AMETHYST

The Facts

Amethyst is a macrocrystalline variety of the quartz family formed of silica (SiO₂), a mineral which constitutes around 59% of the Earth's crust (by mass). These are the ‘show-off’ variety of quartz, made up of large, single crystals that are usually visible to the naked eye. Their structure is quite rigid and results in a hardness and resistance to weathering, making them an ideal choice for use in jewellery. Amethysts are one of the most valued of the quartz family due to their rich purple colour which is owed to the oxide of manganese and iron forming part of its composition. The ideal grade is known as ‘Deep Siberian’ which has a primary purple hue of around 75-80%, with 15-20% red and blue secondary hues, and an exceptional clarity.

Amethyst occurs in many locations around the world but the gemstone is found in abundance in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Here, it forms in large geodes within volcanic rocks, with many hollow agates containing 'crops' of amethyst crystals in the centre. The largest amethyst geode in the world, the Empress of Uruguay found in Artigas in 2007, stands at an impressive 3.27 metres and weighs a remarkable 2.5 tonnes. The crystals are a deep purple colour and range in size from very small to very large.

The Empress of Uruguay on display at the American Museum of Natural History

The Legend

Amethyst's name comes from the Greek word amethystos which is made up from two parts: a- not, and methustos- intoxicated, referring to the belief that the stone protected its wearer from drunkenness. In his Natural History, Pliny the Elder (AD 23/24–79) explained that it was said the name derived from the gemstone ‘closely approaching the colour of wine’ and, resultingly, Ancient Greeks would wear amethyst as well as carve drinking vessels from it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication (it seems somewhat absurd on the face of it... like, why drink wine at all if you're trying to avoid inebriation? But my understanding is that the amethyst would let you feel a bit buzzed without getting sloppy or annoying/abrasive). 

The curious lore surrounding the amethyst continues with the ancient tale of Bacchus: a story of love, rejection, and transformation. According to Greek mythology, a beautiful virgin maiden named Amethystos was on her way to worship at the temple of Diana when she caught the attention of Bacchus, the god of wine, intoxication and grapes. After refusing his affections, Amethystos cried out to Diana for protection and was transformed into stone: a pure white Quartz. Humbled by her wish to remain chaste, Bacchus poured the juice of the grape over the stone as an offer of respect and gave the gem its beautiful violet hue that so charms the beholder’s eye.

Amethysts also have an association with St. Valentine, a Roman priest who was imprisoned for organising marriages for soldiers who were forbidden to marry, and for practicing Christianity in a time where it was outlawed. The Roman Emperor Claudius II believed that unwed young men made better soldiers as they had no ties to a wife or children and, consequently, forbade marriage between young couples. Valentine, believing that marriage was a gift from God, defied the government’s ban and was said to have worn a purple amethyst ring with an engraved Cupid so that Roman soldiers could recognise him and request his marriage services. The love and legend associated with St. Valentine and his carved amethyst ring cements the gemstone as the perfect choice for the February birthstone.

St Valentine preaches the virtues of marriage to fellow prisoners in his 3AD Roman cell.

The value and beauty of the Amethyst was also recognised by the Egyptians who believed the gemstone had talismanic properties that protected against witchcraft, fear and guilt, and the stones were largely employed for intaglio engravings as their hard nature allows for intricate carving. Soldiers wore amethysts as amulets for success in their exploits and calmness in danger, and the gemstones were a favourite among the pharaohs and have been found in many royal tombs. Queen Mereret was buried with amethyst heart scarabs and an anklet with gold and amethyst beads, and the boy king Tutankhamun was entombed with an amethyst scarab bracelet, marking the beginning of the stone’s enduring role as a sign of royalty, rulership and riches. In fact, Catholic bishops still wear ecclesiastical rings of Amethyst as an emblem of their authority today.

The Amethyst Scarab Bracelet of Tutankhamun

The Specifics