The amethyst: Meaning, origin and properties

What is amethyst?

Amethyst is one of the best known and most appreciated gemstones. Thanks to its color and brilliance, this fine stone (formerly called semi-precious stone) is widely used in the jewelry industry.
Find all our amethyst jewelry components to create beautiful natural stone jewelry.

What does the amethyst stone mean ?

The name of this fine stone comes from the Greek "amethystos" which means "to preserve oneself against drunkenness". It comes from the myth of the creation of amethyst.

According to Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine and drunkenness, coveted a nymph named Amesthystos. But she refused the advances of the god because she wished to remain chaste. Artemis, the goddess of hunting, wilderness and chastity, having heard of Dionysus' evil intentions, transformed the nymph into a hard and cold crystal to protect her. Mad with rage, Dionysus spilled his glass of wine on the stone which took this purple color.

This is why, in ancient times, people drank from amethyst cups, thinking that they would protect them from drunkenness.

The origin of the amethyst stone

The amethyst stone has been used since the beginning of time. It is found among the Etruscans, who used it for decoration, and the Egyptians, who wore it as a pendant.
In Roman times, the amethyst stone was considered a good luck charm. Soldiers wore an amethyst around their necks as an amulet to protect themselves in battle. In the Middle Ages, knights always wore an amethyst stone on their rosary to go on crusades.
In the 18th century, amethyst was used to make staples and brooches.

Among Christians, the amethyst stone symbolizes love, Saint Valentine wore it as a pendant around the neck. But it also symbolizes spirituality: the bishops wear a ring decorated with an amethyst and it is also the color of their dress. This gemstone is also called the stone of bishops.

What are the properties of amethyst?

Amethyst is a variety of quartz with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and a density of 2.65. It is composed of silicon dioxide.

What is the color of amethyst?

The color of this fine stone varies from light to intense violet, with inclusions. Its hue is due to traces of iron contained in its crystalline. The same stone can have different intensities of color.
It can be transparent to opaque.

There are also rare green varieties, such as green amethyst or Rio Grande amethyst.
It can have notes of yellow, when it mixes with its cousin the citrine. It is then called ametrine.

Because of its purple color, amethyst is sometimes confused with certain varieties of fluorite, iolite or tanzanite.

Where is amethyst found?

The main amethyst deposits are in Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Zambia, Russia, India and Uruguay. It is found in the form of amethyst geodes of various sizes in basaltic rocks or granite.

What are the benefits of the amethyst stone?

In lithotherapy, it is considered as the stone of humility, serenity and wisdom. It would stimulate creativity, imagination and clarity, promoting relaxation, concentration and meditation.
Leonardo da Vinci believed that it boosted his creativity and chased away negative thoughts, as he mentioned in one of his notebooks.

It is linked to the 7th chakra, the coronal or crown chakra.

Warning: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. Natural stones can in no way substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How to purify and recharge the amethyst ?

It is advisable to maintain regularly your amethyst to recharge it, but also to preserve its color and its natural brightness. When your violet stone is not mounted in jewelry, you can leave it for a few hours in a container of demineralized and slightly salted water.
To recharge amethyst, lithotherapists recommend placing it under moonlight. Be careful, too much bright sunlight, on the other hand, can alter its color.

What to associate amethyst with?

Ideal for making trendy jewelry, amethyst will go well with both golden and silver tones. You can combine it with a gold-filled or 3-micron gold-plated jewel finish as well as with a 925 silver or stainless steel jewelry component. The gold will bring out its cheerful side, the silver will highlight the variations of its purple color.
And why not pink gold for an original jewel? Or play the magic and mystery card with a black stone.

Amethyst can be worn in a necklace, earrings, ring or bracelet.

With which stone to associate the amethyst stone ? In lithotherapy, it is advised to mix it with moonstone, labradorite or rock crystal. On the other hand, you should avoid wearing it with stones such as tiger's eye, turquoise, malachite or black tourmaline. These stones could make it inactive. But, of course, you can pair it with any stones you like, depending on your taste.