Amethyst is one of the more widely known and available gemstones today, but that does not mean it is without elegance. It is a member of the quartz family and is found in several different hues of purple, including lavender, plum, lilac, and deep violet. Typically the darker the gem, the more coveted it is – though some may agree this is purely personal taste since amethyst is so common. While there are many different hues of amethyst – it is only considered amethyst if it is purple. Therefore, the term green amethyst is incorrect; quartz that are green in color have their own separate names. The amethyst has a vitreous luster and has the same hardness as quartz on the Mohs scale – a 7.
The term amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethystos, meaning ‘not intoxicating’. In antiquity, a piece of jewelry containing amethyst was worn while drinking in order to deter the possibility of becoming too inebriated. Today the stone is associated with healing & happiness, and can be given as a 6th wedding anniversary gift. It is also the gemstone assigned to the Zodiac sign Pisces (February 18th – March 20th).
