of obtaining such a color in stone or glass, except for the method of adding gold with the addition of tin; it should be especially emphasized that in this way the water is brightened into amethyst color, which does not become less fresh and less drinkable. " Henkel mentions Cassius's pigment. Upon the deposition of silicon ether, mixed with an alcoholic solution of gold chloride, and after exposure of this precipitate to light, a silica gel with an amethyst, yellow, or pink color was obtained. In this case, colloidal dispersed gold was also formed. Quartz, colored pink with colloidal gold, was obtained by passing a current through gold plates heated to high temperatures, between which a quartz sample was enclosed.

Many researchers believed that the color of amethyst was due to the admixture of iron. In 1729, John Woodward wrote about the conditions of occurrence of quartz: “... some of the crystals have a red or amethyst color, cemented by a crust of iron ore that has grown on the wall of a vertical crack in the rocks of St. Vincent, Bristol. The different color of these crystals is due to the different content of ferruginous particles combined with crystals in the nodule. " Gayui believed that the color is due to iron oxide, and Karl M. Marx assigned the role of a coloring matter to hydrated iron oxide. Later work on the role of iron in amethyst is considered in the classic work of EF Holden in 1925. It was assumed that the cause of the color of amethyst is titanium; in the short-lived American Mineralogical Journal in 1813, it was reported that the color of amethyst from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, was due precisely to the admixture of titanium. Amethysts from this area sometimes contain rutile inclusions. Brewster wrote about amethyst as a mineral formed from amethyst solutions.

There are also Dauphinean counterparts in amethysts, but they seem to be rather unusual. As a result of the intersection of the Dauphinean twin (secondary?) By the seam of the polysynthetic Brazilian twins, the latter are believed to disintegrate into two series of stripes, which are in ratios determined by the combined law of twinning.

The chemical composition of the mineral

In terms of chemical composition, amethysts differ from other varieties of quartz in a relatively high content of Fe203, on the order of hundredths of a percent). The color intensity increases in proportion to the iron content. There are no precise determinations of the content of alkalis, aluminum, etc., as well as very accurate measurements of refractive indices and unit cell parameters. Measurements of the physical constants of amethyst, carried out with low accuracy, lie within the measurement errors of the same constants of colorless quartz; only slightly higher refractive indices were reported for amethyst. It was assumed that the mineral includes a double solid solution B and P (BPO 4 is isostructural with quartz) with a B 2 O 3 content of 0.001-0.0001% and that therefore its density and refractive indices fluctuate; but these data were not confirmed. Numerous spectral analyzes of amethyst were carried out, as a result of which the following elements were identified as the main impurities: Fe, Al, Li, Ca, Mg, Cr, Mn, Ti and Cu.

Distribution of amethyst in nature

Amethyst crystals are usually small in size, rarely more than 9.5 cm or 11.7 cm; giant crystals, which sometimes forms smoky and colorless quartz, are unknown for amethyst. An unusually large and uniformly colored amethyst crystal from Brazil, found in 1946, with apical rhombohedral facets about 9.5 cm long, weighs almost 3 kg 600 grams. There are known finds of crystals weighing up to 23 kg, but most of them are cloudy and translucent or strongly fractured, and only small areas of such crystals are transparent and uniformly colored. Amethyst forms at lower temperatures and pressures than smoky and rose quartz. When associated with smoky quartz, amethyst crystallizes after it.

In nature, the mineral is found in a variety of conditions. It is widespread in hydrothermal veins (although in these cases it is mostly very faintly colored) formed at relatively low temperatures (epithermal type), where it is associated with barite, calcite, fluorite, sulfides, and sometimes zeolites. There are well-known finds of this type of amethyst near Guanajuato in Mexico, where amethyst druses are found together with calcite and apophyllite in silver veins. Amethyst is also widespread, albeit in relatively small quantities, in alpine-type veins, but less common in them than smoky quartz. Amethyst is found in caverns of pegmatites and granites. In addition, there are known finds of amethyst in hematite deposits formed during the circulation of meteoric waters or low-temperature hypogenic solutions.

Of greatest practical interest are deposits of amethyst in basic effusive rocks, mainly in basalts, where it occurs in rock cavities and is often associated with agates and zeolites.

Amethyst belongs to the quartz family and is the most expensive gem of this type. Translated from the ancient Greek language, Amethyst means "not drunk." It is related to a beautiful legend from Greek mythology. The god of wine and fun Dionysus once fell in love with the charming nymph Ametis. But the beauty's heart was occupied by another. The persistent Dionysus did not give up for a long time his attempts to gain the favor of the nymph.

The situation was resolved by the goddess Artemis. She turned the girl into a very beautiful stone of a bright purple hue and, in memory of the unrequited love of the god of wine, endowed the mineral with the ability to prevent intoxication. The ancient Greeks often decorated their wine cups with Amethyst; on holidays it was customary to wear rings with a gem in order to protect themselves from the excessive effect of the intoxicating drink.

Description of the stone

Amethyst is a type of quartz and belongs to silicas. It contains impurities of elements such as iron, manganese, cobalt.

The main attraction of the stone is its vibrant purple color. In terms of color saturation, the mineral is found from very pale to dark, almost black. Color reveals most effectively in natural light, which emphasizes both the depth of the shade and the brilliance.

Mineralogists explain the origin of the unique purple color of Amethyst in different ways. It is believed that cobalt, manganese and iron contained in the stone give the violet. Others see it as organic coloring pigments. Some are inclined that the reason for the color lies in violations of the crystal base of the gem and in the presence of iron ions.

The mineral has a significant hardness, which is estimated at 7 units. according to the Mohs rating table and a density of 2.6 g per cubic centimeter.

Mineral deposits

There is a large deposit in Brazil, but the stones from it do not differ in quality. The most valuable stones in terms of beauty and value are mined in a deposit developed in the Urals. The rating of the Ural amethysts is the highest. According to the name of the place of development, they were named "deep Siberian".

The healing properties of the stone

Water with Amethyst placed in it at night is drunk to cleanse the vascular system, liver and kidneys, to get rid of colds. The stone helps to relieve puffiness and bruising. It also helps with joint diseases.

Specialists use the mineral for hearing impairments. The stone helps well for the treatment of night insomnia, migraines and various headaches. To do this, it is enough to warm the Amethyst in your palms and apply it to the forehead or temples. If you put a stone under your pillow, your sleep will be strong even without nightmares.

The mineral has properties to reduce nervous tension and stress arousal. In some cases, it is used to treat some mental disorders, but not paranoia or schizophrenia.

The magical properties of Amethyst

It is believed that the stone is a symbol of harmony and relaxation, therefore it brings protection to its owner from conflicts and quarrels, evil thoughts. But in case of conflicts, the stone can readjust to negative energy. Therefore, at the time of quarrels, it is better to remove the jewelry with amethyst, and after the conflict, hold it for some time under a running stream of water.

The mineral will save the owner from the insincerity of the environment and promote peacefulness. In addition, it has long been believed that Amethyst is able to preserve youth and beauty for many years.

If you constantly carry a gem with you, then anxiety and mental pain, evil thoughts, aggression, hot temper will go away, calmness, prudence and kindness of mental impulses will come.

For the family, the stone has an ambiguous magical meaning. The presented Amethyst in the shape of a heart can bring love and understanding with the family. However, the stone can also bring discord, parting, especially if it is presented as a gift to one of the family members for the purpose of reciprocity with the donor. The stone will probably destroy a strong marriage, but it will not bring happiness to the destroyer.

Signs of the zodiac

The mineral belongs to the element of Air and personifies the planets Saturn and Neptune.

Amethyst, which has a very rare pink color, suits Aquarius, Gemini, Libra and Capricorn. The stone of this shade personifies tender and deep love feelings. For these signs, the mineral will help improve heart function, strengthen nerves and relieve stress. For children of these signs, pink amethyst activates additional energy centers and enhances opportunities for creative development.

For Cancers and Pisces, lilac Amethyst is very suitable. He will help in the development of business and partnerships. The stone will extinguish angry feelings, envy, help in internal transformations and bring peace of mind.

Amethyst - talisman

As an amulet or talisman, Amethyst can be worn by those people who need protection from the dislike of their superiors, the anger of others, those who have the vices of alcoholism or drug addiction.

If a person wears a ring with Amethyst as a talisman, then it is best to put it on the ring finger of the left hand for women and the right one for men.

The setting for the stone is also of great importance. Amethyst in silver keeps friendship, contributes to a positive decision in business negotiations. For women suffering from infertility, an amulet with Amethyst can give a long-awaited child, and for men, it can improve family relationships.

If the mineral is set in gold, then such an amulet is able to restore and maintain a person's energy.

Care and storage

From time to time, the stone needs cleaning. To do this, briefly put Amethyst in a soapy water solution, then rinse thoroughly under running water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Amethyst is a very beautiful, expensive and spectacular stone. He is loved by jewelers. Jewelry with Amethyst can not only adorn its owner, but also serve as a talisman, amulet and magical protector.