The magic of nature, the elegance of you
Amethyst: Gemstone of Peace & Spiritual Growth
Discover the story of Amethyst. From delicate lavender to deep violet, Amethyst has captivated people for thousands of years. This striking variety of quartz is celebrated for its rich purple color, fascinating history, and centuries of folklore and symbolism.
STONE STORIES
About Amethyst
Stone Type: Natural Gemstone
Mineral Family: Quartz
Chemical Composition: Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂)
Color: Pale lavender to deep violet and reddish purple
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and one of the world's most recognizable gemstones.
Its colors range from delicate lavender to rich violet and reddish purple. Amethyst can form as individual crystals, clusters and dramatic crystal-lined cavities called geodes.
For centuries its distinctive purple color helped make Amethyst a highly prized gemstone. Before major deposits were discovered in Brazil during the 19th century, fine Amethyst could command values comparable to Ruby and Emerald.
A Story Through Time
Folklore, History & Ancient Beliefs
Amethyst's folklore reaches back thousands of years.
Its name comes from the ancient Greek amethystos, meaning approximately “not drunk.” Ancient tradition associated the gemstone with protection against intoxication.
Amethyst later appeared in religious, royal and ceremonial jewelry, while other traditions connected its rich purple color with wisdom, clear thinking and spiritual reflection.
One particularly charming legend links Amethyst with St. Valentine, who was traditionally said to have worn an Amethyst ring engraved with an image of Cupid.
These stories are part of the gemstone's historical folklore and should not be interpreted as scientifically proven properties.
What Makes Amethyst Special
HOW AMETHYST GETS ITS PURPLE COLOR
Pure quartz is colorless, so where does Amethyst get its purple?
The answer begins with trace amounts of iron incorporated into the quartz crystal structure. Over geologic time, natural irradiation alters iron-related color centers within the crystal, producing Amethyst's characteristic purple hues.
Different conditions during crystal growth can also produce visible color zoning, with areas of lighter and darker purple occurring within a single crystal.
A NORTH CAROLINA CONNECTION
Amethyst has a genuine place in North Carolina's mineral history.
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History collection includes documented Amethyst from North Carolina, including a 21.03-carat dark blue-purple gemstone from near Franklin in Macon County.
So although Brazil and other international sources are well known for Amethyst, this beautiful purple variety of quartz has also been found much closer to home.
Chakra & Symbolism
Traditionally Associated Chakras: Third Eye • Crown
Traditional Symbolism: Peace • Clarity • Intuition • Wisdom • Spiritual Awareness
In modern crystal traditions, Amethyst is most commonly associated with the Third Eye and Crown Chakras.
Its purple color has made it a traditional symbol of intuition, spiritual awareness and inner reflection. It is also commonly associated in crystal traditions with calm, balance and mental clarity.
These associations are spiritual and metaphysical traditions and are not scientifically proven effects of the stone.
Fascinating Facts About Amethyst
1. Amethyst is February's birthstone.
It is also traditionally associated with the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
2. Amethyst and Citrine can occur together.
When purple Amethyst and yellow-to-orange Citrine appear naturally within the same quartz crystal, the material is known as Ametrine.
3. Its purple can be naturally zoned.
Some Amethyst crystals contain striking bands or zones of darker and lighter purple created as the crystal grew.
4. Some enormous Amethyst formations begin as cavities.
Mineral-rich fluids can deposit quartz crystals along the walls of openings in volcanic rock, eventually producing spectacular Amethyst-lined geodes.
5. North Carolina Amethyst is represented in the Smithsonian.
The Smithsonian's mineral collection includes a documented 21.03-carat dark blue-purple Amethyst from near Franklin in Macon County, North Carolina.