Amethyst
Royal Purple, symbolizing wisdom, peace and clarity.
📜 History and Stories
The English name Amethyst comes from the Greek word "Amethystos" meaning "not drunk". The ancient Greeks believed that wearing amethyst or using an amethyst wine glass would prevent drunkenness. Its noble purple color has been associated with royalty and religious authority since ancient times, and it is a common gemstone found on bishops' rings.
Russia's Empress Catherine the Great was so enamored of amethyst that she sent thousands of miners to the Ural Mountains to mine it. Historically, amethyst's value rivaled that of rubies and sapphires until huge deposits were discovered in Brazil in the 19th century.
🌍 Major Origin Distribution
Brazil is the world's largest producer of amethyst, but Uruguay is known for its deep, even color. The finest "Siberian" amethysts of all time (now referred to as all top-quality deep purple amethysts) come from Russia. Other important sources include Zambia, Korea and the United States.
📍 Discover the premium origins: Artigas, Uruguay🔬 Gemological Properties
| characterization | descriptive |
|---|---|
| Mineral Types | Quartz |
| Chemical composition | Silicon dioxide `(SiO₂)` |
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| index of refraction | 1.544 - 1.553 |
| Color Causes | Elemental iron is naturally irradiated |
Amethyst vs.
💰 Different quality grades and values
The value of amethyst is almost entirely determined by its color. Due to the relative abundance of amethysts, clarity and carat size do not have as significant an effect on price as color.
1. Color
The most important factor. The top color is a rich, deep purple with secondary tones of red or blue, known as the "Siberian" grade.
2. Clarity
Most faceted amethysts are clean to the naked eye. Visible inclusions can dramatically reduce its value.
3. Color Zoning
It is important that colors are evenly distributed. Visible bands of color can affect aesthetics and value.
4. Cut
A good cut maximizes its color and brightness and avoids window effects.
Different Colors of the Value Ladder
From a light lavender purple to a top quality Siberian deep purple, the value of amethyst varies dramatically with the saturation and hue of the color.
💖 Symbolism
🗓️
February Birthstone
It symbolizes sincerity, wisdom and peace of mind.
💝
6th Wedding Anniversary Stone
It represents stability and harmony in marriage.
🧠
Wisdom and Inspiration
It is believed to stimulate the intellect, enhance memory, and aid in meditation.
🛡️ Care and Wear
With a hardness of 7, amethyst is durable and suitable for daily wear, but care should be taken to protect its color.
✅
Suitable for daily wear
Good hardness, not easy to scratch.
🧼
Easy to clean
Warm soapy water and ultrasonic cleaning are usually safe.
☀️
Avoid sun exposure
Prolonged exposure to sunlight or high temperatures may cause color fading.
💥
Avoid hard contact.
Avoid storing with harder stones.
👑 celebrities and fashion
The noble purple color of amethyst has made it a favorite of many celebrities and designers. From Hollywood stars to European royalty, amethyst is often seen on grand occasions. For example, Queen Silvia of Sweden owns a crown with a huge amethyst, showing off her royalty.