This purple stone is difficult to confuse with other gems. It was amethysts that were worn by rulers and military leaders thousands of years ago, and ordinary people did not refuse to wear purple amethyst - quartz, which, if not for its delicate color, would be indistinguishable from rock crystal or citrine. Representatives of the stronger sex wore it on weapons and armor, while women preferred to hide amethyst under clothes. What healing and magical properties does this amazing stone have, how long has it been known to mankind? We will tell about all this right now!
Legend of the appearance
Purple amethyst (in the photo below you can see natural rough stone) has been known to people for a long time: it is worth noting that in one of the museums in the world there is a brooch made from this variety of quartz. According to researchers, this jewelry was made in the third century AD! A huge number of literary works is dedicated to him, he is also a hero of an ancient Greek legend.
So, the name amethyst purple stone is obliged to the inhabitants of ancient Greece. Here the gem was called amethystos, which can be translated as "not drunk." It is known that the inhabitants of Hellas used amethyst in order to neutralize the effects of alcohol. He was usually put in a bowl of wine or other spirits so that he would not allow a person to get drunk. They also said that it can act as an indicator of poison.
There is a legend associated with Bacchus - the god of viticulture. Being in a state of extreme intoxication, he became angry with ordinary mortals, because it seemed to him that they disrespect him. God vowed that the first one to meet in his path would be torn to pieces by wild tigers (or, according to another version, wild wolves). The first who caught the eye of Bacchus was a beautiful nymph named Amethyst. In an attempt to escape from the furious beasts, the nymph turned with prayers to Diana, the goddess of the hunt, so that she would help her. Diana heard prayers and turned the nymph into a transparent statue. Seeing the stone that Amethyst became, Bacchus sobered up and realized what he had done. In an attempt to revive the nymph, Bacchus began to generously pour water on her, saying that this drink can revive any person. The amethyst did not come to life - the stone into which it had turned was only painted in a delicate lilac color.
Love that passed through the ages
In ancient Greece, violet amethysts were used to make ladles, with which wine was poured into goblets - it was believed that thanks to this, the feast participants did not get drunk longer. The stone also fell to the priests. For example, in Catholic countries this gem is usually called the “episcopal” (sometimes “pastoral”) stone, and in Russia it was called the “bishop's”.
You probably know Princess Tarakanova. So she had a luxurious ring with a beautiful dark purple amethyst. She did not part with her favorite jewelry for a minute, slept, traveled, came out with him. And then, when a woman broke up with a stone, giving it to a favorite, misfortunes fell upon her. The very next day, she was taken into custody.
Irina Godunova also adored this gem. A violet amethyst adorned her crown. The symbol of power was adorned with several rather large gems. Irina believed that he would help her - she would give wisdom and peace. It is worth saying about the jewels of the British royal family - a scepter that is encrusted with a huge amethyst.
Shades of amethysts
Let's just say - in nature there are amethysts of various tones. The color depends on what is included in its composition. There are stones of saturated purple color. They are called stone violets, these are one of the most expensive gems. There are red amethysts that remotely resemble rubies, but are significantly inferior in quality to real rubies. Less often you can see gems with a green tint.
Stone purple amethyst: photo and description
This original gem can have a delicate lilac hue, as well as have a rich purple tone. Usually in nature, amethyst looks like hexagonal crystals, the length of which is from five to ten centimeters. By the way, crystals can be either single or large groups. The color is most often heterogeneous - the brightest middle, while the edges are pale or completely transparent. This makes amethysts incredibly attractive. On the Mohs hardness scale, the density of purple amethyst is 7.0.
Gem Features
The main feature of this stone can be called the fact that due to exposure to the sun, it fades or completely loses its color. Amethyst also changes due to heat - it is enough to heat it to 500 degrees so that it turns into citrine. The purple color will not return to him.
It is also interesting that, unlike many other stones, amethysts do not require intensive processing. Most often, it is given such forms as an oval or circle, sometimes a heart.
Amethyst deposits
Violet amethyst can be found almost anywhere in the world. However, only a small part of the states is engaged in the extraction of minerals. The largest deposits can be found in Russia, Armenia, Bolivia, Madagascar, Uruguay, China and Japan. The most beautiful amethysts that are mined in our country - in the Urals. They are quite large, have a delicate lavender hue. Bright violet crystals are found in Armenia, however, a small amount of gems is mined here. The stones from Uruguay are the least popular among jewelers of the whole world - they are small, they do not have very good qualities.
Healing properties
Lithotherapy, also called stone treatment, appeared many centuries ago. Even in ancient Greece, healers and healers used purple amethyst for medical purposes. It was believed that the mineral is able to defeat fairly common diseases, including insomnia and any other sleep disorders, nervous breakdowns, depressive states, overwork. Today it is believed that one of the most popular varieties of quartz allows you to cope with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Lithotherapists are convinced that this mineral is fraught with the power of the sky, which means that it is able to rid a person of mental illnesses, improve the state of the nervous system. Esotericists say: amethyst is able to make a co-owner much stronger spiritually, he returns to him the desire to live, communicate with people and make new acquaintances. It is also important that purple amethysts can cope with bad dreams and insomnia. And for this, just put the mineral under the pillow. The stone will pick up all the negative energy and help to sleep well.
Of course, there is a lot of evidence that the mineral actually helps people improve their psycho-emotional state, get enough sleep, however, you should not rely on its abilities only, because they have not been confirmed by representatives of traditional medicine.
Amethyst water
How to improve skin condition, rejuvenate and get rid of age spots? Lithotherapists share a useful recipe: you need to insist water on amethysts. By the way, it helps not only become more beautiful, but also eliminates various diseases - mainly colds. Amethyst water is an excellent remedy for poisoning.
Magical properties
Violet amethyst, according to magicians, sorcerers and esotericists, can help a person in various aspects of his life. For example, it allows you to cope with addiction to alcoholic beverages, gives a person such qualities as calmness and wisdom. A gem is able to teach its owner to recognize a lie, protects from envious people and people who are negative. Amethysts can help their master achieve success in business matters. Just imagine, gems can attract potential partners,
Widow stone or symbol of love?
For many years, amethysts were worn by widows and widowers of different countries. Why? It was generally believed that this stone helps to express devotion to a deceased loved one. Esoterics confirmed this opinion, saying that a jewelry with a violet amethyst given to a loved one (in the photo below you can see a ring with amethyst) is a guarantee that he will not be able to change or stop loving.
However, later magicians reported - you can get rid of such an effect of the stone, for this you just need to get rid of amethyst. So in fact, this delicious mineral of unusual color can be called a symbol of love, devotion and reciprocity. Speaking about the magical properties of purple amethyst, one can not say about one unique feature. It is generally accepted that it is amethyst that allows you to free your heart from past love and step towards a new feeling.
Amethyst from a lie
Among the properties of purple amethyst it can be noted that he is the patron saint of fair and honest people who avoid lying. Stone like people modest, responsible, noble. He gives them confidence, assists them in various areas of life. The energy of the stone is quite powerful, which means that the amethyst is able to independently choose the owner, whom it will help.
The mineral will protect its owner from liars, ill-wishers and people who are envious. How does this happen? Esotericists claim that amethyst crystals destroy the cunning plans of ill-wishers, while exposing them. And be sure - the mineral will never help a dishonest person who dreams of doing something in order to harm others.
Anti-alcohol properties
A mineral with an unusual color after many centuries is still considered a stone of sobriety. And therefore, say magicians and sorcerers, it is necessary to wear it first of all to those people who have alcohol addiction. So, this gem is able to prevent even severe intoxication. It is recommended to keep it with you when going to a party.
Compatibility with the signs of the zodiac: who suits amethyst
Astrologers say: purple amethyst is not suitable for every zodiac sign. It is believed that it is best compatible with Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.
Stars can even explain why purple stone is suitable for these signs. So, Libra is often in doubt. Because of this, they lose their inner harmony, finding problems in return. Amethyst helps them to return to a state of peace and self-confidence. The mineral gives Libra the missing energy, eliminates overvoltage.
The amethyst purple stone is irreplaceable (in the photo you can see it as it is found in nature) for Aquarius, who are constantly influenced by feelings and emotions. Tantrums will be suppressed by the most powerful energy of the stone, he will give Aquarius responsibility.
Twins are people who are addicted. It can be alcohol, drugs, gambling ... Any a harmful attraction can defeat amethyst. He will make up for the lack of communication with people, teach him not to succumb to temptations. And he will discourage not very decent people.
Scorpions can also wear amethysts, especially those who fear the negative impact of envious people. Crayfish stone will help in work and business. The virgins will overcome any troubles with his help, and he makes Pisces more discerning, endows them with intuition.
Who does not fit amethyst
According to the horoscope, this mineral is strictly contraindicated in Aries, Leo, Capricorn and Sagittarius. However, it is worth saying that from time to time jewelry with this stone Capricorns can be worn, however, not too often and not too long. He will have time to give wisdom and relieve melancholy. But in the event that Capricorn has been wearing amethyst for too long, he becomes too aggressive and irritable. A very difficult case is when Capricorn does not take off a jewelry inlaid with violet crystals for a long time. He may fall into severe depression, which will not be easy to cope with.
It will be difficult for hardworking Aries to cope with the unusually strong energy of the stone - they will catch fire with new ideas, but they will not realize any. Hot-tempered Lions will be even more aggressive if they begin to wear jewelry with this stone, the situation for Sagittarius is no better - an amethyst will only increase their anxiety.