Amethyst (quartz)
Amethyst is the violet array of quartz
and is a fashionable gemstone. If it were not for its extensive accessibility,
amethyst would be very pricey. The name "amethyst" is derived
from the Greek and signifies "not drunken." This was possibly
due to a conviction that amethyst would quarter off the evil effects of
alcohol, but most expectedly the Greeks were referring to the more or
less wine-like color of some sandstone that they may have stumbled upon.
Its color is beyond compare, and yet other,
pricier purple gemstones are over and over again compared to its color
and attractiveness. Even though it must always be purple to be amethyst,
it can and even includes a wide array of purple shades.
Amethyst can come to mind as long prismatic
precious stones that have a 6 sided pyramid at both end or can form as
druses that are crystalline shells that only show the pointed annihilations.
As a stone variety, amethyst is admired for its striking color and pleasant
crystal shapes that bring into being a gorgeous, purple, dazzling cluster.
However, amethyst is not identical the
world over. Different localities can generate a distinctive amethyst to
that meticulous section or even to that exacting mine. Experts can often
recognize the basis mine that a scrupulous amethyst came from. The explanation
to this is the sample's color, silhouette of crystal, inclusions, alliances
and nature of formation.
Value Of Amethyst(Quartz):
Traditionally included in the cardinal, or most valuable, gemstones
(along with diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald), amethyst has lost
much of its value due to the discovery of extensive deposits in
locations such as Brazil. The highest grade amethyst (called "Deep
Russian") is exceptionally rare and therefore its value is dependent on
the demand of collectors when one is found. It is however still orders
of magnitude lower than the highest grade sapphires or rubies
(Padparadscha sapphire or "pigeon's blood" ruby)
Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. It is also
associated with the astrological signs of Pisces, Aries (especially the
violet and purple variety), Aquarius, and Sagittarius. It is a symbol of
heavenly understanding, and of the pioneer in thought and action on the
philosophical, religious, spiritual, and material planes. Ranking
members of the Roman Catholic Church traditionally wear rings set with a
large amethyst as part of their office.
The Greek word "amethystos" (aµ???st??) basically can be translated as
"not drunken". Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against
drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it.
Supposedly, when a drunken Dionysus was pursuing a maiden called
Amethystos, who refused his affections, she prayed to the gods to remain
chaste. The goddess Artemis granted the prayer, transforming her into a
white stone; humbled by Amethystos' desire to remain chaste, Dionysus
poured wine over the stone she had become as an offering, dyeing the
crystals purple.
Variants of the story include that Dionysus, the god of intoxication,
had been insulted by a mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal who
crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wish; the
mortal turned out to be a beautiful young woman, Amethystos, who was on
her way to pay tribute to Artemis. Her life is spared by Artemis, who
transforms the maiden into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to
protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in
remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's
tears stained the quartz purple. Another variation involves the goddess
Rhea presenting Dionysus with the amethyst stone to preserve the
winedrinker's sanity.
