This edition of my ongoing blog series about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore features Amethyst.
Amethyst is the best known and most valuable form of quartz. Its name is derived from the Greek ametystos (not drunken); ancient belief held that anyone wearing an amethyst could not become intoxicated.
When sufficiently heated amethyst becomes citrine.
Lore
According to Greek legend, Bacchus, the god of wine, created this beautiful purple stone. To avenge an insult, he vowed to have a tiger devour the first person he met. That person happened to be a beautiful young maiden named Amethyst. The maiden cried out for Diana to save her and was turned into a brilliant white crystal. When he saw what he had done, Bacchus was full of remorse. He poured wine over the stone maiden, turning it a lovely violet color.
Medicinally, amethyst has been used as a blood cleanser and is said to alleviate mental disorders. "It clears the aura and stabilizes and transmutes any dysfunctional energy located within ones body" 1
Some psychics claim that amethyst softens impatience and enhances psychic abilities.
Amethyst has been said to absorb, purify and transmute negativity and bring about understanding.
"A bear, if engraved on an amethyst, has the virtue of putting demons to flight and defends and preserves the wearer from drunkenness." 2
"At one time in China, pieces of amethyst were rented to people who were involved in lawsuits, for this stone was said to make one more positive in outlook, thus attracting a favorable outcome." 3
Amethyst is the birthstone for February.
1) A. Melody "
Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 47
2) George Frederick Kunz "
The Curious Lore of Precious Stones"
3) D.J. Conway "
Crystal Enchantments: A Complete Guide to Stones and Their Magical Properties" pg. 42
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