About Amethysts

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About Amethysts

Is the Birthstone for February.
The Official crystal, or Gem for Wednesday
The gem most representative of the 8.00am hour.

Physical Properties

Chemical Makeup: Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Amethyst is a variety of the mineral quartz, the purple coloration is caused by impurities of iron (Fe) or manganese (Mg).

Index of refraction: 1.5-1.6
Birefringence: 0.01
Mohs’ Scale Hardness: 7
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific Gravity: 6.5
Crystal System: Tetrahedral

Amethyst History and Mythology
The Greek work “amethystos” basically can be translated as “not drunken.” Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it! The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety.

The legend of the origin of amethyst comes from Greek myths. Dionysius, the god of intoxication, was angered one day by an insult from a mere mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal that crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wish. Along came unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Diana turned Amethyst into a stature of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god’s tears stained the quartz purple, creating the gem we know today.

Amethyst is also an affiliate of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, one of the Twelve Apostles and one of the Angels.
The Tribe that is linked to amethyst is the tribe of Dan. The stone was said to be proclaimed stone of the families that flourished from this tribe.
The Apostle Matthias and the Guardian Angel Adnachiel spirit are also coupled with and symbolized by amethyst.

Because amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of Catholic and other churches in the Middle Ages. It was, in particular, considered to be the stone of bishops and they still often wear amethyst rings.

In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it.

Amethyst as Jewellery

Amethyst ranges in color from pale lilac to deep purple. The pale colors are sometimes called “Rose de France” and can be seen set in Victorian jewelry.
The deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes.

Amethysts and Healing

As a healing crystal amethyst is considered to be an uplifting crystal and will strengthen both the endocrine and immune systems. It is also believed to aid the pituitary gland and is a powerful blood cleaner and energiser.
It is referred to as a Spiritual Stone because its color violet is same as that of the crown chakra.
Meditation with it helps one in reaching the spiritual aspect of the universe.

Amethyst also:

  • Calms emotions and reduces stress.
  • Helps the holder of the stone to have a more optimistic and uplifting perspective.
  • Is a powerful amulet for travelers.
  • Is used as a transmitter of the healing power of the universe.
  • Is used to increase psychic awareness.
  • Is kept with other divination tools to enhance their qualities.
  • Placed under the pillow helps insomniacs and induces prophetic dreams.
  • Is used to induce harmony.

Along with the many mental benefits of amethyst healing, there are also many physical afflictions for which the healing powers of amethyst are a remedy.
As an elixir (solution as a medicinal substance) amethyst can be used to treat toothaches, skeletal discomforts, posture and other bone and joint-related sicknesses (like arthritis).

In elixir form amethyst also cures problems within the stomach and digestive tract, the heart and hearing disorders. It has been known to treat various types of blood disease and balancing blood sugar.

Amethyst as a healing stone or crystal is used to treat and heal problems involving the central nervous system. Amethyst is a treatment for both convulsions and neuralgia.

Amethyst and dreams

The evening is the time most representative of sleep and dream and according to crystal healers, the violet of amethyst is representative of the dusk-colored sky and the transition between night and day and between physical conscious and unconsciousness.
In their belief system, the physical and mental calming attributes of Amethyst contribute to soothing the transition between wake and sleep to fight sleeplessness. Amethyst, therefore, soothes the process of slipping into a dream state.
Its calming power also allows for the eradication and protection against nightmares and disturbed sleep. Amethyst stabilizes the connection to the ethereal. Many crystal healers use amethyst to help others (and themselves) to engage in inspired dreaming, which inhibit dreams that foretell some sort of life truth about the dreamer.

Amethyst has also shown its effectiveness for accessing the source of knowledge unattainable by conventional means. This resting quality allows for the growth of one’s intuition and psychic development.

References

All information taken from the following sites:
New Age Directory
Gemstone.org
Jewellery Supplier