Amethyst, The birthstone for the month of February, is a violet or purple variety of Quartz. A beautiful purple Amethyst can easily be recognized but there’s a lot to know about this gem!
The name Amethyst comes from a Greek Word Amethystos where “A” stands for “not” and “methustos” stands for “intoxicated”. The Ancients believed that the Amethysts gemstones could protect them from drunkenness. Amethyst is one of the forms of Quartz which is second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust.
Amethyst is primarily available in the shades of light pinkish violet to deep purple. Amethyst owes this beautiful shades to irradiation, iron impurities and the presence of trace elements. Amethysts can also be available in hues, red and blue.Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Siberia, Canada, India, Argentina and the U.S; most of the Amethyst comes from Zambia.
Amethyst is not just the February Birthstone, but it is an official gemstone for Wednesdays, Jupiter and those born under the sign of Pisces.
The Greeks believed that Amethyst could prevent intoxication, while aged European Soldiers had a belief that Amethyst heal the people and keep them cool minded in a battle. Also, Leonardo da Vinci believed Amethyst had the power to control evil thoughts!
Today, people prize this Gemstone just for its beautiful shades and the way it gives a perfect look in a jewelry!
Find out a wide variety of Amethyst jewelry at www.glitzdesign.us