Amethyst is from the Greek word 'Amethustos' meaning sober(prevent intoxication).
The color of Amethysts range from pale lilac to deep purple.
The most valuable shade is a deep purple with flashes of red known as Siberian.
The best quality is dark purple with a red-flash that give amethyst its beaty and fire.
The lightest color of amethyst, the light lilac color, is known as the "Rose of France."
Legends & Lore
Amethyst has been considered a charm against drunkenness - especially if the drinker used an amethyst cup. A legend tells that Alexander the Great often had a large deep purple stone cup when drinking alcoholic beverages(drinks), because he believed that amethyst would absorb evil spirits and thus prevent drunkenness.
The Greeks believed that if an amethyst was placed under the tongue while drinking it would prevent intoxication.
In the 15th century, there was a custom to make liquor containers out of Amethyst.
It's reputed power to prevent drunkenness stems from the ancient
Greek myth .
Legend has it that in ancient Rome a beautiful maiden, Amethyst, was turned into a pillar of white stone to save her from a vengeful god. Regretting his vengeance, the god of wine poured the juice of a grape over the stone maiden, creating Amethyst.
The early Egyptians believed that the amethyst possessed good powers, and placed the stones in the tombs of pharoahs. During the Middle Ages, it was used as medication, believed to dispel sleep, sharpen intellect, and protect the wearer from sorcery. It was also believed to bring victory in battle. In Arabian mythology, the amethyst was supposed to protect the wearer from bad dreams and gout.
Amethyst is also said to be the stone of Saint Valentine, who wore an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid. Saint Valentine's Day is still observed in February.
Meanings & Symbol
Amethyst was considered as an aid to the brave.
It was believed to protect soldiers in battle, control evil thoughts, ensure victory, quicken the intelligence, help hunters to capture wild beasts and make its owner shrewd in business.
Amethyst also have been considered to make the wearer gentle and amiable.
* Meaning of Amethyst - Stability, Strength, Invigoration, Courage, Peace, Sobering effect, Calming, Strong, Protective qualities, Tranquility, Healing, Divine love, Inspiration, Spiritual upliftment, Enhances psychic & Creative abilities, Sincerity.
Amethyst & Citrine
Amethyst and Citrine, both a type of quartz, are basically the same stone, and Amethyst is often heat treated to change the color to the lovely golden colors of Citrine.
Amethysts are very sensitive to heat.
When heated (to 400 or 500 degrees Celsius), an amethyst's color changes to a golden-yellow or red.
Under some circumstances, the stones can turn green when heated.
Heat may even transform an amethyst into a naturally-rare mineral called citrine.
And even without heating, the violet color of an amethyst may fade over time.
