According to
GIA.edu, "Amethyst is the purple variety of the quartz mineral species. It’s the gem that’s most commonly associated with the color purple, even though there are other purple gems such as sapphire and tanzanite. Its purple color can be cool and bluish, or a reddish purple. Amethyst’s purple color can range from a light lilac to a deep, intense royal purple, and from brownish to vivid. Amethyst also commonly shows what is called color zoning, which in the case of amethyst usually consists of angular zones of darker to a lighter color."
GIA talks about how amethyst is often related to wine and how early Greek legends associated amethyst with Bacchus, the god of wine. They say that "Other legends reflected beliefs that amethyst kept its wearer clear-headed and quick-witted in battle and in business affairs. Because amethyst was associated with wine, it was believed that wearing amethyst prevented drunkenness." Which is a neat thing to know other than just all the details of Amethyst as a gem :)
Amethysts are also known to be a part of religious jewelry and royal crown jewels for a long time. GIA talks about how "it was once considered equal in value to ruby, emerald, and sapphire. It’s no wonder that fine amethyst adorns the fingers of bishops as well as the coronation regalia of British royalty."
As we know, February's birthstone is Amethyst, but it is also considered one of the emblems of the twelve apostles.
To view some videos about Amethyst, visit our Facebook page HERE! :)
View our Favorite Amethyst pieces below!
