One famous story about Amethysts written in the 16th century is "Amethyst, Story of Bacchus", a story based on the Greek god known highly for wine and fertility by the name of Bacchus.
In this story, Bacchus, though blessed with the wonderful gift of wine making, is a menace who has no admirable qualities.
One day, he was strictly scolded by the gods about his servants, the Leopards (they were always drunk and had no conscience of right or wrong).
Not only did Bacchus not repent, but he planned a scheme to feed the first person he meets to the Leopards.
Just as he passed the palace of the moon goddess (based on the Greek moon goddess Serene, but in this book named Diana), he saw Amethyst, a nymph that works at the palace.
Amethyst was a very god-fearing nymph that even the gods were proud of, so Bacchus, thinking that it was a good chance to show off the strength of his servants, ordered them to attack Amethyst all at once.
Just as she was about to be mauled by the Leopards, Amethyst screamed out to Diana for help, and Diana, hearing her cry, turned her into a transparent stone. It was a very beautiful crystal.
Bacchus stared at the transparent stone that used to be Amethyst, and ashamed of his own stupidity, he deeply regretted his wrongdoing.
Bacchus was full of remorse as he tilted his glass of wine to the transparent stone, and loudly swore that for as long as he lived, the fruit of his grapes would symbolize his remorse for Amethyst.
Then, the transparent stone turned into the color of grapes, and thus, turned into an Amethyst.
Through the remorse of Bacchus, who regained his senses, the Leopards became good servants and helped Bacchus in making wine.
It was said that Bacchus made good wine wherever he went, and people around the world loved his wine.
Amethyst, who turned to stone, is also called Bishop Stone as a symbol of faith.
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