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Quartz, the most common single mineral
includes many varieties and sub-varieties. Amethyst is the name
given to the variety that is transparent and light to dark purple in
color. Although amethyst is found on almost every continent, the
dark transparent and clean stones are relatively rare and always in
demand. The legend of the origin of
amethyst comes from a Greek myth. Bacchus, the god of wine, was
angered one day by an insult from a mere mortal and swore revenge on
the next mortal that would cross his path. In order to perform
this, he created fierce tigers. Along came the unsuspecting
Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the
goddess Diana. Diana turned Amethyst into a statue of pure
crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws of the
tigers. Bacchus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at
the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the
quartz purple, creating the gem we know today.
Because amethyst was thought to encourage
celibacy and symbolize piety, it was very important in the
ornamentation of Catholic and other churches in the Middle Ages.
Amethyst in particular was considered the stone of bishops and some
still wear amethyst rings.
Amethyst was considered a strong antidote
against drunkenness and the gemstone still symbolizes sobriety.
Ceremonial wine is frequently drunk from goblets fashioned from it. Leonardo DaVinci wrote that amethyst was able to
dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence.
Purple has long been considered a royal color
so it is not surprising that amethyst has been so much in demand
during history. Some fine amethysts are featured in the British
Crown Jewels and have been a favorite with such diverse figures as
Egyptian royalty to Catherine the Great, who sent thousand of
workers to the Uralian mines to search for the best quality, thus
creating the Siberian grade.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the
gemstone for the astrological sign of Pisces. Amethyst is the
anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 6th year of marriage. |
