An easily recognizable gem, the amethyst is a beautiful purple quartz, often associated with qualities of peace, courage and stability. The name comes from the Ancient Greek word “methustos,” which means “intoxicated” as ancient wearers believed the gemstone could protect them from drunkenness. Amethyst is composed of quartz, which is the second most abundant material found in the Earth’s crust. Its color, from light pink violet to deep red or blue purple violet, comes from irradiation, iron impurities and the presence of trace elements.
It has the same hardness (a 7 on the Mohs scale) as other quartz and is found across the globe including the United States, Canada Brazil and Zambia.
A durable gemstone that can be worn every day, amethyst makes a great gift for those born in February or to mark the milestone of a 6th or 17th wedding anniversary.
www.americangemsociety.org
Gemstones by Cally Hall
