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crystals,
gems and minerals
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Amethyst
(February Birthstone)
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Scientific:
Amethyst belongs to the
quartz family of minerals; Quartz is one of
the most commonly found minerals in the
earth's crust. The chemical Silica Dioxide
(SiO2) forms an important part in quartz and
of most other igneous (volcanic) rocks.
Amethyst is usually blue or violet and
sometimes occurs in shades of purple, lilac
or mauve. The color is due to the presence
of ferric iron and manganese. As much iron
as would fit on the head of a pin can color
one cubic foot of quartz.
Amethyst is
formed in silica rich liquids deposited in
gas cavities (geodes) in lava. Amethyst
occurs in crystalline masses, and when
conditions permit, it forms hexagonal
crystals. Crystals are usually grown from a
base. The crystals are generally not well
developed, therefore they are generally
found as clusters of crystal points.
Although it is usually found in geodes
amethyst is sometimes found as a stalactite.
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Amethyst
is the most valuable of the quartz group.
Perfect crystals are rare. However, when
they are found, they are cut as gems or
collected as mineral specimens. Amethyst is
dichroic, showing a bluish or reddish purple
tinge when viewed from different angles.
Amethyst has distinctive inclusions that
look like tiger stripes, thumbprints or
feathers.
Deep tones of amethyst tend to be most
favored. Rich sources of good quality
crystals come from Russia in the Ural
Mountains, Brazil, and Uruguay, though it is
also found in over twenty countries around
the world. |
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Sometimes
amethyst is heat treated to produce the
yellow variety of quartz known as citrine.
Prasiolite is green amethyst claimed to be
found near hot springs. Heat treatment
between 878 and 1382 degrees F produce light
yellow, red, brown, green or colorless
varieties.
There are some amethysts that loose color in
daylight. Keeping amethyst out of direct
sunlight will help maintain its color. The
original color of amethyst can be restored
by x-ray radiation. Next time you get an
x-ray see if the technician will let you
bring some amethyst along to test.
Variety of: Quartz
Chemical Composition: SiO2 Silicon Dioxide
Hardness: 7 |
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History:
There is a wide spread history of amethyst
crystals being used for healing and
magnifying psychic energy. It has been
called the long distance healer. Shamans of
various tribal societies used amethyst
crystals as power objects.
Amethyst is traditionally thought to have
strong talismanic properties. Amethyst
crystals are still used in forms of natural
healing. For example, in traditional Chinese
medicine, ground amethyst is prescribed for
stomach pains and bad dreams. |
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Amethysts
were thought to induce a sober mind. The
name is derived from the Greek word
Amethystos, which means "against
drunkenness." Amethyst is still worn as an
amulet against drunkenness.
Amethyst was a favorite gemstone of high
officials of the Christian Church. Drinking
vessels were sometimes made of amethyst.
Water or watered down wine served in these
vessels looked like wine but without the
intoxicating effects. Even the most pious
host remained sober while seeming to drink
freely. Servants could serve water to
already drunk guests who would not know the
difference. Particularly parsimonious hosts
could serve watered down wine and no one
would be the wiser. Therefore the name
"Bishops stone."
In Greek Lit there is a gem city. The altars
in this city were said to be amethysts of
enormous size. In the Bible, it was the 12th
stone of the 12 stones that garnished the
walls of heaven. It was deemed to represent
humility. An amethyst ring is associated
with Tuesday. |
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Myth:
A 16th century French
verse tells how Bacchus, the god of wine,
declares in a rage that the first person he
passes will be eaten by tigers. This turns
out to be a beautiful maiden called
Amethyst. The goddess Diana quickly turns
Amethyst into a white stone to save her from
the tigers. Regretting his anger, Bacchus
pours red wine over the stone as an offering
to Diana, so turning the stone purple. |
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Metaphysical:
Amethyst keeps one in touch with the more
noble and spiritual side. It helps to
instill the highest ideals and urges one to
do the best thing even if it is not the most
self-serving. It enables one to discern the
actions that would best serve all. Amethyst
helps one remember there is time enough for
everything. It enables one to stay in the
present moment and truly connect with what
is going on with oneself and others.
Amethyst cures impatience, and alleviates
feelings of victimization. Amethyst has a
calming effect, balancing high-energy,
highly driven or highly creative people.
Amethyst eliminates chaos, and helps keep
one grounded.
Amethyst is said to help with diseases
associated with any form of drunkenness, as
well as giving aid and healing to those who
are alcoholics. Claimed to have the highest
vibration of all gems, amethyst can bring
about the well being of the entire planet.
Amethyst allows in only positive energies,
deep purple or very pale being the most
powerful. Amethyst is said to be highly
protective, to be carried or worn when
around negative or hostile people. Amethyst
is excellent for meditation and aura work. |
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Teresa's Rock of the Week, formerly Gail's Rock of the Week |
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