Discover the Mystical Properties and Benefits of Amethyst

Did you know that amethyst, once considered more valuable than diamonds, has a rich history and mystical properties that have fascinated civilizations for centuries. Amethyst is not just a beautiful gemstone; it has a fascinating history and a range of mystical properties. It has been found in Bronze Age tombs. Pliny the Elder considered quartz to be permanently frozen ice. The Navajo tribe thought it caused the Sun to light the world. It was worn to protect warriors and was thought to quell evil thoughts, increase intelligence and protect from becoming intoxicated.

Amethyst is a member of the quartz family. Quartz is the third most common mineral found on earth behind ice and feldspar respectively. It forms as a six-sided prism. Iron impurities cause this quartz to become purple.

The color of amethyst ranges from lilac to a deep rich violet with flashes of red and blue. The latter is the finest grade of color and is called “Deep Siberian". This grade of amethyst can be seen in the above photo in the center ring. Personally, I have a special connection to this gemstone that ring was a cherished gift I gave my mother.

Be gentle with this gemstone as it can fade due to over-exposure to light. It has a Mohs scale hardness of 7; meaning it can be scratched and even break. Cleaning amethyst is best left to a dish of warm soapy water and a light brush, then rinse and dry. This method is recommended by Gemological Institute of America and The American Gem Society. 

A number of prized amethyst are on display in the mineral section of The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The Crown Jewels also contain amethyst gemstones throughout the collection.

Amethysts are mined in many countries; a few of these are Afghanistan, Canada, China, Kenya, Sri Lanka, the US and more.

Do you want to know more? Please, reach me at c.abbott@CaraLuxCreations.com. I’d be delighted to answer your questions!