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The name is derived from Greece and means
"non-inebriated" (amethustos). Amethyst is the lavendar through purple variety of quartz and is one of the most popular stones in the quartz group. Amethyst has a vast color range, the darker shades being considered the most valuable. African amethyst is a very dark, almost black variety from Namibia and Zambia and is considered to be among the world's finest. Some amethyst is heat treated to change the color to yellow - this becomes citrine.
Sources of Amethyst
Amethyst can be found in Brazil, the Urals (Russia), Canada, Sri Lanka, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, USA, Germany, Australia, Zambia and Namibia.
Amethyst meaning in folklore
Traditionally, amethyst was worn to guard against drunkennes and to instill a sober mind. It was also believed to quicken the wit, protect soldiers in battle, guard against contagious disease and generally bring about peace of mind. It has been a popular religious stone, believed to control evil thoughts and increase one's spiritual development. Healing properties of amethyst:
- Quietens the mind for stress relief
- Eliminates nightmares
- Releases tenstion
- Regulates the flora of the large intestine
- Helps with nervousness
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