Amethyst

Color:      Found in abundance, in its purest form, Amethyst is colorless. The finest quality Amethyst is medium to medium dark in tone, vivid in intensity and purple, reddish purple to bluish purple in hue. Heating removes the color from Amethyst or changes it to yellow or Citrine. Most commercial Citrine is made in this way.
Description:     SiO2     Amethyst is the most valuable transparent, coarse grained variety of the silica mineral quartz, that is valued as a semi-precious gem, for its violet color. It contains more iron oxide than any other variety of quartz and experts believe that its color arises from its iron content. Other theories attribute the color to contained manganese or hydrocarbons. All forms of quartz are piezo-elecric, making for important applications in electronics. Tourmaline is the only other gemstone that possesses these properties.
Origin of the name:    Amethyst derives from the Middle English amatist, from Latin amethystus and from Greek amethystos - not drunk or intoxicating.
Birthstone:      Amethyst is the birthstone of Aquarius (Water Bearer): Jan 20 - Feb 18.
Wedding anniversary:     Amethyst is the anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 6th year of marriage.
Varieties:       Oriental amethyst or purple sapphire, is not quartz but a variety of
corundum, a much harder and rarer stone.
Care and treatment:       Amethyst often becomes paler if kept out in the sun. Clean your amethyst in an ultra-sonic jewelry cleaner or with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Keep away from strong chemicals and avoid sudden temperature changes.
History of the gem:    The story of the origin of amethyst comes from a Greek legend: The god of wine, Baccus was insulted one day by a mere mortal. He swore that the next mortal that crossed his path would be attacked by his fierce tigers. Along came a beautiful maiden named Amethyst. The Goddess Diana turned Amethyst into a beautiful statue of quartz to save her from the tigers. Bacchus was remorseful and wept tears of wine over the stone maiden, creating the beautiful purple gem.
Purple has long been considered a royal color, so it is not surprising that amethyst has been popular throughout history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British crown jewels and were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. Amethyst is just as popular today as it was in Ancient times.
Uses:     Amethyst is a wonderful affordable gemstone. Purple has long been the color of royalty and nobility. It is a deep passionate color that evokes emotions. People who desire puple colors are individuals who like to make a personal statement and express their unique taste. Amethyst is wonderful in rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets.
Healing ability:        Amethyst magnifies psychic abilities and right brain activities. it strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Amethyst relieves headaches and improves blood sugar imbalance.
Mystical power:        Drinking from an amethyst goblet was said to prevent drunkeness. Amethyst was said to encourage celibacy and because of that was very popular in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. Bishops still often wear amethyst rings. Amethyst is regarded as a love charm and as a protection against thieves. In Tibet amethyst is regarded as being sacred to Budda and also rosaries are often fashioned from it. It is believed to promote a deep and calmer sleep. Amethyst is given as a symbol of sincerity, security and piece of mind.
Deposits:        Amethyst is found in Brazil, Uraguay, Sri Lanka, Siberia, Canada, India, Bolivia, Argentinia and some African countries like Zambia.