Precious stones or gems are studied within a discipline , Gemology. This, in turn, is part of the so-called geological sciences. The description of amethyst must be understood in the context of these scientific coordinates. Amethyst
Etymologically, this word comes from the Greek, more specifically from the word amethystos, which means “not drunk” or “who fights drunkenness”. This curious name is why the Greeks believed that this stone served to reduce the effects of alcohol.
It is a variety of quartz, has a characteristic lilac color of different intensity and depends on the amount of iron. Furthermore, it is very sensitive to the effect of heat, which produces a change in the valence of the iron, causing a change in its color. On the Mohs scale that measures the hardness of minerals, amethyst has a level of 7 (talc has a hardness of 1 and diamond a value of 10). Amethyst
It comes from magma, that is, from rocks melted by the effect of heat. This mineral is normally found in lodes together with other minerals.
As for its location , there are deposits in Australia, Brazil, United States, Bolivia and Argentina.
A mineral highly valued in jewelry stores
There is a historical record of this stone from the most remote times. The ancient Egyptians used it as an ornamental stone to make jewelry and decorative objects (this gem is believed to be found in one of Cleopatra’s rings). Amethyst
Currently, the value of amethyst is directly related to its color and brightness. The Siberian variant and the “Rose de France” are the highest rated in the jewelry world.
symbolic dimension
In the Bible reference is made to amethyst, as it was one of the stones associated with the twelve tribes of Israel. On the other hand, in some popular legends, it is said that the ring given by Joseph to Mary had an amethyst stone. This circumstance made it be considered a symbol of sincerity and humility .
According to Greek mythology, the god Dionysus fell in love with a young woman named Amethystos, who wanted to remain chaste and pure. The goddess Artemis decided to help the young girl and turned her into a white stone to keep her away from Dionysus’ lust. However, when Dionysus approached the stone and shed purple tears over it, the stone turned into an amethyst. Amethyst
In medieval Christian tradition it was used as a symbol of chastity and purity, for this reason, bishops and cardinals wore it in their rings.
Those who believe in the healing power of stones claim that it relieves pain, has an anti-inflammatory effect, enhances intuition and reduces the effects of insomnia. At the same time, it is considered the gem of spirituality and harmony . It is often used as an element that enhances meditation. Amethyst
