Amethyst

    Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and represents the 4th and 6th wedding anniversaries.  It is derived from a Greek word meaning "not to intoxicate."  Greeks believed that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness.  The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety to this day and is also considered to be a surface cure for headaches and toothaches.  It is also used to increase spirituality.

    Amethyst, transparent purple quartz, is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry.  Amethyst ranges in color from pale lilac to deep purple.  The pale colors are sometimes called "Rose de France" and can be seen set in Victorian jewelry.  The deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes.

    Large fine stones may be sold in free form sizes, but generally amethyst is cut in standardized dimensions.  Amethyst is available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes (including many fancy shapes).  Generally, amethyst from South America tends to be available in larger sizes than African amethyst.  However, amethysts from Africa have the reputation for having better, more saturated color in small sizes.  Very dark amethyst, mostly in small sizes, is mined in Australia.  Countries that amethyst is mined in include Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Argentina.

    Amethyst rates a 7 on the Mohs scale and is usually safe when ultrasonic cleaners are used.  However, it is risky to use a steamer on it.  When heat is applied to the stone, a color change may occur, so caution is needed.

Return to Our Product

Our Company | Our Services | Product | Locations