The word “amethyst” comes from the Greek word amethystos, which means “a treatment against drunkenness,” a quality that has long been associated with the purple birthstone. Early Greek mythology connected the gem with Bacchus, the deity of wine, because of its wine-like tint. Additionally, amethyst was thought to maintain its wearer logical and astute in both combat and professional situations. It was believed by Renaissance Europeans to calm lovers overcome by passion.
The jewel that is customarily given at the sixth wedding anniversary is amethyst. You’ll be in regal company if you don it in honor of your wedding or as your birthstone for February. Empress Catherine II of Russia (17291796), known as Catherine the Great, loved the gemstone and adorned herself with amethyst necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry. Wallis, Duchess of Windsor (18961986), a well-known jewelry enthusiast, created a lasting impression in 1953 when she attended a gala in Versailles wearing a pricey amethyst bib necklace by Cartier.
In This Article...
What purple gemstone is that?
Most purple gemstones are variations or replacements for blue sapphires, which are prized for their astrological power and the jewelry fashioned from them.
Amethyst, Purple Sapphire, and Khooni Neelam are the three most widely used purple gems.
One of the most well-known alternatives to blue sapphire is amethyst, commonly referred as as jamunia.
Why is the birthstone for February amethyst?
Since the time of the ancient Greeks, beautiful purple amethysts have been cherished. The Greeks connected these stones with the wine god Bacchus because of their hue, which resembled grapes. Since the word “amethyst” in ancient Greek meant “not drunk,” they believed that wearing one might keep you sober. Amethyst jewelry, according to gemstone lore, makes its owner wise and logical. Amethysts are said to increase intelligence and shield against negative thoughts, according to the artist Leonardo da Vinci.
Amethysts are widely used in royal and holy jewelry because purple has traditionally been regarded as a regal color due to its rare beauty and the high cost of producing the color for cloth. Amethyst is a gemstone that is frequently used in Tibetan prayer beads because it is thought by Buddhists to improve concentration. Amethyst has been equated by many civilizations with courage, tranquility, and harmony. It has also been said to be able to treat sleeplessness and ease pain.
Amethysts were as valuable and costly as emeralds, sapphires, and rubies until the 19th century, when a significant amethyst resource was found in Brazil. Large amethysts were able to be utilized more frequently in jewelry thanks to the abundance of Brazilian gems, despite the fact that this decreased the gems’ financial value. The Art Deco and Retro eras’ striking cocktail rings frequently feature them.
What color is light purple in birthstone?
Amethyst. Crystalline quartz in shades ranging from light lilac to dark reddish purple is amethyst. Given that it has a hardness rating of 7, it is extremely scratch-resistant. The birthstone for February is a lovely diamond for any style of jewelry.
What purple gem is the rarest?
Tanzanite, a far rarer stone, with intense violet-blue tones that equal excellent sapphire at a fraction of the cost. This type of zoisite, which is only found in a limited portion of Tanzania, has gained considerable notoriety. It gained popularity soon after its 1967 discovery, in part as a result of Tiffany & Co.’s marketing initiatives. Depending on the viewing position, this stone exhibits considerable pleochroism, appearing blue, violet, green-yellow, or brown. These diamonds are oriented by gem cutters to exhibit blue or violet tones. Even though practically all tanzanites are heated to get their lovely blue colours, it is the stability of color that makes this stone so coveted.
Is amethyst a valuable gemstone?
- The most popular and expensive gemstone in the quartz family is amethyst.
- In its finest form, amethyst is colorless and ranges in hue from violet to pale red-violet. The most expensive stones have homogeneous, rich, and cloudless tones.
- Dark, single-shaded amethyst in large slices is extremely rare.
- Amethyst has a peculiar structure that results in uneven hue in the stone, despite the gemstone’s weight and light refraction being comparable to those of other quartzes. Banding, or areas of light and dark color, is a typical occurrence.
What does the amethyst represent?
Perhaps some of the first Christians connected the amethyst with Christ because of its reputation for taming physical desires. The purple hues of the diamond symbolized spiritual purity. Its crimson and purple tones symbolized how pain chastens and purifies. Some people thought the hues made reference to Christ’s wounds and suffering. Amethysts were so employed to speed the recovery from injuries.
Amethysts have metaphysical overtones in many cultures. Some people think that amethyst, which is frequently regarded as a stone of peace, induces peaceful dreams by putting the dreamer in closer contact with the Divine. The awake mind is similarly characterized by its calmness and clarity. Amethysts are reputed to promote free thought in both the mental and spiritual realms. This diamond is frequently kept by psychics along with their tarot cards or other oracular tools.
What birthstone has the rarest stone?
While some birthstones are more accessible than others, precious gemstones in particular are thought to be relatively scarce. However, given that some really expensive stones are not all that rare and vice versa, price tags can be deceiving when it comes to rarity. For instance, although expensive, April’s diamond is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. Speaking of alexandrite, it is now the most expensive and rarest gemstone on the list of birthstones. Additionally extremely rare, black opals are.
Birthstones provide an intriguing way to select jewelry. They enable people to investigate jewels that they might otherwise avoid. However, birthstones are not always what people think they are, so make sure you are buying birthstone jewelry for the right reasons while making your selection.
Do amethysts cost a lot?
Amethyst’s primary colors range from a mild pinkish violet to a deep purple. One or both of the secondary colorsred and bluecan be seen in amethyst. Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Siberia, and the far east are all places where you can get high-quality amethyst. The Rose de France brand has been used to sell the pale lavender or lilac color. Previously thought to be unattractive, these light colors have recently grown in acceptance thanks to aggressive marketing.
The deepest purple amethysts that may be found are sought after by many collectors. However, despite their high value, the darker purple stones lack the faint sparkle of the slightly lighter stones. Look for the medium to medium-dark tones for a stone that has more life.
Even at the higher grades, amethyst is incredibly cheap for a rock that was formerly valued as highly as sapphire. High-end cut stones typically cost $20 to $30 per carat, with really exquisite specimens costing around $40 per carat.
The majority of fine amethyst is highly clean, untreated, and available in big quantities. It is a fairly resilient stone that works well for various types of jewelry.
What is the benefit of amethyst?
Amethyst, also referred to as “the all-purpose stone,” is a protective stone that eases the effects of stress and worry in your life, including headaches, exhaustion, and anxiety. Additionally, it is said to make your skin better and stimulate cell regeneration, which supports your bones and joints.