A Color of Kings, a Stone of Legends

Amethyst has captivated civilizations for centuries with its enchanting purple hue, symbolizing royalty, wisdom, and spirituality. The ancient Greeks believed amethyst could ward off drunkenness (its name comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated”), while European royals adorned themselves with this regal gem as a sign of power.

Once as prized as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, amethyst was considered one of the most valuable gemstones until large deposits were discovered in Brazil in the 19th century. Today, it remains a beloved February birthstone and a must-have for jewelry lovers.

Types of Amethyst

While all amethyst belongs to the quartz family, variations in color and formation give rise to distinct types:

1.Deep Siberian Amethyst – The rarest and most valuable, featuring a rich, deep purple with flashes of red and blue.

2.Rose de France Amethyst – A delicate, pastel lilac shade, often cut into romantic, vintage-style jewelry.

3.Chevron Amethyst – A mesmerizing mix of purple and white quartz bands, known for its unique patterns and metaphysical properties.

4.Ametrine – A natural blend of amethyst and citrine, featuring a mix of golden yellow and purple hues in one gemstone.

5.Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) – A heat-treated form of amethyst that transforms into a soft, refreshing mint-green gemstone.

Amethyst in History & Mythology

Amethyst has been revered throughout history for its beauty and symbolism. In Ancient Egypt, it adorned jewelry and amulets, believed to offer protection and spiritual strength. The Greek and Roman legend tells of a maiden, Amethystos, who was turned to crystal quartz by the gods; Bacchus, the god of wine, poured wine over her, creating the gemstone’s rich purple hue. During Medieval Europe, bishops and royalty wore amethyst as a symbol of piety and wisdom. Even the British Crown Jewels feature exquisite amethyst pieces, once considered as valuable as sapphires.

WOW FACT!!

The Delhi Sapphire isn’t actually a sapphire—it’s a large amethyst with a fascinating (and allegedly cursed) history!

The Delhi Sapphire is a misleadingly named amethyst with a legendary past. This deep violet gemstone is infamous for its alleged curse, believed to bring misfortune to its owners. Stolen from a Hindu temple during the British colonial era, it was later donated to the Natural History Museum in London. Stories of bad luck, financial ruin, and illness followed those who possessed it, adding to its mystique. Despite its eerie reputation, the Delhi Sapphire remains a captivating piece of gemstone history.

Mohs Scale: 

Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it fairly durable and resistant to scratches. However, it is still more susceptible to abrasions compared to harder gemstones like sapphires and diamonds. Proper care is recommended to maintain its brilliance over time.

Chemical Composition:

Amethyst is primarily composed of Silicon (Si) and Oxygen (O), as it belongs to the quartz family. Trace elements such as Iron (Fe) give it its signature purple hue. In some varieties, small amounts of Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Aluminum (Al), and Manganese (Mn) may also be present, influencing color intensity and crystal formation.

How to Buy Amethyst Jewelry?

Color: The most valuable amethyst exhibits a deep, rich purple with flashes of red or blue. Lighter shades are more affordable but still stunning!

Cut: Amethyst is available in all classic cuts, from oval and cushion to unique fantasy cuts that highlight its brilliance.

Clarity: High-quality amethyst is eye-clean, meaning no visible inclusions. Some raw or unpolished stones may have interesting natural formations.

Carat: Found in all sizes, from dainty accent stones to statement-making centerpieces.

Character: From mystical chevron patterns to elegant deep purples, amethyst is one of the most versatile and symbolic gemstones in the world.

SHOP YOUR BIRTHSTONE!