The Meaning of Amethyst

Amethyst is a semi-precious gemstone and is the most popular variety of quartz crystals that are valued for a variety of reasons: from its famous and characteristic purple to the many spiritual and healing powers that are attached to it. Any discussion of the meaning of the amethyst gemstone often tends to delve into the engagement of the metaphysical character of the stone. Whilst this is understandable, however, a serious study of the meaning of amethyst must entail a more comprehensive study of the stone, one that engages a deeper understanding of the chemical, historical, cultural character of the stone. To preface what is to come in this post: we will be looking at the key features of this quartz gemstone, one that is, owing to its semiprecious character, and attractive violet colour, has come to command greater demand in the world of fine jewellery. And depending on the social and cultural context of the gemstone’s use, amethyst’s are also recognized for their mystical qualities. The area where much attention has been directed to, in the study of the meaning of amethysts. Our attempt here is to provide a wider perspective on the nature and significance of this gemstone.

The Characteristics of Amethysts

A starting point for understanding the meaning of amethysts is to look into their gemological development story. The development of amethyst crystals in nature is an interesting one. Like most organically formed gemstones its origins begins within the Earth’s surface underground, where gas cavities form bubble-like shapes within volcanic lava. As the hot molten lava cools, it becomes this harden with the prevalence of cavities, within these outcrops or exposed part of the hardened rock, which become filled with a mineral-rich liquid containing traces of iron. As the liquid solidifies over time, it results in the formation of crystals of amethyst. Owing to their distinct development amethysts manifest certain characteristics. Notable here is their durability. Amethysts as the violet variety of quartz, the macrocrystalline (large) variety, are known for their relatively high level of hardness, hence it is valued for their durability when it comes to their use as gemstones.

Colour in Amethysts 

Colour is a key variable in gemstones. In addition to their relative rarity, the quality of a gemstone's colour is what distinguishes the good from the rest. When it comes to amethysts there has been some confusion in the industry when it comes to classifying them according to their colour. The purple colour of amethyst is caused by trace amounts of iron, which are present as mineral inclusions within the structure of the quartz. Owing to the external source of the gemstone’s colour, the colour (purple) that is present in the gemstone is not always uniform. Certain parts of the gemstone (in its rough uncut form) having a higher concentration at the top, with the strength of the hue weakening towards the lower end. Thus at times, amethysts are subjected to heat treatment to improve their natural colour. However, during these heating processes, the colour of the amethyst will vary in accordance with the level of heat. The prevalence of green and even yellow shaded quartz has led some to conclude that amethysts can be found in colour varieties besides purple. This is not so. Amethyst that turns green or yellow (known as prasiolite) are not technically amethysts. Natural amethysts which receive their colour from the presence of iron and other trace elements may exhibit colour zoning: a phenomenon in gemstones where colour is unevenly distributed within the gemstone. Which in turn will affect the quality of amethyst.

Where Amethyst Crystals are Found

Up until the 1800s amethysts were quite rare, and they were perceived in value to other top precious stones in the world. Since then the supply of amethyst from this part of the world, with countries like Colombia, Brazil driving the supply of this particular gemstone. In more recent times gem rich nations like Ceylon (Sri Lanka), entering the fray. In addition to these popular gemstone hot spots, even countries like the United States have entered the amethyst business, with regions in Arizona being notable sources. However, not all amethysts, like most varieties of gemstones are made equal. In terms of the level of colour, the presence of inclusions, and other variables that determine gemstone quality are not made (or formed) equally. Notable here is the once highly popular Siberian amethyst. Amethysts gemstones which are minded from this harshly cold part of Russia were renowned for their deep purple colour, one that varied in shades, ranging from a reddish-purple to a lustrous dark purple. Siberian amethysts are considered to be the highest grade available in the purple variant of quartz crystal. However, they are exceedingly rare, and hence command the highest prices. However, in recent times newer amethyst finding in parts of Africa and Ceylon have begun to challenge the dominance of Siberian amethysts. So when it comes to understanding the meaning of amethysts, the quality of the colour is a reflection of its quality and value. Hence the amethyst which manifests stronger colour (purple) can be viewed as being imbued with greater meaning. The question is where will you find them?

_{A macro photograph of an amethyst crystal formation}

What do Amethysts Symbolize

The symbolism of amethysts is an interesting subject area, owing to its rich history in terms of use, and wide recognition as a gemstone of value. However when it comes to understanding the symbolic significance of amethysts, and their meaning, one must understand their use within various cultures, at various times in our history. Whilst the reasons for which amethysts are valued vary, with various degrees of significance attached to them. However, upon closer inspection, a pattern seems to form, one that could help us understand better the meaning of amethysts. 

Amethyst use Throughout History

The use of Amethyst as gemstones goes back thousands of years. The origins of its cultural adoption being traced back as far as 4000 years to the civilization of Egypt. And as often as it was the case in those times, amethysts, like other gemstones, were often valued for their mystical character. It may be curious to know that at one point in history amethysts were valued as precious stones like rubies. Like many popular gemstones of the West, the origins of the amethyst has Classical roots. The amethyst gemstone derives its name from the Greek word ‘ametusthos’ meaning ‘not intoxicated. Which has an interesting backstory. For in ancient world drinking and revelry were often religiously-themed affairs, with self-indulgence and venation of the divine taking place at the same time. So the meaning attached to amethysts as a gemstone that provides stability and self-control is noteworthy. Next, we will dive a bit deeper into the origins story, of how this particular ‘meaning’ came to be attached to amethysts.

The Myth of Amethyste

The mythical tale of this purple variant of the gemstone being gifted to Dionysus, the Greek god of harvest, and winemaking by the Titan Rhea being a significant one. The particular Greek legend that deals with the origin of the association between amethyst and sobriety involve the tale of maiden Amethyste, a follower of the goddess Diana. Who, when on her way to worship the goddess, Dionysus (Baccus), the god of wine, pursued her in an intoxicated state. But upon being rejected by Amethyste, the god chased her and set vicious tigers upon her. Upon which Diana, the goddess of hunting, turned Amethyste into stone. Humbled, Bacchus poured his wine onto the stone, turned the maiden into a stone of gorgeous purple colour. Since then, the amethyst stone has been considered in Greek mythology as a defence against the drunken mind. With even wine drinking vessels being fashioned from this gemstone. Owing to the seemingly divine significance that is attached to it, amethysts were valued and widely used by the ancient Greeks. So when it comes to understanding the meaning of amethysts, one can think of them as gemstones that aid sobriety and defence against lack of self-control.

_{Amethyst healing stones}

The Amethyst Birthstone 

Depending on part of the world you’re from, the month of February is often a cold and maybe even an icy period of the year. Not the most romantic time! So it is interesting that the gemstone of choice for this month is the wonderful purple amethyst. The quartz-based gemstone, which meant to aid level-headedness, and was even considered by the great Leonardo da Vinci as a protective ward against negative thoughts. The beautiful colour of purple historically has been considered as the colour of royalty, and the relative affordability of this gemstone makes this a virtual must for those who are born in this month and wish to benefit (if you choose to believe) in its mystical qualities. So the next addition in the meaning of amethysts is their power to add something meaningful to the life of the wearer. A notion that takes into the metaphysical character of the stone.

Metaphysical Characteristics of Amethysts

The meaning that is attached to amethysts has varied and evolved throughout the ages. With different religions and cultures attaching various levels of significance to the gemstone, the meaning that is attached to the amethyst also varying with the progression of time. In ancient China, amethysts were seen as a powerful instrument that was believed to have the power to cleanse negative energies from the household, and as a protection against other dangers. In the ancient world, amethyst was seen as a powerful protections and used by soldiers who went into battle. Amethyst, as we have noted, and as its Greek names imply is a defence against “drunkenness”, and is seen as a force that helps control negative thoughts, and elevate your state of mind. However, the most profound appreciation and study of the mystical qualities of the gemstone is found in Hindu mystical tradition, which is the next stage in understanding the meaning of amethysts.

Hindu Tantra

A key force in driving the metaphysical importance that has come to be attached to amethysts is the prominence of Hinduism and the mystical beliefs that revolve around the powers and capabilities of gemstones. A key point in the Hindu meditative and spiritual tradition is the belief in chakras. According to this tradition, there are seven chakras that govern the human body: crown, brow, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacral, root. In the Hindu mystical tradition each of these chakras, have been assigned a designated gemstone (not all of them popular precious). The crown (head) chakra is given the amethyst, which is aligned with the air element, which is associated with providing a sense of calmness, and vigour. And connecting with this chakra (often via mediation) is believed to help connect the soul with a higher dimension and elevate your mind. So the next meaning of amethysts is their power to elevate you're being to a higher level. One that is aided by reflection and mediation. 

Amethyst Engagement Rings

If one is seeking to solidify the qualities embodied by this gemstone into a memorable, beautiful and precious instrument of meaning, love and luxury then there is no better alternative than a wonderful amethyst engagement ring. The market for engagement rings is an expansive one with the competition for the top gemstone raging between diamonds and sapphires. Whilst each variety of these gemstones have their distinct features and strengths, it can be argued that amethyst, given what we have seen carry the greater mystical potential. One that combines with the lustre and beauty of a colourful high-quality purple gemstone: that which qualify as eye-clean and carry a greater vividity and dispersion of colour throughout the gemstone. Bringing together the promises, safeguards, and healing powers of this wonderful gemstone and ordering them into one of the most memorable types of fine jewellery: amethyst engagement rings. One that will truly capture the meaning of amethysts.