British royalty, in particular, was fond of amethyst, and the stone has been featured in many important coronation pieces. It’s no surprise then that amethyst was coveted for royal jewelry throughout Europe. A Stone of Royaltyīecause purple was once an expensive and extremely difficult color to produce, it has long been associated with royalty. Legend has it that Saint Valentine himself wore an amethyst ring carved with the likeness of Cupid. It eventually became the choice stone for bishops and members of the clergy. A stone of celibacy and piety, amethyst also represented one’s allegiance to Christ. Christianity and AmethystĮarly Christians associated amethyst with Christ, as its purple color was reminiscent of the wounds he suffered during crucifixion.
It was also said to help one think clearly during battles and business dealings. During meals and feasts, individuals kept it on hand or placed it in the mouth to stay sober. In ancient Greece and Rome, amethyst was thought to protect against drunkenness (possibly due to its wine-like color). Read on to see what mythologies surround this stone and who took a liking to its purple shades.
One of the most popular gemstones today, amethyst has been prized throughout history for its perceived powers and for its beauty. Though not considered a traditional anniversary gift, modern gift guides list it as a gemstone for the 6-year anniversary. Uruguay and Brazil are especially well-known for their large amethyst deposits: here, natural gemstone cavities can contain up to hundreds of amethyst crystals!Īmethyst is the official birthstone for those born in February as well as those born under the Pisces zodiac sign. It’s found all over the world, with mines in places like India, South America, Africa, France, and Russia. Its natural color can range anywhere from light lilac to deep violet. Amethyst: Quick FactsĪmethyst is a type of crystalline quartz and is considered the most valuable of all quartz varieties. With its rich purple color and sparkling crystal formations, there’s no stone that quite matches the majesty of amethyst.
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